2027 Nissan Z Nismo Manual Review; Lambo Update

A manual gearbox requires the driver to use a clutch and shift gears themselves. Compared with automatics, it usually gives more direct control over engine speed and can make the car feel more connected during spirited driving.

The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s electric performance sedan, known for fast acceleration and a high-tech battery and powertrain. In this segment, the host mentions needing to stop and charge it, which highlights how EV road trips depend on charging stops.

An extended warranty is coverage beyond the factory warranty period, paying for certain repairs after the original warranty expires. Here it’s mentioned as covering the bushing replacement and an air-conditioning-related issue.

Bushings are rubber (or sometimes polyurethane/metal) isolators used in suspension links to allow controlled movement while reducing vibration and noise. On cars like the Lamborghini Countach, worn or hard-to-source bushings can be expensive because there are many of them and they’re often specific to that suspension layout. The hosts emphasize both the quantity and the difficulty of getting the right parts.

Heim joints (also called rod ends) are spherical bearing joints used in suspension and steering linkages. Compared with rubber bushings, they typically allow more precise, adjustable geometry and can reduce compliance (flex) under load. The hosts mention Heim joints alongside bushings to describe the Countach’s mix of suspension connection types.

Penske is mentioned as a possible shop/service provider the shocks were sent to for service. In the context of this segment, the key point is that suspension components like shocks may be rebuilt by specialized businesses rather than handled entirely in-house. The hosts also suggest another similar-sounding option right after this.

“Coney” is mentioned as the other possible shock-service provider besides Penske. The hosts’ wording suggests they’re recalling which company handled the shock work. The practical takeaway is that shock rebuilding is often outsourced to specialized services.

“Full suspension” means rebuilding or refreshing the entire suspension system rather than just replacing one worn component. That typically includes parts like control arms, bushings, bearings, and related hardware, and it often requires careful reassembly and alignment afterward.

Hubs are the wheel-mounting components that support the wheel and typically contain or interface with wheel bearings. Cleaning and reassembly of hubs is common during suspension or brake-related rebuilds because bearing condition and fitment strongly affect wheel play and drivability.

The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary Italian supercar known for its dramatic styling and historical significance in the supercar world. The podcast references a comparison question about what would be done first—implying a discussion about future plans or projects involving these iconic cars. It’s brought up because the Countach is a recognizable benchmark for “classic” supercar status.

Tie rod ends are steering linkage components that connect the steering rack to the rest of the front suspension. If they’re worn or missing, the car can develop vague steering feel and uneven tire wear, and it can affect alignment.

The DeLorean DMC-12 is a distinctive sports car best known for its stainless-steel body and its pop-culture fame. The podcast context is personal—someone says they got it for what would have been their 30th birthday—highlighting the car’s emotional and collector appeal. It’s discussed here more as a story and a memorable ownership moment than as a performance machine.

PTS (often used as “Paint To Sample”) refers to a custom paint program where a buyer specifies a color sample and the manufacturer matches it. The host implies this kind of custom paint can add significant delay to production and delivery.

The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV from Porsche, known for blending everyday usability with strong performance. It often comes up in discussions about Porsche ownership because it’s one of the brand’s most common ways to get into a Porsche without buying a sports car. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned as a specific vehicle someone had to wait for due to paint/sample availability.

The Aston Martin Vantage S is a performance-focused Aston Martin coupe/GT that’s positioned below the larger DB12S in price and size. The host highlights that, despite the different models, there’s significant interior parts sharing, which is why the cabins can look and feel very similar.

The Aston Martin DB12S is a grand tourer from Aston Martin with a focus on comfort and upscale interior packaging. In this segment, the host compares its cabin space and feel to another Aston Martin model, noting that the DB12S has more legroom and that some interior parts are shared across the lineup.

An embargo is a media restriction that delays when reviewers and journalists are allowed to publish their impressions. When the host says the “Nismo Z manual embargo is off,” it means the review access window has opened for that specific variant, so coverage can go live.

The Nissan Z is a modern sports coupe built around a driver-focused layout, and this episode specifically discusses the manual version. The host contrasts it with the earlier automatic-only setup and then highlights the changes Nissan made after listening to feedback.

The host says the Nissan Z uses brake rotors sourced from the R35 GT-R. Rotors are the friction surfaces that clamp down with the brake pads, and using a proven GT-R component can help with heat handling and braking consistency.

The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced all-wheel-drive system and track-capable performance. The podcast mentions brake rotors from the R35 GT-R and highlights reduced unsprung weight, which can improve responsiveness. It’s referenced as a source of performance parts and engineering details.

Unsprung weight is mass not supported by the suspension—things like wheels, tires, and some brake components. Reducing unsprung weight helps the suspension react faster over bumps, improving grip and ride control, especially during hard driving.

Shifter throw is the distance the gear lever travels from one gear position to another. A shorter throw typically means quicker, more direct shifts and can improve driver confidence, especially in spirited driving or track use.

Retuning steering means changing how the steering system responds—often via calibration of assist characteristics or control logic in power steering systems. The goal is usually to improve feel and consistency for the way the car is being driven, including on track.

Fuel starvation is when the engine doesn’t receive enough fuel momentarily, often due to fuel pickup uncovering during hard cornering or low fuel levels. On track, sustained lateral/longitudinal forces can expose the pickup, so manufacturers may add baffling or reshape components to keep fuel available.

Fuel tank baffling uses internal walls or partitions to control fuel movement. This reduces sloshing so the fuel pickup stays submerged during braking, cornering, and acceleration—helping prevent fuel starvation on track.

Button Willow is a motorsports venue used here as a reference point for heat and track demands. The host is using it to emphasize that the car’s changes are meant to survive real track conditions, not just showroom driving.

A pressure plate is part of the clutch assembly that clamps the clutch disc to the flywheel. The host notes Nissan uses a unique pressure plate and clutch for this manual Z, separate from the regular Z, which usually indicates durability and engagement tuning for the performance/track use case.

Throttle mapping is the calibration that determines how much engine response you get for a given throttle pedal input. Unique mapping can change how quickly the car responds, which affects drivability and how predictable it feels during aggressive driving.

Gearbox mounts are the structural supports that attach the transmission to the chassis. Reinforcing them and related bushings helps control drivetrain movement and vibration, which can improve shift feel and durability under track loads.

Spring weight here refers to mass associated with the suspension springs. Reducing it can help the suspension respond more quickly to bumps, improving traction and ride control, particularly during repeated track impacts.

A sequential transmission lets you shift in a step-by-step order (like moving up/down through gears) rather than using a traditional H-pattern. In this segment, the hosts speculate whether a shifter shown at an event could be for a future sequential setup.

The BMW M2 is BMW’s compact, rear-drive performance coupe, known for delivering sharp steering and strong track capability in a smaller package. The hosts use it as a benchmark for how the Nissan Z Nismo should stack up in both lap-time performance and day-to-day road manners.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a performance sports car line known for strong track performance and high power potential, especially in higher trims. Here, it’s mentioned as part of the “real competition” set for the Nissan Z Nismo based on how much performance you get for the money.

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is a high-performance Mustang variant built to compete with other track-capable muscle cars. The hosts compare its lap-time advantage to how well it translates to real-road feel, and they contrast it with the Nissan’s automatic/paddle-shifter approach.

The Toyota Supra is a modern performance coupe that’s often praised for its straight-line speed and tunability. In this segment, the hosts argue the Nissan Z Nismo feels better on the road—steering, braking, and balance—while the Supra can be made faster in a straight line with tuning.

Paddle shifters are controls behind the steering wheel that command gear changes without using a clutch pedal or traditional shifter. The hosts discuss Nissan’s argument for paddle shifters in an automatic, framing it around lap times versus driving feel.

A low center of gravity means the car’s mass is positioned closer to the ground. That typically reduces body roll and helps the car feel more stable and predictable during cornering, especially on track.

Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. A short wheelbase generally makes a car quicker to rotate and easier to change direction, which can improve agility in tight track sections.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, affordable two-seat roadster focused on fun handling and driver engagement. It’s frequently used as a benchmark for “small, nimble sports car” experiences. The podcast references it as a point on a performance spectrum between entry-level roadsters and much faster sports cars.

Auto rev matching automatically adjusts engine RPM when you downshift so the engine speed matches the lower gear. That makes downshifts smoother, reduces driveline shock, and helps the car feel more refined and easier to drive hard.

Traction control is a stability system that limits wheelspin by reducing engine power and/or applying brakes at the slipping wheels. On track, it can help you keep the car moving forward under acceleration, but too much intervention can dull the driving feel.

Stability control (often called ESC) helps correct loss of steering control by detecting things like yaw and wheel slip. It can apply brakes and adjust engine output to help the car stay pointed where the driver intends.

Drive modes are preset settings that change how the car responds—commonly throttle mapping, steering feel, and traction/stability system behavior. The host praises this Nissan for having fewer, simpler modes compared with some rivals.

The Porsche Boxster is referenced as the host’s personal example of how some cars use a single button to change a specific engine behavior. In this segment, it’s used to contrast simple manual-car setups versus more complex mode logic in dual-clutch cars.

Cylinder deactivation temporarily shuts off some cylinders to improve fuel economy under light-load conditions. Turning it off can make throttle response and engine sound more consistent, which some drivers prefer for spirited driving or track use.

PDK is Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission. Because it can manage gear changes very quickly, PDK-equipped cars often coordinate more systems (like throttle response and shift behavior) across multiple drive modes than a typical manual.

“Rear grip” is how much traction the rear tires have before they start to slip. More rear grip usually means the car can put power down and stay stable longer, while less rear grip makes it easier to induce oversteer and slides.

The BMW M2 CS is a track-oriented variant of the M2, known for a more aggressive, responsive feel. Here it’s used as a comparison point because the hosts say the M2 CS would “immediately” go into a slide, unlike the Nissan Z Nismo’s more progressive breakaway.

“SP Sport Max” refers to Dunlop’s performance tire line. Tire model names matter because different tread patterns and rubber compounds change grip, steering response, and how easily the car breaks traction.

Dunlop is a tire brand known for performance-oriented compounds and tread designs. In this segment, the hosts specifically connect the Nissan’s feel to the Dunlop tires, saying they’re the same style they liked on another car.

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 is a legendary Japanese performance car, and its steering wheel design is being used as a reference point. The hosts say the steering wheel on this car matches the R32 GT-R’s diameter and thickness, implying a similar steering feel and tactile feedback.

This phrase describes “connection,” meaning how well the car communicates what the tires are doing back to the driver through steering, pedals, and chassis response. It’s a subjective but important performance metric: two cars can have similar speed, yet feel very different in how directly they respond to inputs.

Dampers (shock absorbers) control how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds. Better damper tuning can improve grip and steering response by keeping the tires in contact with the road over bumps and during cornering.

The Ford Dark Horse is a high-performance Mustang variant built for strong track capability. The hosts say it’s “really fast and really sticky,” but also that it lacks the same kind of steering feel/precision they want, comparing it to the Nissan’s balance and size/steering character.

“Super digital” is a driver’s description of steering feel that feels overly on/off or artificially filtered, often associated with how modern steering systems translate input. It usually means less natural feedback through the wheel and a less progressive sense of tire slip and chassis movement.

“Precision control” here refers to how accurately the car responds to steering and front-tire grip—especially during turn-in and maintaining a line. The host ties it to front tire behavior and steering, implying a chassis setup that makes the car feel predictable at the limit.

“Rear control” describes how well a car keeps the rear tires gripping and prevents unwanted rotation or sliding. It’s influenced by throttle input, traction control/ABS behavior, tire grip, and suspension setup.

Lift-off oversteer is when you reduce throttle (lift off the gas) and the car’s balance shifts so the rear wants to step out. It happens because engine braking changes the load on the tires, which can reduce rear grip.

Akebono calipers are brake calipers made by Akebono, a well-known brake component supplier. Calipers clamp the brake pads onto the rotor, so the specific caliper design can affect braking feel, heat handling, and consistency under repeated hard stops.

An R35 GT-R vented rotor refers to a ventilated brake disc design associated with the Nissan GT-R (R35 generation). Venting helps move heat away from the rotor, which improves fade resistance during repeated hard braking.

The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine two-door sports car that shares much of its performance DNA with the Boxster, but with a fixed roof. It’s commonly mentioned when people talk about the “best” Porsche-style driving experience without going to the 911. The podcast notes the Cayman as the immediate mental pick after considering various metrics.

“E-pass” here refers to Nissan’s electronic power steering system. The hosts discuss whether the Nismo retunes it, which matters because steering feel (how quickly and smoothly the car responds) can change even without swapping the entire steering hardware.

Shocks (dampers) control how the suspension moves and settles after bumps or during hard cornering. The hosts say Nissan changed the shocks for the Nismo—described as “bigger tubes”—which typically improves damping control and steering/suspension composure when pushing the car hard.

In this context, programming refers to updating vehicle control software (tuning how systems behave) rather than changing physical parts. The host uses the example of Porsche 911 ST to argue that software refinement over time can noticeably improve drivability/feel.

The Aston Martin S is being referenced as a comparison point in the conversation. The key listener takeaway is that the hosts are discussing how similar-feeling seats and ergonomics can be across different performance cars.

Recaro is a performance seat brand known for supportive bolsters and motorsport-inspired designs. Here, the host is arguing that the seat’s apparent movement in video is intentional compliance to better manage high lateral acceleration (high G loads).

“G loads” describe how many times the force of gravity the driver experiences during cornering, braking, or acceleration. Under high G loads, seats and their mounting systems often use controlled flex or compliance so the driver stays supported without feeling unstable.

A “bucket” seat is a deep, contoured seat that wraps around the driver to hold them in place during aggressive driving. The host contrasts a bucket-style race seat with the seat in this car, which he describes as having more street-car comfort and compliance.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo) is a performance sedan known for all-wheel-drive traction and rally-inspired engineering. The podcast describes it as structurally sound and not a race car, emphasizing it as a street car with supportive seats like Recaro high-back designs. It’s discussed as a practical performance machine that still feels “real” for daily use.

The Ford Focus RS is mentioned as another car where the host has seen a similar high-back performance seat design. This supports the idea that the seat’s shape is a known, proven layout in hot hatches and performance trims.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is used as a benchmark for a true track-focused bucket seat. The host is saying the seat in this car isn’t as extreme as a GT3 carbon bucket-style setup, but it still has deep bolsters for support.

The Toyota Corolla is a mainstream compact car known for practicality and high-volume ownership. In the podcast, it’s brought up in a traffic scene where the speaker notices a Corolla with a loud exhaust and aftermarket-looking wheels. That kind of mention highlights how even common cars can be modified to stand out.

The Acura TSX is a compact-to-midsize sedan from Acura, typically known for a balanced mix of comfort and performance. The podcast mentions seeing a loud, lowered TSX that looked beat up, which points to how owners can personalize these cars. It’s brought up as an example of what you might spot on the road and how TSX cars can be modified.

Trail braking is a driving technique where you keep some brake pressure applied while turning into a corner, instead of releasing the brakes completely before the turn. The goal is to help the car rotate and settle the chassis for better grip and control through the entry phase.

The Jaguar XJ12 is a classic Jaguar model known for its V12 engine and grand-touring character. When someone mentions an “old XJ12” with the hood popped, it’s usually a nod to the car’s age and the kind of mechanical attention older V12 Jaguars can require.

The Jaguar XJC is a two-door, coupe-style version of the XJ platform, created as a more stylish alternative to the standard four-door sedan. In the transcript, it’s described as a “pillarless” two-door XJ, which highlights its distinctive body shape and rarity.

The Jaguar XJ-S is a grand touring-style Jaguar coupe known for its classic styling and V12-era heritage in some versions. The podcast context references Jaguar model history and naming, including “XJC” and “before the XJS.” It’s discussed here as part of understanding the lineage of Jaguar’s coupes.

A Landau roof is a vinyl or fabric-style roof treatment—often with a “two-tone” look—that was popular on luxury cars. In this segment, the hosts criticize modern “aftermarket Landau” conversions where the material may be poorly fitted (even described as carpet stapled on), which can affect appearance and how well the roof is sealed.

Aftermarket refers to parts or modifications made by companies other than the original manufacturer. Here, “aftermarket Landau” means the roof treatment was added after the car was built, which can range from high-quality fabrication to cheap, poorly sealed installs.

An automatic transmission is a gearbox that shifts gears without the driver using a clutch pedal. The hosts contrast an LS with a GM six-speed automatic in one context, and then mention a 12-cylinder Jaguar hot-rod build with a manual, highlighting how the swap choices change the driving feel.

A powertrain is the car’s main drivetrain hardware—typically the engine plus the transmission and related components that deliver power to the wheels. The hosts say the Galpin-built Jaguar XJ Series 1 has a full Corvette powertrain, meaning the swap is more than cosmetic; it’s a major mechanical change.

“Daily” here means a car intended for frequent everyday commuting rather than occasional weekend use. The hosts connect daily driving to reduced engine wear concerns—especially when short trips don’t fully warm the engine up.

EV chargers are equipment that supplies electricity to recharge an electric vehicle’s battery. The hosts mention having two EV chargers available, framing it as a practical advantage for using an EV as a daily driver.

A V12 is an engine with twelve cylinders arranged in a “V” shape, typically producing smooth power and a distinctive sound. In this segment, the hosts specifically tie the V12 to the Jaguar XJ C12 and emphasize it being paired with a manual gearbox.

In modern cars, wiring is the network of electrical circuits that connects sensors, control modules, and actuators. The host is specifically worried about wiring in places like the doors and under the dash, because electrical faults can be intermittent and expensive to diagnose.

JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to cars and parts designed for Japan’s market. In this context, the host uses it to describe the styling cues and vibe associated with Japanese performance culture.

NISMO is Nissan’s in-house performance brand, associated with motorsport development and higher-performance versions of Nissan models. In this segment, “Nismo Z” is treated as a key enthusiast product that helps Nissan’s comeback narrative.

The Nissan Skyline is a long-running Japanese model name with a strong performance and motorsports reputation. In this episode it’s mentioned as part of Nissan’s strategy—using recognizable, enthusiast-friendly nameplates alongside other products to help drive a comeback.

The Nissan Xterra is a rugged, off-road-oriented SUV model that the host cites as part of Nissan’s product lineup. Here it’s mentioned in the context of Nissan trying to “stage their comeback” with a mix of models aimed at different buyer needs.

EVs (electric vehicles) are cars powered primarily by electricity stored in a battery rather than by gasoline combustion. The host argues Nissan’s strategy didn’t lean “too hard” into EVs, and ties that to a moment when consumer attention and fuel costs are shifting.

The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV, and in this segment the host specifically mentions being picked up from the airport in the new Armada. They describe it as comfortable enough for a road trip, which frames the Armada as a practical part of Nissan’s current lineup.

The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV known for high-end features and a commanding presence. The podcast references the Escalade V as “silly,” pointing to how extreme performance or styling can be for a vehicle of this size. It also mentions trim/package context, suggesting the discussion is about how different versions of the Escalade are equipped.

“All-weather” floor mats are designed to handle rain, snow, and mud without getting ruined as easily as typical carpet mats. They’re usually made from rubber or similar materials and are shaped to trap debris and protect the carpet underneath.

WeatherTech is an aftermarket brand known for molded floor liners and all-weather mats. In this segment, it’s praised as a practical upgrade option when replacing worn floor mats on used cars.

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car platform known for being practical while also supporting performance variants. The podcast context asks whether trying a front-wheel-drive car like a GTI or Civic Si would help someone understand the “gist,” implying a comparison about driving feel and traction. It’s mentioned as a baseline for how different drivetrains can change the experience.

The Ford Fiesta is a small car that’s often associated with fun, tossable driving, especially in performance trims. The podcast mentions finding a really nice Fiesta ST, suggesting interest in the more sporty version. It’s brought up as an example of a compact that can deliver a lot of driving enjoyment for the right condition.