Nissan initially launched the 2023 Z without the high-performance Nismo variant, but introduced it a year later with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Over three years later, the Z Nismo is set to receive a manual transmission, debuting at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The right-hand-drive version showcases a ball-shaped grip and a six-speed shift pattern, aligning with earlier hints from Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier about the manual transmission’s arrival.
The Z Nismo MT is expected to launch in 2027, possibly alongside a restyled Fairlady Z in Japan this summer. This refreshed model will feature new design styling to enhance aerodynamic performance, potentially including a new fascia or rear wing. While a major mechanical overhaul is unlikely, Nissan may make minor tweaks, as 2027 marks the Z’s fifth year on the market, a typical time for model refreshes.
The Nismo’s manual gearbox will be paired with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, an increase over non-Nismo models. For those eager for a manual option, the standard Z lineup, including the Z Sport, Z Performance, and Z Heritage Edition, already offers this feature.