Las Vegas welcomed automotive enthusiasts once again to the annual SEMA show, where brands and fans alike gathered to witness the latest innovations, designs, and automotive legends. This year, Nissan stole the spotlight with the much-anticipated 2025 Nissan Z Legend Edition—a modern twist on a classic that has captivated enthusiasts since its debut in 1970. Positioned proudly in the Nissan booth, this updated Z car demonstrates a perfect blend of heritage and innovation, promising a powerful and exhilarating driving experience.
A Storied Legacy: 1970 to Today
For over 50 years, the Nissan Z has symbolized Japanese sports car engineering at its finest. From its origins in the 240Z to its racing legacy under icons like Paul Newman, the Z has evolved with time, balancing tradition with innovation. The seventh-generation 2025 Z continues this legacy, paying homage to past designs while bringing in cutting-edge features that keep Nissan’s sports car tradition alive and well.
2025 Nissan Z Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Power Output | 400 hp (Sport/Performance trims); 420 hp (NISMO trim) |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft (Sport/Performance trims); 384 lb-ft (NISMO trim) |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed manual; 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | Approximately 4.5 seconds (manual); 4.3 seconds (automatic) |
| Top Speed | Electronically limited to 155 mph |
| Fuel Economy (EPA est.) | 18-19 mpg city / 24-28 mpg highway |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 3,500 lbs (varies by trim) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 172.4 in x 72.6 in x 51.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 100.4 inches |
| Braking System | Akebono 4-piston front calipers with 14-inch rotors (Performance/NISMO trims) |
| Suspension | Independent double-wishbone front; multi-link rear |
| Wheels and Tires | 19-inch alloy wheels; 255/40R19 front, 275/35R19 rear |
| Infotainment System | 8.0-inch touchscreen (Sport); 9.0-inch touchscreen (Performance/NISMO) |
| Audio System | 6-speaker system (Sport); 8-speaker Bose system (Performance/NISMO) |
| Safety Features | Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert |
| Interior Features | Leather-appointed seats, dual-zone climate control, Recaro sport seats (NISMO) |
| Cargo Capacity | 6.9 cubic feet |
2025 Nissan Z Design that Dazzles
Starting with its looks, the 2025 Nissan Z Legend Edition doesn’t hold back. Its pearlescent white exterior sparkles under the Las Vegas sun, drawing attention to every detail of its carefully crafted design.
Up front, the retro-inspired headlights harken back to classic Z models, with LED daytime running lamps, headlights, and turn signals seamlessly integrated into a clean housing. Complementing this design is a split grille setup in gloss black—a nod to the Z’s iconic design language and a functional choice to improve air intake.
Another striking feature is the addition of fender flares. Borrowing elements from the Z Heritage Edition, the wider stance on the Legend Edition enhances its performance aesthetic, emphasizing its agility and road presence. Compared to the new Toyota Supra, Nissan’s design is refreshingly clean and uncluttered, prioritizing form and function over excessive frills.
2025 Nissan Z: Power and Precision
A sports car’s heart is its engine, and the 2025 Z Legend Edition does not disappoint. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, it delivers over 400 horsepower, translating to a 0-60 mph time of around 3.8 seconds—putting it in close competition with rivals like the Toyota Supra. This beast of an engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission, giving drivers the flexibility to choose their ideal driving experience.
Under the hood, the engine bay showcases Nissan Motorsports (NISMO) enhancements, with specialized NISMO airboxes designed to feed the twin-turbo V6, a carbon fiber NISMO engine cover, and a robust strut tower brace to improve front-end stiffness. These features enhance airflow, support power delivery, and contribute to the overall performance capabilities of this Z.
A Look Inside: Where Performance Meets Comfort
Stepping into the cabin, Nissan has designed the Legend Edition Z to blend sporty sophistication with comfort. The cockpit wraps around the driver, featuring a combination of Alcantara accents, premium leather, and vibrant blue details that contrast beautifully with the white exterior. The interior is complete with a nine-inch infotainment system seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, adding a touch of modernity to the classic feel.
One of the most celebrated features inside the 2025 Z is the gauge cluster, combining analog charm with digital precision. The triple gauge setup on the dash is a callback to earlier Z models, while the nine-inch screen provides access to a suite of driving information and entertainment options.
Though the convention setting at SEMA prevented a full display, Nissan hinted at performance pages in the digital system for enthusiasts to monitor everything from G-force metrics to real-time engine statistics.
2025 Nissan Z Exterior Details and a Legendary Finish
The 2025 Legend Edition’s exterior is a showcase of thoughtful design details. Gloss black mirror caps, a black Legend Edition stripe along the side skirts, and a two-tone roof separated by a subtle flat silver strip elevate its visual appeal. Out back, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and LED taillights inspired by the classic 300ZX complete the look, adding both functionality and style to the rear profile.
This model’s stance is further accentuated by its 19-inch gloss black multi-spoke wheels, wrapped in high-performance tires (255mm at the front and 275mm at the rear). These wheels are paired with four-piston bright red calipers that lend a racy look while providing exceptional stopping power.
Exterior Dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 172.4 inches (4,380 mm)
- Width: Around 72.6 inches (1,844 mm)
- Height: Approximately 51.8 inches (1,316 mm)
- Wheelbase: About 100.4 inches (2,550 mm)
These dimensions contribute to the Z’s agile handling and sporty profile, making it well-suited for both city driving and spirited performance on open roads.
Cargo Space:
The 2025 Nissan Z offers a cargo capacity of approximately 6.9 cubic feet (195 liters). While this space is modest, it is typical for sports coupes in this category and sufficient for carrying essentials like a couple of small bags or groceries. The hatchback design provides easier access to the cargo area, enhancing its practicality for everyday use.
2025 Nissan Z Pricing and Trim Level
2025 Nissan Z offers three trims—Sport, Performance, and NISMO—each tailored to varying levels of performance.
- Sport Trim: Starting around $44,500, this entry-level model has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower, 18-inch wheels, and cloth seats. Features include a 12.3-inch digital dash, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and essential safety tech like Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning.
- Performance Trim: Estimated at $54,500, the Performance trim includes 19-inch RAYS® forged wheels, upgraded Akebono® brakes, and leather-appointed seats. It adds a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Bose® Audio System, a limited-slip differential, and exterior spoilers for enhanced style and handling.
- NISMO Trim: Priced around $67,000, the top NISMO trim boosts power to 420 horsepower, exclusively with a nine-speed automatic. It features unique NISMO design elements, 19-inch RAYS® wheels, Recaro® seats with Alcantara®, and a NISMO-tuned suspension for track-ready performance.
Each trim combines Nissan’s performance features and styling, making the 2025 Z a flexible choice for sports car enthusiasts.
Competitors of 2025 Nissan Z
2025 Nissan Z and its main competitors:
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission | 0-60 mph (seconds) | Starting Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota GR Supra | 3.0L turbocharged inline-six | 382 | 368 | 8-speed automatic | 3.9 | 56,250 |
| Ford Mustang GT | 5.0L V8 | 450 | 410 | 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic | 4.0 | 43,000 |
| Chevrolet Camaro SS | 6.2L V8 | 455 | 455 | 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic | 4.0 | 42,000 |
| BMW M240i | 3.0L turbocharged inline-six | 382 | 369 | 8-speed automatic | 4.1 | 49,000 |
| Subaru BRZ | 2.4L naturally aspirated flat-four | 228 | 184 | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic | 6.0 | 31,095 |
2025 Nissan Z faces stiff competition in the sports car market, with contenders like the Toyota GR Supra, Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro SS, BMW M240i, and Subaru BRZ each bringing unique specs and driving experiences.
The Toyota GR Supra stands out with its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 3.9 seconds, with a starting price around $56,250. The Supra’s balanced performance and iconic styling make it a close rival to the Nissan Z.
The Ford Mustang GT offers classic American muscle with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic, enabling a 0-60 mph time around 4.0 seconds. Starting at approximately $43,000, the Mustang GT is a powerful option at a more affordable price point.
For those seeking a blend of power and aggressive styling, the Chevrolet Camaro SS features a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It offers a 0-60 mph time around 4.0 seconds and is available with a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. The Camaro SS starts at about $42,000, appealing to fans of high-powered, rear-wheel-drive performance.
The BMW M240i combines German engineering with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that generates 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. With its 8-speed automatic transmission, it reaches 0-60 mph in approximately 4.1 seconds and starts around $49,000. Known for its refined handling and premium interior, the M240i offers an upscale alternative in the segment.
Finally, the Subaru BRZ is a lightweight option with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Its 0-60 mph time is around 6.0 seconds, and it is available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Starting at roughly $31,095, the BRZ offers a budget-friendly, driver-focused experience that’s hard to beat for enthusiasts.
Is the 2025 Nissan Z the Next Great Sports Car?
The 2025 Nissan Z Legend Edition is a nod to the past while blazing a path into the future. From its retro-inspired design elements to its high-powered twin-turbo V6, this Z is everything a Nissan fan could hope for. Nissan USA has carefully crafted this Legend Edition to balance the desires of Z enthusiasts and modern sports car lovers alike, delivering a machine that’s as thrilling to drive as it is to behold.
