For 2027, Nissan is giving the Z a pretty good update and the really important news for fans is that the Z NISMO will at last have a six-speed manual gearbox. Nissan have also given the NISMO upgraded brakes from the GT-R and the rest of the Z range has styling changes, new technology, and improvements to the chassis.
Up to now, the 420 horsepower Nissan Z NISMO has only been available with an automatic. Nissan have added a newly designed six-speed manual for 2027 specifically for the NISMO.
This manual version has a better clutch and a changed gear lever ratio for quicker, more accurate gear changes. Nissan have also adjusted the throttle and ignition of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 (for the manual) to give it a sharper feel and more lasting power when speeding up.
They’ve even altered the sound of the car. The Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation have been adjusted to make the intake and exhaust noises louder in Sport mode on manual cars.
The Z NISMO also has new front brake discs taken from the Nissan GT-R, a two-part iron and aluminum construction with better cooling. Nissan say this lowers brake pad temperatures during racing and reduces weight at the front of the car by 19 pounds.
As a result of that weight loss, Nissan reworked the suspension and also changed the steering rack, cutting internal resistance by 20% for a smoother steering experience and less need to adjust in the middle of a corner.
The Z Sport and Z Performance models get a new front bumper and grille, drawing inspiration from older Nissan Zs. A new “Z” badge is on the front, instead of the usual Nissan logo.
The Z Performance gets new 19-inch forged alloy wheels and a new tan interior, covering the seats, doors, center console and dashboard.
A new exterior paint, Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic, is available with a Super Black roof. Nissan say this color comes from the green on the original S30 Z, but with a modern pearlescent finish.
And for the chassis and tech…
Larger monotube shock absorbers have been added to the Z Performance for a better ride and handling, the fuel tank has been redesigned to keep fuel flowing during hard cornering on the track, and a new Qi2 wireless charger with a fan and magnetic alignment (for the Performance and NISMO).
These changes all aim to make the Z more reliable during intense driving, especially on a circuit.
The revamped 2027 Nissan Z range – including the new manual Z NISMO – will be in Nissan dealerships this summer. Prices will be announced nearer the time.
