- Nissan has unveiled the facelifted 2027 Z and Z Nismo.
- The latter has a new six-speed manual transmission.
- Model receives styling tweaks and a new Qi2 charger.
Nissan introduced the facelifted Fairlady Z in Japan earlier this year and now the sports car is headed Stateside. The 2027 Z will celebrate its public debut at the New York Auto Show next week and arrive at dealerships this summer, with the range-topping Nismo finally getting what enthusiasts clamored for: a manual gearbox.
Looking instantly recognizable, the coupe sports a new front end inspired by the company’s classic sports cars. The restyled bumper immediately stands out as it adopts a softer design that trades sharp edges for subtle curves.
More: Think The 2027 Nissan Z Will Be Hard To Get? Wait Until You Hear About The Manual Nismo
It also has a new grille, which looks far better than its rectangular predecessor and features a body-color bar as well as horizontal accents. Nissan said the changes help to optimize air flow, while also reducing aerodynamic lift and drag.
Other changes are more discreet, but the Nissan logo on the nose has been replaced by a new “Z” badge. Performance buyers will also find new 19-inch forged wheels with black spokes as well as a machined-finish rim.
Last but not least, Sport and Performance trims offer a new Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint. It’s paired with a Super Black roof and the color draws inspiration from the green used on the original Z.
Minor Interior Updates
Interior changes are relatively small, but the Performance will be offered with new tan upholstery that looks pretty classy. That isn’t the only change as the Performance and Nismo now come with a Qi2 wireless charger, which supports magnetic alignment with modern smartphones. It has a maximum output of 15 watts, which is now supported by a wider range of devices.
Since the interior largely carries over, buyers will find a digital instrument cluster and an 8- or 9-inch infotainment system. There’s also an automatic climate control system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a smattering of driver assistance systems. A six-speaker audio system comes standard, while the Performance and Nismo add an eight-speaker Bose setup.
Small Performance Updates
The changes aren’t just cosmetic as the 2027 Z adopts a new fuel tank, which has been designed to maintain fuel levels around the gas pump during high-G cornering. This ensures track day antics won’t interrupt the flow of gas to the engine.
The Z Performance also adopts larger diameter shock absorbers. Nissan said they help to improve vibration dampening, which results in a smoother ride as well as more consistent and predictable handling.
A Manual Z Nismo
The 2027 Z Nismo eschews most of the styling changes, but it adopts something much better – a six-speed manual transmission. Designed specifically for the range-topping variant, the gearbox features an upgraded clutch compared to the Sport and Performance. It’s joined by a new shift lever ratio, which Nissan says “results in a much shorter shift stroke, rewarding drivers with quicker, more solid-feeling gear changes.”
When paired to the six-speed manual, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 has unique tuning that provides a more aggressive throttle response. The Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation systems have also been retuned for the DIY gearbox and they promise to deliver an exhilarating audio experience in Sport mode.
Changes extend beyond the transmission as the Nismo has new front brakes that feature two-piece iron-aluminum rotors derived from the GT-R. They save 19 lbs (8.6 kg) of weight and offer improved cooling channels that “dramatically reduce brake pad temperatures in track use.”
Buyers will also find a retuned suspension and a revised steering rack. The latter’s internal friction has been cut by 20% to allow for a “more fluid cornering sensation that requires fewer driver corrections.”
The Nismo’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 continues to produce 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque. That’s a slight improvement over the Sport and Performance, which are rated at 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) and 350 lb-ft (474 Nm). All versions now come standard with a six-speed manual, although a nine-speed automatic remains an option.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but the outgoing model starts at $42,970 and climbs to $65,750 for the Nismo.
