The 2027 Nissan Z debuted back in January already, but now it’s time for its U.S. launch alongside the updated Z Nismo, which is now available with a six-speed manual transmission. The facelifted non-Nismo variant gets revised styling for 2027 that improves aerodynamic efficiency, redesigned wheels, and a new green paint finish that pairs beautifully with a new tan interior. There have also been meaningful changes under the skin—changes that promise to provide a sharper driving experience, particularly for the Nismo model. And there’s now wireless charging. Let’s take a closer look.
2027 Nissan Z Updated Inside and Out
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The 2027 Nissan Z Sport and Performance variants have been given a new front bumper and grille that leans further into the already retro styling of the sports car, adding a body-color bar running through the front grille intake. This bumper promises to reduce aerodynamic lift and drag, though this is obviously a minor improvement. Another throwback touch is the decision to place a Z emblem on the hood instead of the Nissan badge previously found there, and the new forged 19-inch wheels lean into the old-school look with black centers and a machined-finish rim. This looks especially good with the new Unryu Green metallic paint option, which has been given a new name in the U.S.: Shinkai Green Pearl. Whatever you call it, it’s a throwback to the Grand Prix Green offered on the S30 generation of the Datsun 240Z, and if you order it, the roof is painted Super Black. For Z Performance models, tan interior upholstery is also available, as is a wireless smartphone charger with a cooling fan that Nissan says will work on “a wider range of devices.”
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Elsewhere, Nissan has retuned the suspension of the Z Performance, now using larger-diameter monotube shock absorbers that aim to improve vibration damping for a more comfortable ride, though the 400-horsepower/350 lb-ft output hasn’t changed. Finally, all Nissan Z variants get a redesigned gas tank that prevents the fuel pump from running dry during high-G cornering, which is good news for track rats. Speaking of, the Z Nismo now gets parts from the venerable Nissan GT-R.
2027 Nissan Z NISMO: GT-R Brakes, Manual Transmission, and More
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The big news is the new option of a six-speed manual, which has necessitated a retune of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6’s throttle and ignition timing, though outputs are unchanged here, too, at 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Since the regular Z makes less, Nismo has put in a stronger clutch, and a new shifter with a shorter throw should make the experience notably more engaging. The manual also gets retuned Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation programs to make the intake and exhaust sounds louder in Sport mode. Sadly, this stick-shift option will be limited and very difficult to get your hands on, but at least it exists.
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Another meaningful change is the addition of two-piece iron-aluminum brake rotors derived from those on the R35 Nissan GT-R. Not only are these better at dissipating heat, but they contribute to a weight-saving of 19 pounds, which Nismo has considered in retuning the suspension. The engineers also got to work on the steering rack, which Nissan says results in a 20 percent reduction in internal friction, making for a “more fluid cornering sensation that requires fewer driver corrections.” We look forward to testing this for ourselves after the 2027 Nissan Z lineup arrives at dealers in the summer.
We also look forward to the pricing announcement, but for reference, the 2026 Nissan Z Sport starts at $42,970, the Z Performance at $52,970, and the Z Nismo at $65,750. The Nissan Z Heritage Edition ($55,910) was only available for 2026, but perhaps something similar will be offered later in the year. Now that the GR Supra is gone, is this the ideal RWD turbo toy? Now that a manual is available, it might just be.
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