The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo goes on sale this fall with an MSRP of $64,990 and one feature that will make it a non-starter for many enthusiasts: its standard 9-speed automatic transmission.

Is it a sign of the automotive apocalypse that Nissan’s track-oriented Z model sports car has something that’s more at home in an Altima? Is it a sign of a future where manual transmissions become as common as a BlackBerry or a cassette tape? Consider the electric vehicle; it has a single-speed transmission; no shifting required. 

For decades, the terminally fearful and government regulators have seen to it that driving is increasingly taken out of the hands of the erratic squishy organisms behind the wheel. It’s grown to such an extent that, in most cases, the black box can decide how to drive better than you can. And given most drivers’ skill set, that’s fine.

But for the few of us who love the mechanical ballet of manuals, an automatic is an anathema, even if the car can shift faster than you can. 

OK, an automatic makes a difference when crawling on the interstate at rush hour, but for those times when you’re driving your favorite escape road, a manual makes all the difference. In Nissan’s defense, for majority of the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo’s life, it will be stuck on pokey parkways, slogging along in a sea of overweight SUVs and rugrat wagons. Oh, the humanity.

As we’ve previously reported, the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 offers up 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, a 20-horsepower jump from other Zs. And for those in a hurry, every horse counts. That’s why the Z Nismo’s engine sports revised electronic wastegate control, enhanced cooling, independent ignition spark timing. There’s also a slew of other upgrades, such as a revised suspension, stiffened chassis, and larger front brakes. Then there’s fox in the henhouse; the 9-speed slushbox. Again, in its defense, it has a new Sport+ drive mode to deliver a racetrack-tuned shift program. 

Putting the power to the pavements are Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires on lightweight NISMO-exclusive gloss black RAYS 19-inch wheels.

It’s all dressed in revised attire, including a redesigned fascia that Nissan calls a Grand Nose that’s meant to evoke the Z’s styling heritage. There’s also a three-piece rear spoiler, reshaped rear bumper, redesigned side sills, and red pinstriping, including on the side mirrors – a nice touch.

The test car garnered numerous thumbs up from the fast and furious crowd, and with good reason. Despite the automatic transmission, this is one fast filly. Unconvinced? Wait till you try it.

Nissan’s engineers did a remarkable job of beefing up the Z’ mechanicals, as its responsiveness is sharp, it’s handling disciplined. Steering is precise, making the Nissan Z Nismo a speed tool that instills driver confidence. It’s an easy car to drive fast. Yet its fierce nature doesn’t come at the cost of discomfort. In fact, this makes for a fabulous daily driver.

OK, the infotainment screen, while a good size, has some of the worst user interface software on the planet. It’s a problem endemic of Nissans, and is overdue for correction.

Otherwise, this sports car delivers some fast, fierce fun, and given its small production, you won’t see yourself coming and going. That said, at a nearly $13,000 price premium above the former top-dog Performance trim, there’s a reason the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo will remain a rare siting.

But whether you’ll be behind the wheel depends on your aversion to automatic transmissions.

The post 2024 Nissan Z Nismo First Drive Review: It’s Fast, But Might Leave You Furious  appeared first on The Torque Report.