Let's examine the Nissan Z's interior

At face value, the Nissan Z, whether it's the entry-level Premium or the top-spec Nismo trims, is a very desirable two-door coupe. 

By its very design as a sporty ride, the model’s Nismo version comes with a powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo VR30DDTT V6 gasoline engine paired with a Nismo-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission equipped with a paddle-shifted manual mode. 

At maximum, the said engine on the Nissan Z Nismo can generate up to 414 horsepower and 520 Newton-meters of torque.

Like most of its rivals, like the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Z is a rear-wheel-drive model. It also comes with a limited-slip differential, a launch control system, and a drive mode selector for enhanced on-road and on-track performance. 

To achieve the sharp characteristics that a Nissan-made “Z” car is known for, the Nismo version comes with specially tuned double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link suspension for its rear end. Stopping power, meanwhile, is provided by Akebono four-piston calipers for the front, and two-piston calipers for the rear wheels. 

Additionally, the Nissan Z wears an athletic exterior, which on the Nismo version, comes with sharp-looking side skirts, bumpers, as well as chunkier fender flares. Its appearance is likewise complemented by dual exhaust tips, LED headlamps, and the eye-catching “Z Signature” LED daytime running lamps.

According to Nissan, all the extra features of the Z Nismo not only enhance its appearance but also provide tangible benefits in terms of engine cooling and aerodynamics. 

Completing the look of the top-spec Nissan Z Nismo is a set of 19-inch Rays forged alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires. 

All of the aforementioned sounds enticing to any sports car lover, but what is the interior of the Nissan Z offering? Let’s find out here. 

Sporty cockpit

As expected, the design elements of the Nissan Z’s cockpit mirror the sharp styling cues of its exterior. 

On the top-spec Nismo variant, it comes with a pair of heavily bolstered Recaro seats wrapped in a combination of leather and Alcantara. To note, Alcantara is somewhat grippy, especially when it comes to contact with other fabrics (your clothes). As such, it helps the seat’s bolsters to keep you in place when driving hard on curvy racetracks. 

For the same reason, the multi-function tilt and telescopic steering wheel of the Nissan coupe also gets Alcantara inserts. Otherwise, its paddle shifters are made out of metal, while it utilizes a combination of sturdy plastic and silvery metallic trim pieces. 

Regarding its dashboard, it doesn’t feature outlandish or overtly futuristic designs, but everything is well-arranged and within easy reach for the driver. Interestingly, the push-to-start button is positioned on the center console just above the shifter. 

The model also goes for an old-school feel, thanks to the presence of a hand-operated manual parking brake and a trio of analog gauges above the central air-conditioning vents. The aforementioned provides readings for boost pressure, turbo fan speed, and voltage - all important parameters, especially when pushing the car to its limits. 

Additionally, the section directly behind the seats of the Nissan Z also houses a silver-colored bar that ensures vehicle rigidity. Plus, the two-seater vehicle actually comes with a reasonably-sized trunk that’s capable of fitting up to 241 liters. It isn’t as large when compared to the standard sedan, but it provides some way to store away one or two helmets during track days, or a couple of bags for out-of-town trips. 

On the top-spec version, the interior also comes with a lot of Nismo badging, specifically on its seat headrests and on its 12-inch fully customizable digital gauge cluster. Red stitching and red-colored decorative pieces are likewise placed on its steering wheel, push-to-start button, and drive mode selector. 

The 12-inch digital gauge mentioned above can provide tons of important vehicle and driving data. For its more performance-oriented readouts, it comes with a boost gauge, oil and temperature meter, a rev counter, and a shift light. 

For the unaware, shift lights indicate when a vehicle is within optimal rpm (revolutions per minute) range for an upshift. The said feature, of course, is only available when activating the car’s manual mode. 

Plenty of creature comforts

Dominating the shapely dashboard of the Nissan Z Nismo is an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said display is linked to an eight-piece Bose speaker set, which includes dual subwoofers. 

For easy access to the car, the model features an intelligent key system. Additionally, extra visibility is ensured by an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

To keep everyone inside the vehicle cool and comfortable, the top-spec Nissan Z was also equipped with an automatic air-conditioning (AC) system featuring physical dials and buttons. 

Notably, having physical buttons is a boon to people who love driving and those who like to do it properly and safely. With something tactile to reach for when adjusting the AC, one won’t have to stray their vision away from the road. This contrasts with many other nameplates sold locally that have many of their features dependent on the central infotainment display. 

Other notable amenities inside the model include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Bottle/cup holders
• Central elbow rest
• USB ports
• Active noise cancellation system
• 12-volt power socket

Robust safety kit

Despite being a track-bred ride, the Nissan Z, including the Nismo variant, was provided with a robust safety kit. 

For starters, it comes with dual front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, an engine immobilizer, and a security alarm.

Additional safety, however, is also handled on the Nissan Z by a suite of advanced driver-assist systems. The aforementioned is collectively known as Nissan Intelligent Mobility, and it includes the following: 

• Intelligent cruise control
• Intelligent forward collision warning (predictive type)
• Intelligent emergency braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• High beam assist
• Hill-start assist
• Tire pressure monitoring

Nissan Z: specifications

Model	Nissan Z Nismo
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,400x1,870x1,315
Wheelbase (mm)	2,550
Ground clearance (mm)	125
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather and Alcantara
Amenities	Recaro seats Leather and Alcantara steering wheel Push-to-start button Triple-pod analog gauges 12-inch digital gauge cluster Drive mode selector Central elbow rest USB ports Active noise cancellation system 12-volt power socket
Seating capacity	Two
Powertrain
Engine	3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Horsepower	414
Torque	520 Nm
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Side airbags Curtain airbags Anti-lock braking Electronic brake-force distribution Traction control Vehicle dynamic control Front and rear parking sensors Reverse camera Tire repair kit
ADAS	Intelligent cruise control Intelligent forward collision warning (predictive type) Intelligent emergency braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection Lane departure warning Blind spot warning Rear cross-traffic alert High beam assist Hill-start assist Tire pressure monitoring
Price	P4.688 million

Final thoughts

All in all, the Nissan Z, especially the top-spec Nismo, has everything any piston-head would want. It has a sporty appearance that's sure to catch attention and plenty of power. On the Nismo trim, it also boasts a lot of factory-fitted enhancements that actually help you squeeze out more oomph from the car. 

The interior of the Nissan Z, however, is noteworthy for its balance of retro-inspired designs and modern amenities. 

Unlike most modern sports cars, Nissan didn't provide it with weird angles and shapes, and on the contrary, everything inside it was purposeful and geared towards creating a more engaging driving experience.

If the aforementioned qualities of the Nissan Z have piqued your interest, we highly encourage you to visit the nearest Nissan dealership to see (and may even test drive) the two-door nameplate. Because who knows, it might just provide you with plenty of smiles per gallon. 

Also read:

5 reasons that make the Nissan Z NISMO an exciting coupe

Nissan Kicks e-Power vs. the competition

Let’s check out the Nissan Patrol's classy interior

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