Nissan’s 400z Nismo Unveils at the New DTLA Auto Storage Space

On the morning of July 31st the series of black buildings that lines the corner at 8th and Santa Fe in Los Angeles’s Arts District seemed just as innocuous as ever. However, by 11am spray painted red lines appeared striping the building hinting at another automotive adventure. Slowly, the letters formed N-I-S-M-O. As Japanese car culture continues to thrive and the likes of the legendary R32 GTR become more common on the streets of Los Angeles, the word Nismo, or Nissan Motorsport, has become an ever increasing sight. Behind the closed doors of the inconspicuous black building - or just around the gate at its side - the media was taking in and photographing Nissan’s new 400Z Nismo and judging whether their high hopes had been met.

Though many imagined a large aero package for the 400Z Nismo, Nissan improved aero through subtle details.

Media hours were underway, and with each walk around we were learning more about the new addition to the historical Nismo moniker. Before these first looks a plethora of online renders was easily searchable as to what the general public was imagining the 400Z to look like. Nissan has kept the 400Z very realistic in its appearance however. You won’t find a big wing, wide body, or large aero splitter in this new iteration, though will find the younger siblings of these enhancements. Overall, Nismo claims this aero package produces more downforce, however a full number has not been given. First, the Nismo retains its square grill from the base model 400Z that many have realized evokes more retro styling, but it adds a modern touch with canards wrapping and pointing upwards and around the front wheels. Second, sporty side sills with an incorporated aerodynamic line dress and enhance the side profile. Third, a rear lip spoiler and redesigned rear bumper prove Nissan’s design goal of a car that looks like it is ready for the track and road. Fourth, black 19-inch Rays wheels are lighter than its non-Nismo variants while being wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxi GT600 tires for road and track spirited driving. Behind the front wheels also lies a set of larger Akebono front brakes. Lastly and most notably, the signature red trim that has become synonymous with the 370Z skirts the bottom of the car.

The 400Z Nismo retains the 3.0-liter V6 engine.

As expected, the 400Z Nismo makes slight improvements to its engine numbers with 20 more horsepower and 34 more lb-ft of torque racking up at 420 hp and 384 lb-ft. These supplements are made by GTR inspired touches such as increased turbo boost. In public reaction, the biggest shocks seem to come in a lack of a raw Nismo feel. The first and most obvious is a lack of a manual transmission. This seems to be a double edged sword for Nissan as they claim to want as fast of lap times as possible, hence an automatic transmission, while also wanting the car to be a true drivers car, hence the general disbelief of the lack of a manual option. Nissan has responded to these comments already stating that if they see enough buyers wanting a manual transmission then they will make one. Secondly, the car comes in at 102 lbs overweight in comparison to the 400Z Performance. This is mainly the result of a general stiffening of the car for its track focused intentions.

Aligning with the 400Z Nismo’s track focused ethos are its new Recaro seats.

Added roll bar and track focused interior combine with modern sports car appeals.

Besides the Nismo branded Recaro leather and alcantara seats, the car’s interior upgrades come subtly. Continuing on theme, red stitched alcantara wraps the hand positions on the steering wheel. A red leather stripe also lines the top keeping drivers aligned with the top of the wheel. Down and away, the engine start stop button is painted red continuing the car’s red accents. Even if all of the differences leading up to this point have slipped owner’s minds, the Nismo branding is built into the start up animation and central tachometer.

Nissan’s legendary 400R was on display.

Attendees are reminded of the alternative directions 400Z owners can take their cars.

The media slots have now winded down and the 6pm event has begun. As guests begin to trickle in it is clear that Nissan is conscious of its heritage. On the floor and filling the lifts surrounding an empty suspiciously car-shaped space are legends of the Nissan brand and Nismo heritage. Examples include the Hakosuka GTR, 240Z, Nismo 270R, R30 GTR, R32 GTR, R32 GTR Nismo, 400R, 350Z, 370Z, R35 GTR Nismo, and 400Z. Conversation ensues over Nismo themed food and beverage about everything from the state of the current car market to that one R32 that took 5th place at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed. Around 6:30, the lights dim, a promotional video is shown, the garage door opens, and the car drives in. The standard sounds of clapping and pictures being taken begins. Over the next 30 minutes, spectators learn everything the market currently knows including the lack of its estimated price. The last hour is spent circling the car and commenting on what was witnessed. A beginning of a new chapter in the extensive chronology of Nissan’s history has just been started right in the heart of Los Angeles.

Guests take in the 400Z Nismo.

Nissan chief product specialist Hiroshi Tamara flew from Japan for the unveiling.