Originally Posted by 2bits

If by "ester-based" you mean group V, no, Nissan Ester is not group V. We aren't even sure if it's dino or synthetic, but it does have ester additives. There is also a nano particle additive. To learn more about this, you'll need to find the article on another 370z tech site (search the internet for 370z ester mike kojima).

How much benefit comes from esters, and how much from the nano particles is unknown.

BTW, the cheapest group V is Redline, which you can find for $9.70/qt shipped. Still pricey.