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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. ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW 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. ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW 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. ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW 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. ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW 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. The 2027 Nissan Z NISMO: A Manual Transmission Dream Finally Realized For years, Nissan Z enthusiasts have yearned for a manual transmission in the NISMO variant, and in 2027, that dream becomes a reality. Nissan has finally listened to its loyal fanbase, offering a six-speed manual transmission option for the high-performance NISMO Z. This eagerly anticipated update brings the NISMO Z in line with its enthusiast-focused roots, promising an even more engaging driving experience. But the manual transmission is just the beginning. Nissan has also introduced a host of performance enhancements and design updates that elevate the 2027 Z to new heights. The Manual Transmission Revolution The most significant news for 2027 is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission in the NISMO Z. Previously exclusive to the standard Z Sport and Performance trims, the manual transmission now graces the top-tier NISMO model. This move has been met with widespread acclaim from the automotive community, as it allows drivers to fully engage with the car’s potent powertrain. The manual transmission in the NISMO Z features an upgraded clutch and a shorter shift lever ratio, providing crisper, more precise gear changes. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for track driving, where driver control and feedback are paramount. While the standard Z Sport and Performance trims will continue to offer the manual transmission, they will not receive the NISMO-specific upgrades, making the NISMO’s manual transmission a truly special offering. Performance That Demands Attention Under the hood, the 2027 NISMO Z continues to utilize Nissan’s renowned 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. However, for the NISMO variant, this powerplant has been recalibrated to deliver an exhilarating 420 horsepower, a step up from the 400 horsepower found in the standard Z Sport and Performance models. This power increase is achieved through strategic adjustments to the throttle and ignition timing, resulting in a more aggressive throttle response and improved sustained torque delivery. The difference is palpable, with the NISMO Z feeling more responsive and eager to unleash its power. Nissan has also enhanced the auditory experience of the NISMO Z. The Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation systems have been retuned to deliver an even more immersive sound profile. In Sport mode, the intake and exhaust notes are dramatically amplified, creating a symphony of mechanical fury that excites the senses. This strategic audio enhancement allows drivers to fully appreciate the engineering prowess of the Z’s powertrain, making every drive an auditory delight. Braking Power Fit for a Legend Borrowing a page from its legendary sibling, the Nissan GT-R, the 2027 NISMO Z features Akebono front brakes with two-piece brake rotors. These rotors, partially sourced from the mighty GT-R, incorporate forged aluminum hats and cross-drilled iron discs, providing superior heat dissipation and braking performance. The braking system has been engineered to handle the demands of high-performance driving, offering consistent stopping power lap after lap. Furthermore, this braking upgrade contributes to a weight reduction of approximately 19 pounds at the front end, improving the car’s overall agility and handling characteristics. The weight savings have also allowed Nissan to implement slight revisions to the front dampers and steering rack. The steering rack, in particular, benefits from a 20 percent reduction in internal friction, resulting in a more precise and communicative steering feel. This enhanced steering feedback allows drivers to more accurately gauge the car’s limits, fostering a greater sense of connection between driver and machine. The result is a car that feels more planted and predictable during spirited driving, inspiring confidence with every turn. Design That Honors Heritage While Embracing the Future The 2027 Nissan Z pays homage to its rich heritage with several design updates that evoke the spirit of its predecessors. A new paint color, Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic, inspired by the iconic S30 Z, joins the lineup. This sophisticated hue, known