You asked for it, and Nissan is finally delivering. The 2027 Nissan Z lineup is officially getting a major mid-cycle refresh, and the absolute biggest news is that the track-focused, 420-horsepower Z NISMO is finally dropping its auto-only mandate. By adding a highly anticipated stick shift, heavy-duty hardware borrowed from Godzilla, and a gorgeous retro facelift, the new Z is out to prove it is still the ultimate driver’s car.
The Z NISMO Gets a Proper Stick Shift
When the current-generation Z NISMO debuted, enthusiasts were heartbroken to learn it was only available with a nine-speed automatic. For 2027, Nissan is righting that wrong by introducing a six-speed manual transmission to the top-tier trim.
Nissan didn’t just pull the standard gearbox from the lower trims and slap it into the NISMO, either. This new six-speed was purpose-built for track duty, featuring a beefed-up clutch designed to handle serious abuse. Engineers also tweaked the shifter ratio to deliver significantly shorter throws, making gear changes feel crisp, solid, and lightning-fast.
To sweeten the deal, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 gets bespoke manual-specific tuning. Nissan sharpened the ignition and throttle response to deliver a more aggressive, sustained torque curve that rewards drivers who like to row their own gears. They also cranked up the Active Sound Enhancement in Sport mode, meaning you will hear a whole lot more of that glorious intake and exhaust noise in the cabin.
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GT-R Brakes and Track-Ready Handling
The NISMO’s braking system receives a massive upgrade for 2027, courtesy of the legendary Nissan GT-R. The front end now sports two-piece iron-and-aluminum rotors pulled straight from the supercar’s parts bin. Not only do these new rotors feature upgraded cooling channels to fight off brake fade during intense track days, but they also shave a whopping 19 pounds of unsprung weight off the nose of the car.
To compensate for that massive weight reduction, Nissan recalibrated the NISMO’s suspension. They also reduced the internal friction of the steering rack by 20%, resulting in a much smoother, more precise cornering feel that requires less wrestling at the limit.
As a bonus for track rats, every single 2027 Nissan Z model (not just the NISMO) receives a newly designed fuel tank. The updated baffling ensures the fuel pump doesn’t starve when you are pulling massive lateral Gs through a long, sweeping corner.
A Retro Facelift for Sport and Performance Trims
If you are shopping for the standard Sport or Performance trims, you are getting a serious aesthetic upgrade. Nissan completely redesigned the front bumper, replacing the polarizing, wide-open rectangular grille with a classic split-grille design bisected by a body-colored bar. The historic “Z” badge also takes the place of the standard Nissan hamburger logo on the nose, while redesigned ducting improves cooling and reduces aerodynamic lift.
Performance models also get a fresh set of forged 19-inch wheels featuring black spokes and a machined lip, larger monotube shocks for a better ride, and an incredibly slick new tan interior upholstery option.
Finally, buyers can now spec their Z in Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic. Paired exclusively with a Super Black roof, this fine-flake, color-shifting green pays direct homage to the iconic S30-generation Datsun 240Z.
The highly upgraded 2027 Nissan Z lineup is slated to hit dealership lots in the summer of 2026, with official pricing expected to be announced shortly before launch.
