- Nissan unveils updated Fairlady Z at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026.
- New bumper, grille tweaks reduce lift and drag slightly.
- Nismo gains manual gearbox and retuned ECU and throttle.
Nissan hasn’t made a big show of it yet, but the Z has just received a round of updates in Japan, where it’s still known as the Fairlady Z. Now four years into its run, the sports car gets a subtle refresh and, more importantly, mechanical improvements that go beyond surface-level tweaks. While the reshaped bumper and nostalgic paint options are easy to spot, the changes underneath are what really set this update apart.
More: Nissan Kills This EV In The US, Then Refreshes It For The World
Starting with the exterior, the overall silhouette stays the same, but the front bumper has been reworked for a neater, more cohesive look. Gone are the previous Z’s vertical slits, replaced by a more sculpted lower section and a body-colored crossbar that breaks up the grille.
According to Nissan, the new front-end design isn’t just about aesthetics. The revised aerodynamics cut front lift by 3.3% and reduce drag by 1% compared to the outgoing model.
Elsewhere, the changes are more restrained. The rest of the body panels carry over, although the rear spoiler has been quietly dropped. Nissan’s corporate badge has been swapped out in favor of a simple Z emblem, while the alloy wheels adopt a new bi-tone finish.
Nissan Fairlady Z
Color-wise, the standout is a striking new Unryu Green, which takes inspiration from the S30’s Grand Prix Green. Paired with a tan interior, it leans into vintage appeal without feeling like a throwback costume. The Nismo version, by contrast, keeps its aggressive body kit with red accents, unique wheels, and a black interior trimmed in suede with red stitching.
More: Nissan’s Nismo SUV Takes On GR Sport RAV4 But Skips The One Thing That Matters
Mechanically, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 stays put. In standard form, it delivers 400 hp (298 kW / 405 PS), while the Nismo variant pushes that figure to 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS). Power goes to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic.
Finally, A Manual Nismo
The headline update here is the manual transmission option for the Nismo, a long-requested addition now finally available. Alongside it comes revised ECU, ignition, and throttle tuning to sharpen engine response, making the most of the added driver engagement.
Despite the lack of performance upgrades, Nissan has fitted new monotube shock absorbers with a larger diameter, intended to enhance ride quality across the range. For the Nismo specifically, suspension tuning has been further refined to balance performance with daily usability. It also inherits stronger brakes derived from the now-retired R35 GT-R.
The updated 2027 Nissan Fairlady Z will be exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 between January 9-11. Its market launch in Japan is scheduled for the summer of 2026. Nissan hasn’t confirmed details for the US-spec Z just yet, but similar changes are expected to follow later this year.
Nissan Fairlady Z Nismo
