Image Credit: NissanThe new Nissan Z sports car has been a big hit since its launch a few years ago. But some felt it perhaps wasn't quite as good-looking as it could have been. Well, for its mid-cycle refresh, Nissan has given the sports car quite a nice facelift.Inspiration has been taken from the S30 and Z31 models, and the refreshed car has made its debut in Japan before it becomes available in the United States. It is also good news for enthusiasts, as the long-awaited manual version of the NISMO Z has also arrived.The revised car has certainly gone down well. The Japanese manufacturer has leaned further into the retro design of the sports car, and a subtle tweak up front involving the badge has also had quite a big impact. But don't think this revised Nissan is all about style and no substance.AdvertisementAdvertisementNissan has also reworked the underpinnings of the Z, known as the Fairlady Z and Fairlady Z NISMO in Japan. This ensures that anyone buying the car for 2027 isn't just getting a nice upgrade to the visuals. You will feel the difference in the steering wheel as well.What's New With the 2027 Nissan Fairlady Z?Image Credit: NissanThe revised design of the new Nissan Z is the highlight for 2027. The redesigned bumper is now sculpted with a body-finish crossbar, offering a more elegant look than on the previous version. The new bumper also extends the nose tip of the car outward, making it reminiscent of the S30 generation of the Z sports car.Perhaps the nicest addition is one that is incredibly subtle. Gone is the Nissan logo up front, and in its place is a Z emblem, something seen on Nissan Z sports cars from the S30 to the Z32. It is a nice, retro throwback, and while subtle, it is arguably the coolest change of the lot. Nissan has also modified the lower bumper ducts and sensors, and the company says there is less aerodynamic drag and lift compared to the previous version.The new aero disc-style wheels have a heritage vibe too, reminding us of those seen on the Z31. The aluminum wheels are a direct reference to the Z's past, yet made with modern technologies, and they are therefore lighter. Still only available in Japan is the stunning orange version, something that many in the United States would love to see in their driveways.Nissan Has Reworked the Z Sports Car Under the SkinImage Credit: NissanBeneath the surface, Nissan has done plenty of work. The sports car now has large monotube shock absorbers, which respond more quickly to the road surface. It has also increased the damper pressure-receiving area by 26.6 percent. That means superior damping and greater stability when driving at higher speeds. Perfect for going around a racetrack or sporty driving on tight, twisty roads.AdvertisementAdvertisementA real bonus for enthusiasts, however, is the inclusion of the manual transmission for the NISMO Z. When first launched, Nissan left out a manual transmission, citing performance reasons. But now, thanks to enthusiast demand, a six-speed manual transmission is available with the sportier NISMO version. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 still makes 400hp in the standard Z, while in the NISMO version it makes 420hp. The new 2027 model starts at $45,735, rising to $55,725 for the Z Performance. The NISMO starts at $68,505.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.