Nissan Z Nismo gaining stick-shift option in 2027

The automaker is updating its Z sports car for the 2027 model year, including giving its top-rung Nismo model a manual transmission option.

2027 Nissan Z Nismo MT side — *The Nissan Z Nismo will soon have a stick-shift option. – Nissan Canada photo*

The Nissan Z is getting some fresh updates that should excite enthusiasts.

The North American market is getting the updated Z for the 2027 model year, after Japan got them this year.

The headline-grabbing detail is that the top-of-the-performance-line Nismo variant is gaining a manual transmission option, but that’s not the only thing that’s new. All three grades – Sport, Performance and Nismo – are getting some updates.

Let’s explore the changes.

2026 Nissan Z front — *The 2027 Nissan Z is getting a restyled front end. – Nissan Canada photo*

Visual and tech changes

The Sport and Performance grades get a restyled front bumper and grille, which is inspired by classic Nissan sports cars.

Nissan said the updated front end helps optimize cooling airflow while also reducing aerodynamic lift and drag.

The Sport and Performance grades get a new “Z” emblem on the nose instead of the current Nissan logo.

2027 Nissan Z in Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic colour — *The Sport and Performance trims of the 2027 Nissan Z have a new Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint option. – Nissan Canada photo*

These two trims also gain a new Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint option. This paint option is paired exclusively with the Super Black roof. Nissan said the new green colour was inspired by the S30-generation Nissan Z, but modernized with a fine-grain, green-tinted pearl effect to create new light and shadow effects in the sun.

The Performance grade also gets new forged, 19-inch wheels with black spokes and machined-finish rim and a new tan interior upholstery option.

The Performance and Nismo get a new available Qi2 wireless charging pad with a cooling fan and magnetic alignment to keep your phone in place. Nissan said the charging pad’s 15-watt maximum output is now supported by more devices.

2027 Nissan Z Nismo MT exterior front — *Nissan is updating the performance capabilities of the Z sports car, shown here in Nismo trim, for 2027. – Nissan Canada photo*

Performance updates

The Performance grade of the Z gets larger-diameter monotube show absorbers, which Nissan said improve vibration dampening, giving the car a smoother, more predictable ride.

All models get a new fuel tank design, which Nissan said helps maintain fuel levels around the fuel pump during high-G cornering. This gives the car a more consistent fuel delivery and engine performance during high-speed track cornering.

2027 Nissan Z Nismo MT interior — *The big change on the Nissan Z Nismo is the inclusion of a stick-shift option. – Nissan Canada photo*

Z Nismo changes

The Nismo model builds on the Z models. It has increased power from its 3-litre twin-turbo V6, 420 hp versus 400 hp, plus it has other Nismo enhancements, including a more performance-focused suspension, brakes and bodywork.

The Nismo, however, did not previously have the six-speed manual transmission option that was available on the Sport and Performance models.

Nissan said the Nismo’s new six-speed manual transmission was specifically engineered for the Nismo model and features an upgraded clutch. It also has a new shift lever ratio with a much shorter shift stroke. Nissan said this gives the car quicker, more solid-feeling gear changes.

2027 Nissan Z Nismo rear and side — *The Nissan Z Nismo is getting a few performance adjustments for 2027. – Nissan Canada photo*

Nissan Z Nismo models with the manual transmission get specific tuning for the engine to adjust throttle and ignition timing for a sharper and more aggressive throttle response and a more sustained torque delivery, Nissan said.

The car’s active sound enhancement and active noise cancellation systems were also retuned for the stick shift. Nissan said this retuning amplifies intake and exhaust tones when the car is in Sport mode.

2027 Nissan Z Nismo front wheel — *The Nissan Z Nismo is getting a braking system taken from the GT-R. – Nissan Canada photo*

All Nismo models also get updated front brakes, which get the GT-R’s two-piece, iron-aluminum brake rotors.

Nissan said the updated front brakes have improved cooling channels, which helps reduce brake pad temperatures during track use. Furthermore, their light weight shaves 19 pounds off the car.

Nissan retuned the suspension to account for the reduced weight of the front brakes.

Revisions to the steering rack are said to reduce internal friction by 20 per cent, giving the car a more fluid cornering feeling, resulting in drivers having to make fewer corrections.

2027 Nissan Z Nismo MT seats — *Canadians will be able to get a Nissan Z Nismo with a manual transmission by mid-2026. – Nissan Canada photo*

Canadian availability

Canadians won’t have to wait long for the updated sports car.

The 2027 Nissan Z is expected to arrive at dealerships this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to then.

For updates, visit the Nissan Canada website.