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2027 Nissan Z First Look: The NISMO Finally Gets a Manual Transmission
Nissan previewed its newly updated Z at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, but we now have all the U.S. specific details.
Justin BannerWriterManufacturerPhotographerMar 23, 2026
Nissan’s had a tough go of it in recent years, but one bright spot from an enthusiast perspective has been the Japanese brand’s continued commitment to its venerable Nissan Z sports car. Back in January at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, Nissan rolled out initial details of what to expect from the updated 2027 Z, but at the time it wasn’t clear how many of those changes would make it stateside. Now, Nissan’s rolled out the official U.S.-spec details in advance of its debut at the upcoming New York auto show, annnnnnnd … it’s pretty much the same car as the one it showed in Tokyo, save a few minor details. Not that it’s a bad thing, mind you.
Shift it Yourself NISMO
To recap, the biggest news is, just like the Japanese version, the NISMO variant of the 2027 Z will get a manual transmission option for the U.S. This was probably the biggest disappointment for the Nissan faithful when the last NISMO Z debuted, and the automaker has righted that wrong by adding a six-speed manual option featuring an upgraded clutch and a shorter shift lever ratio. The Z Sport and Performance trims will also continue to be offered with a manual, but they won’t be available with the NISMO box’s upgrades.
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The NISMO Z’s version of Nissan’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 420 horsepower (non-NISMOs are rated at 400 hp) has been recalibrated to return a more aggressive throttle response and better sustained torque delivery by adjusting the throttle and ignition timing. Additionally, Nissan’s Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation systems have been retuned for the NISMO Z that Nissan says “dramatically amplifies intake and exhaust notes” when the dial is turned to Sport mode.
The 2027 NISMO Z will also get a touch of Godzilla thanks to a set of Akebono front brakes, featuring a two-piece brake rotor partially cribbed from the mighty Nissan GT-R with forged aluminum hats and cross-drilled iron rotors. This arrangement is designed to improve brake pad performance and rotor cooling, and it reduces front end weight by a claimed 19 pounds. As a result of the weight reduction, slight revisions were made to the front dampers as well as the steering rack.
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Speaking of the rack, Nissan was also able to reduce its internal friction by some 20 percent, meaning the 2027 Z should offer a slightly more precise steering feel with better feedback for the driver, potentially resulting in less corrections during cornering.
2027 Nissan Z Overall Improvements
That’s not all that will come over from Japan when the 2027 Nissan Z arrives in the U.S. The same aerodynamic changes and heritage-inspired elements will make their way here, as well. The S30-inspired Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint and new Z Performance 19-inch wheels that were inspired by the Z31 aluminum alloy 15-inch wheels will make it here. Interestingly, the green did get a name change between the Japanese and U.S. versions, as it will be known as Unryu Green in Japan. The only other detail about our green-hued Z is that it will come exclusively with the Super Black roof color option.
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Other exterior changes will include a new body-color bar that bisects the grille opening, a new \”Z\” emblem on the nose, and a reshaping of the nose to improve cooling while also reducing lift and drag. Chassis-wise, the 2027 Z gains larger-diameter monotube dampers that were announced in Tokyo, and yes, the NISMO will get them, too, but they will be further tuned. A short recap of why this was done is that these larger dampers will improve ride quality while providing predictable and consistent performance. Nissan says the increase is around 26.6 percent, and the dampers now 45mm in diameter (or about 1.8 inches).
There will also be a new fuel tank design that Nissan says will better maintain the fuel level during high-G cornering. This will be a highly appreciated redesign for stock-classed time attack, autocross, and track day enthusiasts, as losing fuel and engine power due to starvation while cornering is not fun, to say the least.
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Inside, the new 2027 Z mostly carries over, but the Z Performance and NISMO will get a new Qi2 wireless charger that will feature a cooling fan to manage heat during charging. It will also have magnetic alignment that’s part of the Qi2 requirements and will provide up to 15 watts of output to charge many different devices.
Coming This Summer
Nissan expects the 2027 Z and Z NISMO to arrive on your local dealership lot by this summer, with pricing coming just before its tires hit the pavement. Based on 2026 pricing and everything going on with imports, we expect it to launch with an MSRP between $46,000 and $47,000 for the base Z Sport, $56,000 to $58,000 for the Performance trim, and $66,000 to $68,000 for the Z NISMO.\n\n## 2027 Nissan Z: A Comprehensive Expert Analysis of the Latest Sports Car Refresh\n\nAs the automotive landscape continues its rapid evolution into the electric era, the 2027 Nissan Z stands out as a compelling testament to the enduring appeal of the traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car formula. This latest iteration of Nissan’s iconic Z lineage, previewed at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon and now detailed for the U.S. market, represents a thoughtful refinement rather than a radical overhaul. Drawing upon a decade of enthusiast feedback and leveraging cutting-edge engineering, Nissan has addressed key areas of the previous model while staying true to the spirit of its predecessors. This deep dive explores the comprehensive updates for the 2027 Nissan Z, examining performance enhancements, design evolution, and the strategic positioning of this iconic vehicle in the contemporary market.\n\n### Performance and Powertrain: The NISMO Manual Transmission Returns\n\nThe most significant news for enthusiasts is the much-anticipated return of the manual transmission option for the NISMO variant. The previous generation’s lack of a manual gearbox for the NISMO was a frequent point of contention among purists, and Nissan has decisively rectified this oversight for 2027. The new six-speed manual transmission features an upgraded clutch and a revised, shorter shift lever ratio, promising a more engaging and precise driving experience. This change underscores Nissan’s commitment to the enthusiast driver, acknowledging that for many, the tactile engagement of a manual gearbox is integral to the sports car experience. The Z Sport and Performance trims will continue to offer manual transmission options, though they will not inherit the specialized components found in the NISMO version.\n\nUnder the hood, the NISMO Z’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 receives a strategic recalibration. While the non-NISMO models maintain their 400-horsepower rating, the NISMO variant’s power output remains at 420 horsepower. However, the power delivery is significantly enhanced through adjustments to throttle and ignition timing. This optimization results in a more aggressive throttle response and more sustained torque delivery, ensuring that the power is available precisely when the driver demands it. Complementing these mechanical upgrades are the retuned Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation systems. In Sport mode, these systems work in concert to amplify the intake and exhaust notes, creating a more immersive and visceral auditory experience that further heightens driver engagement.\n\nThe braking system on the NISMO Z receives a notable enhancement, borrowing technology from the legendary Nissan GT-R. The front brakes now feature two-piece rotors with forged aluminum hats and cross-drilled iron rotors. This Akebono setup is designed to improve brake pad performance and rotor cooling, crucial factors for track-oriented driving. Furthermore, this engineering decision results in a weight reduction of approximately 19 pounds at the front end. This reduction in unsprung mass necessitates and allows for further refinements to the front dampers and steering rack, contributing to an overall improvement in handling dynamics.\n\nSteering feel, a critical component of any sports car, is also enhanced for the 2027 model year. Nissan has successfully reduced the internal friction in the steering rack by approximately 20 percent. This refinement translates to a more precise steering feel and improved feedback for the driver, potentially reducing the need for mid-corner corrections and enhancing the car’s agility. This focus on driver-machine interface reflects a deep understanding of what makes a sports car truly rewarding to drive.\n\n### Exterior Design and Aerodynamic Refinements\n\nThe 2027 Nissan Z inherits the aerodynamic enhancements and heritage-inspired design elements introduced on the Japanese market version. A standout feature is the new S30-inspired Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint color. This evocative hue pays homage to the original Datsun 240Z, one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history. Complementing this
