Nissan 370Z NISMO gets a new look

Nissan has confirmed detail changes to its European market 370Z range, including suspension revisions, interior updates and, for NISMO models, an aggressive new exterior design.

Nissan says the more expensive, more capable 370Z NISMO has been "extensively reworked to deliver a sharper and more engaging driving experience", and now features the same exterior updates as the North American model launched in mid-2014.

Although the NISMO brand has not yet been launched in Australia, nor a definite date mooted, a Nissan Australia spokesman recently told motoring.com.au it was on the cusp of sealing the deal with its Japanese counterparts, which could see the sports-modified 370Z NISMO here as early as next year (2015).

Changes to the exterior of the NISMO 'Z' car are designed for more "kerb appeal" via a new front fascia that generates more downforce, gets larger, more aggressive air intakes, integrates new LED daytime running lights and adds red NISMO pin striping.

The headlights get black bezels (backgrounds), the side sills are now scalloped with red highlights, the door mirrors are new, and new 19-inch black and silver RAYS alloy wheels are fitted.

At the rear there is a new motorsports-inspired rear bumper design and the spoiler has been toned down from the previous model too. NISMO reckons the new styling at the rear delivers "significantly more downforce when driving at speed".

Suspension adjustments include new rear spring and damper rates, which are designed to improve ride comfort. New carpets and inner wheel arch cladding has been fitted in a bid to reduce road noise.

Inside the updated 2015 370Z NISMO are new Recaro seats, finished in red and black leather and Alcantara, as is the steering wheel.

The 3.7-litre NISMO-tweaked V6 engine remains unchanged from the 2014 version: it bangs out 253kW/371Nm, up from the regular car's 245kW/363Nm, which is transferred to the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmission only. Nissan claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds.

In tandem with the high-octane NISMO version, regular versions of the 2015 370Z will get reworked rear suspension to improve ride quality and new Spinal seats to enhance comfort levels.

Nissan Australia is yet to confirm local model timing.