Nissan confirms the 2027 Z Nismo will arrive with a six-speed manual transmission, marking a rare manual option in the modern sports car segment. The performance variant builds on the standard Z's 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with chassis refinements and aerodynamic tweaks specific to Nismo tuning.
The manual gearbox addresses a core complaint from enthusiasts about the current Z generation. Nissan's base model offers only a nine-speed automatic, leaving drivers wanting a driver-focused experience without alternative options. The Nismo changes that calculation for purists willing to pay the premium.
Nismo versions typically add forged aluminum wheels, Bilstein dampers tuned for track use, and reinforced bracing. Aerodynamic elements include a front splitter and rear wing to generate downforce at speed. The 2027 model carries forward this formula while integrating the manual as the flagship transmission choice.
Nissan positions the Z Nismo as a direct competitor to the Toyota GR Supra, which offers a six-speed manual on its 2024+ lineup, and the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which provides an eight-speed dual-clutch option. The manual availability matters in a shrinking pool of affordable, sub-100k sports cars that offer stick shifts. Sales data shows manual adoption remains below 3 percent in the overall U.S. market, yet enthusiasts continue demanding the option for driver engagement and control.
The 2027 Z Nismo keeps the 400-hp output but channels that power through a more visceral connection between driver and engine. That transmission choice alone signals Nissan's commitment to the Z brand beyond basic profit margins. Whether the Nismo manual moves enough units to justify production remains an open