2027 Nissan Z NISMO Finally Gets Manual Transmission It Always Deserved

Nissan just made a lot of Z faithful very happy. The Japanese automaker has officially revealed details for the 2027 Nissan Z ahead of its North American debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show, headlined by the introduction of a six-speed manual transmission and GT‑R-derived brakes for the 420-horsepower, track-ready Z NISMO.

When the NISMO variant was first launched, enthusiasts slammed Nissan for not offering the performance model with a manual, but thankfully the powers that be listened to the fans and gave them what they wanted, a proper six-speed manual transmission.

In addition, the Z gets a comprehensive refresh that touches the engine, brakes, suspension, steering, and design, with it shaping up to be the most driver-focused version of the 7th-gen Z yet. Here’s everything you need to know.

The NISMO Manual Is Real, And It Was Built Right

This isn’t just a standard gearbox dropped into a high-performance car as an afterthought. Nissan engineered this six-speed manual specifically for the NISMO grade, featuring an upgraded clutch over what you’ll find in the Z Sport and Performance trims, along with a shorter shift lever ratio that delivers quicker, more solid-feeling gear changes.

The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (good for 420 horsepower in NISMO trim, compared to 400 hp in the standard variants) has also been recalibrated specifically for the manual, with revised throttle and ignition timing tuned for sharper throttle response and more sustained torque delivery. Even the Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation systems got a NISMO-specific retune, dramatically cranking up the intake and exhaust notes when you flip the dial to Sport mode.

The absence of a manual on the previous-gen NISMO was one of the loudest complaints from the Nissan community. Consider it addressed. Now it’s time for people to put their money where their mouth is.

GT-R Brakes And A Lighter, Sharper Front End

If the manual wasn’t enough to get your attention, Nissan went ahead and gave the 2027 Z NISMO a set of Akebono front brakes partially derived from the legendary GT-R. These two-piece rotors pair forged aluminum hats with cross-drilled iron rotors, improving brake pad performance and rotor cooling during track use while shaving 19 pounds off the front end.

That weight reduction didn’t go unnoticed by Nissan’s engineers. The front dampers were revised to account for the lighter nose, and the steering rack was also reworked in the process, reducing internal friction by 20%. The result is a more fluid, communicative steering feel that Nissan says will require fewer corrections through corners. For anyone who’s pushed a sports car hard on a winding road or a track day, that kind of steering precision is a game-changer.

Handling Upgrades Across The Lineup

The performance improvements aren’t exclusive to the NISMO. All 2027 Z models gain larger-diameter monotube shock absorbers designed to smooth out ride quality while delivering more consistent and predictable handling. The NISMO version gets the same dampers, but further tuned for its performance character.

Every 2027 Z also benefits from a redesigned fuel tank that keeps fuel properly circulating around the pump during high-G cornering. For track day regulars and autocross competitors, this is a quietly important upgrade, as fuel starvation mid-corner is a real and frustrating problem on hard-driven stock cars, and Nissan has now engineered it out of the equation.

Fresh Styling And A Color Worth Talking About

The 2027 Z gets a redesigned front end across the Sport and Performance trims, which draws inspiration from classic Nissan sports cars. A body-color bar now bisects the grille opening, a new “Z” emblem replaces the Nissan badge on the nose, and the bumper and ducting have been reshaped to improve cooling airflow while reducing both lift and drag.

The new wheel design on the Z Performance is a 19-inch forged unit with black spokes and a machined-finish rim — visually inspired by the Z31-generation’s aluminum alloy 15-inchers. It’s a nice nod to Z heritage without feeling retro.

Then there’s the paint. Nissan is introducing Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic, a color rooted in the classic S30 Z’s iconic green, modernized with a fine-grain, green-tinted pearl effect that plays dramatically with light and shadow. In the U.S., it’s paired exclusively with a Super Black roof. It’s one of those colors that looks like a completely different shade depending on what the sun is doing, and it’s a welcome alternative to the sea of grey and white sports cars crowding most dealership lots.

Interior Gets A Smarter Charger

Inside, the 2027 Nissan Z largely carries over its existing cockpit, but the Z Performance and NISMO models gain Qi2 wireless charging, which features a cooling fan to help manage device heat, and magnetic alignment to keep compatible devices optimally positioned. Its 15‑watt maximum output is now supported by a wider range of devices.

Pricing And Availability

The 2027 Nissan Z and Z NISMO are expected to hit dealerships in summer 2026, with official pricing announced closer to launch. Based on current 2026 pricing and such, we expect the Z Sport to start around $46,000–$47,000, the Performance trim around $56,000–$58,000, and the Z NISMO coming in at $66,000–$68,000.

While a nearly $70K price might sound a little steep, for a purpose-built, manual-available sports car with GT-R brakes and a 420-horsepower twin-turbo V6, that’s still a compelling value in today’s market. Nissan’s engineers have clearly been listening, and the 2027 Z is the direct result.

Stay tuned, as we’ll be sharing more photos of the 2027 Z NIMSO from the floor of the New York Auto Show next week on our Facebook page.