Nissan's latest Z sports car has spawned its more hardcore Nismo variant, and we've just taken it for a spin. The new Z Nismo brings extra power, aerodynamic mods, and a stiffened chassis, all designed to improve the Z's performance at the racetrack. In a surprising move, the car also ditches the Z's manual transmission in favor of the automatic.

BMW has been spotted testing a more hardcore version of its M2 at the Nürburgring, and this time we have video footage. The new version is likely an M2 CS. Like the previous-generation M2's CS version, the new car should up the performance via more power and less weight.

The Land Rover Defender-inspired Ineos Grenadier is scheduled to reach the U.S. in November and the first examples destined for local customers are now being built. The rugged SUV is available in three grades and is priced to start at $71,500.

You'll find these stories and more in today's car news, right here at Motor Authority.

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