This one was a surprise. I’ve always liked the Zed, but have felt that it hadn’t quite realized its potential as a back-to-basics rear wheel drive sportscar. A bit rough around the edges, with an engine that didn’t relish its roll, either. Ad to that, I’m a bit past the boy-racer stage of my life, and the NISMO’s various body addenda didn’t get my blood racing.

My first drive around the block didn’t do much to change that perspective, though I did note that the midlife facelift had improved interior quality quite dramatically; surfaces were now uniformly well finished, and touches like the flock lining of the (incredibly various and useful) storage cubbies a nice touch.

But that’s not why one would by the 350Z, and despite an improvement in shift quality—still hefty, but now with a machined, well-oiled precision about the gate—and ride (thanks to the bespoke NISMO dampers that handled pockmarked urban roads with a deftness befitting a BMW M-car), I wasn’t blown away.

That changed over time, though—especially after a full day thrashing various serpentine mountain roads of my intimate acquaintance. Let’s start with the engine, long the Z’s biggest weakness. Numerous changes (running into the hundreds of parts) haven’t transformed the venerable VQ series 3.5-liter V6, but they have endowed it with sufficient refinement for around-town duties and a newfound willingness to rev that make it worthy of the rest of the car. No longer does it run out of breath as you hone in on the redline, and bolstered midrange shove means it’s no longer mandatory to thrash it anyway. Throttle response is also much sharper, aiding rev-matching. It even sounds better, especially from outside, courtesy of the bazooka-tube NISMO exhaust system. And despite fairly minor numerical increases in power and torque (to 306hp and 268lbs-ft), it finally feels strong enough for such a testosteroned ride.

As speeds rise and g-loads increase, the Nissan’s true talents begin to shine through: indefatigable brakes (which also offer more top-end bite than is the norm for Brembos) give the confidence to push deep into corners, while the precise shift action and feelsome clutch takeup allow perfect heal-and-toe high jinks.

As we’ve intimated, it’s the NISMO’s handling that is its strong suit. Simply put, this is one of the finest introductions to the joys of rear wheel drive dynamics available at any price. 350Zs have always been fun bruisers, in a Japanese Mustang GT kinda way, and each year has brought minor tweaks to tuning and alignment, all benefiting the driver. It’s here though that the Nissan breaks through into true greatness.

It starts with the extra chassis welding and reinforcement that’s part of the NISMO option pak, which imparts an even greater sense of rigidity and allows the tuned dampers to better do their part. Complimenting this are subtle changes to the various suspension bits and unique, forged Rays alloys, which help reduce unsprung mass and contribute to greater precision and wheel control.

The result is a car that you can drive right on the nose, knowing that the front grip will last even under severe provocation, yet without any exaggerated turn-in or dartiness. This confidence means that you can wait until the optimal moment for corner entry, and that if you misjudge, there’s always a bit more grip to see you through if you need to tighten your line to hit the apex. The helm’s weightiness and precision help here, accurately telegraphing the front end’s grip levels without unwanted kickback or tramlining.

The Nissan’s rear is biddable as well; the limited slip axle reminds one of the brilliantly brutal efficiency of BMW’s fabled M-Diff, as you can feel it balancing tractive forces to deploy power. Beyond its effectiveness in maximizing traction, it also makes the wonderful tail-out antics the 350Z is so capable of both progressive and easily maintainable. If there is a better low(er) priced new car in which to learn the art of drifting, I haven’t driven it.

This sumptuous blend of neutrality and predictability is a rare accomplishment, and places the NISMO in rare company. After my thorough romp, I’m surprised to realize that the car it most reminds me of in demeanor and reward is Porsche’s glorious GT3 RS; the control weighting, perfect driver work station ergonomics, the composed ride and decent fuel economy—even the chattering pressure plate while its in neutral—combine to allow mere mortals a taste of what Stuttgart’s six-figure ride is like. And because of its fairly humble price point, the Nissan allows you to take liberties with it that almost no one ever will with the Porker.

As I park it and walk away I have to look back. As the plonking and pinging noises of joyfully heated metal subside, I conclude that even the various body addenda are no longer offending my silly sensibilities; having experienced the NISMO 350Z’s prodigious talents, I rate them as an accurate visual expression of its soulfulness and integrity.

Price as tested: $39,115

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