2027 Nissan Z Adds a Manual NISMO, GT-R Brake Hardware, Styling Tweaks

The 2027 Nissan Z is getting a full refresh that's more than some tweaked bumpers and fresh paint. Although those two updates are included, the big news this year is the addition of a six-speed manual transmission to the Z NSIMO and GT-R-derived brakes. As a whole, the car is being reworked with the goal to enhance the driving experience behind the wheel.

“We’ve listened to everything Nissan Z fans and owners have been asking for, and we’re answering the call with the most exhilarating, driver-focused version of the seventh-generation Z yet,” said Marco Fioravanti, vice president, product planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada. “The six-speed manual in Z NISMO was specifically engineered for a pure and focused experience, while targeted handling and braking upgrades give more consistent and more capable track performance.”

NISMO for the Enthusiasts

The new manual transmission in the NISMO Z is not the same as the one found in regular models. This gearbox has been specifically engineered for the NISMO, with notable changes to the clutch and a shorter throw shifter. To match the new transmission, manual NISMO Z models also get specific engine tuning for the 3.0-liter V6 turbo. Nissan has adjusted the throttle and ignition timing control, to give the car better feel. To complement the feel, the sound inside the car is also changed, with the Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation systems specifically calibrated to work with the manual transmission behaviour.

More than Just a Manual

The other big mechanical change to the 2027 Nissan NISMO Z has to do with the car's front brakes. They now use a two-piece, iron-aluminum brake rotor derived from the recently defunct GT-R. The main advantage to these new brakes is improved cooling, which should in turn reduce brake pad temperatures when driven hard. As well, the new brakes save about 19 pounds in total.

To deal with the less unsprung weight, the NISMO Z has undergone some suspension tweaks and the steering system has reduced internal friction by 20%. Nissan states these changes should make the car respond better and feel more natural to the driver behind the wheel.

Updates to the Other Models

Aside from a sharper NISMO Z, the regular versions of the sporty coupe also get updates for the 2027 model year. The Sport and Performance trims wear a new bumper up front, as well as a new grille. The most notable change to the grille is a bar that now bisects it, adorning a new “Z” badge in place of the Nissan one, like Z cars of old. A new Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint is available and comes only with the black painted roof.

The Performance trim also gets new 19-inch wheels and an available tan interior option. On a technology front, there's a new wireless phone charger that features better device cooling and tha capability to charge at speeds of 15W.