Nissan’s sporty Z coupe is getting primed again for track duty.

The Z Nismo returns to the U.S. after three years this fall with added horsepower and torque, performance-tuned suspension and brakes, aerodynamic bodywork and a stiffened suspension.

Like Mercedes-Benz’ AMG or BMW’s M, the Nismo has the double objective of enhancing Nissan’s sporty side while adding profit to various models for both the manufacturer and the dealers, said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions.

“It takes a desirable product and makes it aspirational,” Fiorani said.

In the U.S., Nissan has offered the Nismo performance package on the Sentra compact sedan, the 370Z and GT-R sports cars and the Juke compact crossover.

Takao Katagiri, global CEO of Nismo, has said that Nissan is “having lots of discussions” about introducing additional Nismo offerings geared toward American tastes.

“When we look at the U.S. market and what our competitors are doing there, there is a possibility [for Nismo] in the crossover and truck segments going forward,” Katagiri told Automotive News in 2021.

The iconic Nissan Z received a makeover last year — its first redesign since 2009. The seventh-generation Z produces 400 hp from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine.

The 2024 Z Nismo dials up engine output to 420 hp. Torque increases to 384 pound-feet, up 34 pound-feet from the standard model.

Nissan says the boost in horsepower reflects increased turbocharger pressure and turbine speed. An improved engine oil cooler extends track performance by moderating engine temperature when under duress.

The nine-speed automatic transmission features revised clutch packs for quicker shifting. Nissan said tweaked engine management software reduces downshift time by almost half, compared with the Z Performance trim.

The chassis is stiffened and includes additional front, rear and underfloor bracing, helping increase torsional rigidity by 2.5 percent compared with standard grades. Stiffer front and rear suspension bushings and a more rigid mounting bushing for the steering rack further increase lateral rigidity.

The Z Nismo wears 15-inch front brake rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, equipped with a “performance-focused” brake pad compound.

Design tweaks to the Z Nismo aim to improve aerodynamic performance on the race track.

The honeycomb mesh on the redesigned Z Nismo grille is the thinnest on any Nissan to balance drag reduction and engine cooling.

Canards at the car’s front corners create vortexes over the front wheels, improving air flow and aerodynamics.

In the rear, a tall, wide spoiler with a three-piece design extends onto the rear fenders.

GT-R Nismo-inspired rear bumper corners help reduce drag, and the redesigned side sills also limit aerodynamic drag and lift.