2027 Nissan Z Photos, Updates, and Nismo Manual

Nissan's updated 2027 Z sports car features fresh styling, a new color, and mechanical updates, while the Nismo gains a manual gearbox.

James Riswick | 

Mar 23, 2026 | 3 min read

Nissan

The 2027 Nissan Z benefits from substantive changes to both its looks and performance. The standard Z's old box-like grille is gone, while the Z Nismo gains a manual transmission option that existing owners had apparently been clamoring for. There are also a variety of chassis and braking enhancements made to both versions of Nissan's sports car. 

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Gets Fresh Front Styling

The original grille design for this generation of the Nissan Z reminded me of a garage door that got stuck halfway up. It always appeared somewhat out of place, and Nissan may have heard such criticism, because the 2027 Z gets a new look. No longer a rectangle, the grille has been cut in two and rests within a reshaped bumper. The Nissan badge is gone, too, replaced by a Z emblem. 

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Offers New Shinkai Green Color With Black Roof

As shown here, the 2027 Nissan Z is available in a new color called Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic. It's paired exclusively with a contrast black roof. Nissan says a hue offered on the first-generation Datsun 240Z inspired this paint color.  

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Performance Gets New Tan Interior Color

The 2027 Nissan Z Performance trim gains a new interior-color option. The seats, dashboard, center console, and lower door panels are finished in a classic tan hue that pairs nicely with various black surfaces. 

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Adds Wireless Charging

The main feature upgrade for the 2027 Nissan Z is a new Qi2 wireless phone charger that Nissan says offers faster charging performance and a cooling fan to reduce heat. The pad itself is magnetic, securing your phone in place. It is available on the Z Performance and Nismo models.

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Performance Gets New Shocks

The 2027 Nissan Z Performance trim level gets new, larger shock absorbers that the automaker says will deliver a better ride and more consistent and predictable handling. It also gains new forged 19-inch wheels with black spokes. All Z models also get a redesigned fuel tank to maintain performance when driving the car on a racetrack.

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Nismo Suspension Improvements

The Nismo Z already had a different grille, so little changed in terms of its overall design. There are mechanical upgrades, however. Steering rack revisions reduce friction and create a more fluid feel while cornering, and Nissan tweaked the suspension tuning to account for the new brakes. 

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Nismo Has New Brakes From the GT-R

The 2027 Nissan Z Nismo adds new two-piece iron-aluminum brake rotors derived from the now-discontinued GT-R. Cooling channels help reduce brake pad temperatures, especially at the track, while their lightweight design saves 19 pounds (which required the suspension retune).

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Nismo Gains Manual Transmission Option

While the standard Z could be had with a manual transmission, the high-performance Nismo could not. That changes for 2027 as the Nismo gains a six-speed manual option. It's different from what's in the standard Z, though. In the Nismo, the shifter has a shorter stroke, and Nissan has upgraded the clutch. The V6 engine's throttle and ignition timing control are also sharper when paired with the manual gearbox, and the Active Sound Enhancement system is retuned to amplify intake and exhaust noises in Sport mode. 

Nissan

2027 Nissan Z Release Date

All of the updated 2027 Nissan Z models are scheduled to arrive at dealerships in summer 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to that time, but the 2027 Z is expected to start at $44,265, including the destination charge. The 2026 Z Performance currently starts at $54,265 (and is the most affordable way to get a manual transmission), while the 2026 Z Nismo starts at $67,045. I would not expect prices to rise significantly above those levels.

James Riswick

James Riswick has been testing and reviewing cars since 2007, serving as an editor at Edmunds and Autoblog, and contributing to Autotrader, Car and Driver, AutoGuide, Auto Express, and Capital One Auto Navigator. You name it, he's almost certainly driven it. He has attended an auto show every year since he was 2 and has wanted to be an automotive journalist since high school. He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 2.8 in James Bond blue, a silver 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon (his idea of a three-row family vehicle) and a 2025 Cadillac Optiq because his wife would rather drive something from this decade.