One letter, and lots of fun.

That’s a simple way to describe the enthusiast-focused Z line from Nissan.

This sporty, old-school, rear-wheel drive coupe with 2 doors, 2 seats and a whole lot of power under the hood, is one that continues to impress.

After a redesign in 2023, the 2024 lineup adds the more powerful NISMO trim level, which I was recently able to experience.

And it’s definitely a memorable experience, with the Z NISMO offering a fun and fast, racetrack-ready vehicle for driving enthusiasts, highlighted by aerodynamic upgrades and booming power.

Its sports car competition is plentiful — from classics like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Corvette, to the newer Toyota GR Supra and more upscale offerings from BMW and Porsche — but the Z brings an attractive design and powerful performance that can handle the competition, and costs much less.

While some car buyers are focused on large, roomy, family-friendly SUVs, there’s also plenty of people who just want a vehicle that’ll let you have a little fun — every single day.

That’s where sporty, rear-wheel drive coupes like the Subaru BRZ come into the picture. (Of note: It’s the only Subaru vehicle that doesn’t come in all-wheel drive)

Redesigned for the 2022 model year, this vehicle is the brainchild of both Subaru and Toyota, who offer near-twin versions of the vehicle (Toyota’s GR86 is the alternate version in this partnership).

This second version of the BRZ gets an updated interior, and some updated technology. But in the end, this is all about the driving experience, and a more powerful motor comes with the updated package.

There are lots of sports cars out there, but most vehicles that offer such a purely enjoyable driving experience are out of reach for the average buyer. The BRZ aims to change that.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2022 BRZ, and I’m back with a full report.

“Wow. That’s a Nissan?”

This was a common expression I heard all week when people would walk by and stare at the 2023 Nissan Z I was test-driving.

The long-awaited vehicle — the 7th generation of the Z model aimed at driving enthusiasts — has finally arrived this summer, offering a more affordable option to fans of speed and power who don’t want to spend luxury dollars for a rear-wheel-drive coupe offering a pure thrill ride. With few true competitors — most notably the Toyota GR Supra — the latest Z has a great shot at drawing a significant fan base among devoted enthusiasts. 

In an era where most big launches are electric vehicles, the arrival of the new Z is a big deal.

The 2023 Nissan Z is the 7th generation of the Z legacy, which stretches back all the way to 1969. I was able to test a prototype of this highly anticipated sports car, and I’m back with a full report on the vehicle — which aims to continue the Z’s historic styling and sporty nature while adding in some modern tech features.

Four doors are better than two — at least in the minds of some car buyers.

So it makes sense that BMW is bringing back a redesigned 4-series Gran Coupe for 2022. This vehicle is a sort of hybrid between its two-door 4-series coupe, and its 3-series sedan, aiming to be a best of both worlds type of vehicle.

The goal here is to create more accessibility and room for rear passengers without compromising the driving aesthetic that BMW’s reputation brings.

With two powerful engine options, the Gran Coupe delivers — which is essential in the extremely competitive luxury car genre.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2022 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, and I’m back with a full report on whether it achieves its goal of maintaining driving excellence while increasing practicality.