A Front three quarters shot of a gray Nissan Z NISMO parked on blacktop behind a reflective puddle and in front of a chainlink fence and shipping containersEver since its debut in 2024, critics have dragged the racier Nismo version of the Nissan Z through the proverbial mud for its lack of a manual transmission, but mercifully that all changes for 2027. Nissan just announced the updated 2027 Z, which finally brings a good old-fashioned shift-it-yourself six-speed manual transmission and GT-R-derived iron-aluminum brake rotors to the top Nismo trim. There's also revised styling for the Sport and Performance trims, which we first saw on the JDM Fairlady Z a few months ago, and reworked suspension for the Z Performance.Sadly the refresh doesn't bring any extra power to the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 along with the other revisions, so both Sport and Performance trims make do with 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, while Nismo Zs retain their 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. NissanTwo of our primary gripes about the Nismo Z when we drove it back in 2024 were its high price and the lack of a manual transmission option, so this update solves at least one of those concerns, since pricing for 2027 Z isn't available yet. (It's unlikely to change much, though.) The Z Nismo's manual was tweaked for maximum driving funA front three-quarters shot of a green Z parked under a bridge in front of a cityscape at sunsetMost trims of the Nissan Z have been available with a manual transmission since the model's debut in 2023, but the performance and track-focused Z Nismo was not. Nissan says shift-it-yourself Z Nismos receive a dedicated engine tune, as well as an upgraded clutch compared to other manual-equipped Zs, as well as a new shift lever ratio for a shorter shift, and more solid feel during gear changes. Sounds tasty.Mid-grade Z Performances receive new larger diameter shock absorbers, as well as new forged 19-inch black-spoke wheels and a new tan upholstery option. The Performance trim level retains its standard rev-matching abilities, mechanical limited-slip rear differential, red-painted four-piston front brakes with larger rotors, and Bridgestone Potenza high-performance tires.NissanAll 2027 Nissan Zs receive a new cooled 15-watt magnetic wireless charger, a redesigned fuel tank that helps prevent fuel starve during high-G cornering, and a lovely new two-tone paint option: Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic with a black roof. Sport and Performance Zs receive a reworked front bumper that incorporates a body-color bar bisecting the grille, as well as an aerodynamically optimized bumper, grille, and internal ducting. Pricing for the updated 2027 Nissan Z is not available just yet, but Nissan says it will reach dealership showrooms sometime this summer — though the Z is going to a build-to-order-only model, so don't expect your local dealer to have any in stock. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox, and add us as a preferred search source on Google.
