- Nissan will debut the Z NISMO manual at TAS 2026 show.
- The gearbox fixes the Z NISMO’s biggest engagement flaw.
- Concepts, classics, and race cars will fill out Nissan’s booth.
For all the noise surrounding concepts, classics, and race cars, they’re not the most important thing Nissan is bringing to Tokyo Auto Salon. That honor goes to none other than the Z NISMO with three pedals.
Yes, it’s finally happening, as the show marks the public debut of the manual Z NISMO and ends a brief period where Nissan’s top Z was missing what should make it even better than it already is.
More: Nissan Teased A Mysterious Nismo And It’s Definitely Not A Z
As it stands, the Z NISMO already brings plenty to the table. Its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 produces 420 hp (313 kW) and 384 lb-ft (521 Nm), backed up by bigger brakes, stiffer suspension tuning, a limited-slip differential, and more aggressive aero.
The problem wasn’t capability, it was engagement. Locking the most hardcore Z behind a nine-speed automatic felt like Nissan missing its own point.
The six-speed manual corrects that in one decisive move. Nissan hasn’t detailed whether the gearbox uses revised ratios or other mechanical tweaks, but even if it closely mirrors the standard Z’s transmission, the effect on the driving experience should be transformative.
This is a car meant to reward driver involvement, not filter it. And no, it won’t keep up with plenty of its competition, but it might be the most fun car in the group.
Sales timing for Japan hasn’t been announced, but the manual Z NISMO is officially North America-bound. A recent interview confirmed its stateside future, and while no date has been set, next year seems like a safe bet.
That said, the rest of Nissan’s booth won’t be empty filler. A shadowy new NISMO concept will debut on January 9, teased only by a dramatic rear-light signature and sharp body surfacing.
Nissan is also bringing the new LEAF AUTECH, giving its latest EV a sportier, more premium edge, and an X-Trail Rock Creek Multibed Wildplay concept that leans hard into outdoor adventure with rugged trim and camping-focused accessories.
There’s heritage on display, too. “Matchy’s March,” a carefully restored first-generation Nissan March with a manual swap, will appear alongside the 2016 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R Super GT car, marking Tsugio Matsuda’s retirement from top-level competition. It’s a great supporting cast for a great new engaging sports car.
