Nissan Sports Cars

There are not a whole lot of Nissan sports cars entering the market of late, with the Japanese automaker instead channeling its resources into existing models. It would be a strange approach for a typical manufacturer, but the reasons behind this strategy are obvious when you consider those in question. Starting with the crown jewel of Nissan sports models, the 2020 GT-R is a product of years of development and iconic builds. It recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and it has been at the center of performance enthusiasts’ adoration for the same amount of time.

The other spec may not have amassed a cult following as large as the R35’s, but it is an icon just the same. There are not many people who don’t remember D.K. tearing it up in a grey 350Z at that glorious meet in Tokyo Drift, cementing the sporty Nissan in car culture forever. Of course, that spec is not available in the US; instead, we welcome the 370Z with more power.

Characteristics of sporty Nissan cars

New Nissan sports cars are fascinating for a number of reasons. Still, there are a number of common characteristics shared across the range:

• Power outputs - Starting with the brawniest of the bunch, the GT-R hosts a hand-built 3.8-liter V6 that produces 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. These figures are half the reason behind the auto’s “Supercar Killer” nickname, and the machine makes the run from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. As for the 370Z, it stays old school with a naturally-aspirated V6 engine that pushes out 332 horses and takes around five seconds to shoot to 60 mph from a standstill.
• Interior - Here is where it becomes slightly more interesting. Built for speed and overall impressive performance, these vehicles are extremely basic on the inside. Of course, there are the typical sporty bits that allude to their ability to go fast. Red details and the obligatory gauges in bright colors are present in each but do not expect much else in the way of modern features. Even Nissan’s fastest car keeps it relatively bare-bones on the inside.
• Safety - This is a bit of a sticky point. As impressive as top speeds and stylish two-door coupes from top brands are, Nissan’s 350Z was once named the deadliest vehicle by the IIHS. As for the GT-R, there is not much in the way of safety tech aside from a couple of airbags and parking sensors.

New Nissan sport models

The Nissan sports cars list does not read particularly long for the US, but each one has something special that sets it apart:

• GT-R - The icon has kept almost the same look for thirteen years, but is due for a redesign in 2021. It easily bests many counterparts that double its price and is a force to be reckoned with by many measures. As Nissan’s flagship performance machine, it has a reputation to hold up, so we cannot wait to see what the redesign has to offer.
• 370Z - Another version that has stuck to old school styling, the 370Z is extremely affordable for what you get. It is not just the styling that is traditional, either. It is powered by a naturally-aspirated V6 and is essentially a young performance enthusiast’s dream.
• 370Z Roadster - Essentially the same as the regular 370Z, the roadster version is slightly more expensive by comparison. The two-door was aimed at those who want the open-air driving experience but is sadly no longer produced.

What to Consider Before Buying

Even the best Nissan sports cars have their downsides, so it is worth thinking about whether the benefits outweigh them:

Pros

• Powerful engines
• Purists will love them
• Old-school race feel
• Comfortable interiors
• Excellent handling

Cons

• Outdated exterior design
• Lack of modern tech
• Not overly luxurious
• Only 2-door configurations

Pricing

Aside from the apex variant, the trims in this lineup are rather affordable:

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