It’s been a long wait… After two and a half years of anticipation, the Nissan Fairlady Z NISMO (RZ34) has finally arrived at my doorstep.

The story behind ordering the Fairlady Z NISMO is a bit complicated. Initially, I had applied for the regular Fairlady Z model, but then the NISMO version was announced. I entered the lottery and was lucky enough to win.

Not wanting to miss this chance, I decided to switch to the NISMO model.

Meeting the Fairlady Z NISMO (RZ34) – An Exterior That Radiates Aura and a Sophisticated Interior

When I first saw the Fairlady Z NISMO at the dealer, it gave off an unmistakable aura of “this is no ordinary car.”

The exclusive Stealth Gray color looks matte at first glance but actually has a deep, glossy finish that’s truly stunning. The red accent lines on the front lip and side sills boldly announce its NISMO heritage. This exquisite color scheme combined with NISMO-exclusive parts gives the exterior a very refined impression.

While cruising on the highway, I could strongly feel the gazes from other drivers. This level of attention is a testament to the car’s rarity and design appeal.

The interior is just as captivating as the exterior. The first thing that catches your eye is the NISMO-exclusive Recaro bucket seats. They firmly hold your body in place and prevent fatigue even on long drives. As expected from Recaro, their quality is no joke.

The meter panel, start button, and other details feature NISMO-specific designs, with red stitching and accents that elevate the driver’s mood. The driving position fits my body perfectly, allowing me to easily find an ideal sports car posture.

Another notable point is the spaciousness inside. Despite being a sports car, it doesn’t feel cramped and offers a relaxing environment. This is a strength of Japanese cars, considering everyday usability. I actually prefer this interior comfort over my Porsche.

However, the navigation system and center console design feel a bit dated. Still, the usability is fine and practical enough.

The Roar of the V6 Engine and Controls That Feel a Bit Too Light?

Pressing the brake pedal and hitting the red start button awakens the V6 engine.

Its sound is modest compared to imported sports cars but louder than your average car. Idle vibrations are almost nonexistent, making for a comfortable ride. The quick air conditioning response was surprising—quite the contrast to Porsche.

The 9-speed automatic transmission is tuned exclusively for NISMO, delivering very smooth shifts with almost no shift shock. However, the accelerator and brake pedals felt a bit too light for me. My wife agreed, and coming from imported cars, I think a slightly heavier pedal setup would offer better control and a sportier, more direct feel.

The steering feel is similar—easy to handle in town but lacking feedback during spirited driving. Sports and Sport Plus modes improve this somewhat, but I wish this were the default setting.

I must honestly confess one thing: the “new car smell” inside. It’s that typical Japanese car scent of plastics and adhesives, which can be polarizing. Personally, I’m not a fan. Imported cars have their own smells, but nothing as chemically strong as this.

Once on the road, the engine’s overwhelming smoothness and power immediately stood out. A light press on the accelerator sends the rear wheels digging into the pavement. It’s hard to believe this is a V6—it’s so smooth and powerful. Personally, I’d rate the engine’s quality around 90 out of 100.

On Regular Roads, the “Poor Ride Comfort” Becomes Apparent

However, on city streets, the ride is honestly “poor.”

The spring stiffness is acceptable for a sports car—if anything, a bit soft—but the real issue is the dampers. When hitting bumps, the body bounces up and down, and the oscillations take a long time to settle. It feels like riding in a modified street racer’s car with unbalanced suspension.

This is especially noticeable on highway curves with consecutive speed bumps, where the lingering vertical motion is very apparent.

This poor ride comfort may be a result of the Fairlady Z NISMO’s development concept, “Buddy on Track,” which focuses on circuit driving. Or it might be designed assuming aftermarket coilovers will be installed later, a common approach for Japanese cars.

However, our Porsche Cayman T in the same price range delivers excellent performance on the track and a comfortable ride on regular roads. Also, this is the prestigious “NISMO” badge—users expect the best product straight from the factory. Nissan needs to put in more effort here.

On winding roads, the lack of damping also seems to negatively affect handling. The load isn’t stable during cornering, making it harder to trace the intended line compared to rivals. This leaves some unease when enjoying sporty driving.

I want it to run the line crisply without that vertical movement.

I’m prepared for people to say this is impossible, but honestly, the thrill and excitement I felt on my first winding road run was greater with the Tesla Model 3. Back then, I couldn’t help but say, “What is this? It’s not a sports car, but it’s amazing!” The car’s behavior faithfully reflected the driver’s intentions, delivering a level of joy and connection that was sadly missing here. Our test driver TAKURO-san who often appears on this blog agreed.

Of course, I understand the Fairlady Z NISMO is primarily designed for circuit use. But considering that rivals in the same price range perform excellently both on track and regular roads, offering overwhelming grip and confidence even at low speeds, that’s no excuse. I honestly wish they had paid more attention to comfort and stability on everyday roads.

Highways Are Where It Truly Shines!

On the highway, the Fairlady Z NISMO’s impression changes completely.

The engine revs smoothly without limit, and overtaking acceleration is effortless. This engine is truly wonderful. The 9-speed automatic shifts quickly, and manual mode adds to the fun. In sport mode, the artificially enhanced sound further lifts your spirits. Personally, I find this sound very pleasant with no discomfort.

And the higher the speed, the more the car sticks to the road with rock-solid stability. Finally, the suspension’s true value shines through. This car was clearly developed with high-speed performance in mind. However, excellent highway performance doesn’t justify poor ride comfort on regular roads. Considering daily usability, I feel there’s still room for improvement.

I want to emphasize that this first impression is based on limited conditions immediately after delivery.
As I accumulate more miles and test the Fairlady Z NISMO in various situations, I may discover new insights.

When that happens, I’ll be sure to provide a detailed follow-up review.