Sports car retains the twin-turbo V6 engine with up to 420 hp, receives suspension adjustments and reaches the US market with prices ranging from US$ 44,480 to US$ 67,260
Nissan has unveiled the 2027 Z lineup with a series of changes focused on handling, the braking system and the design of the Sport and Performance versions. The main highlight, however, sits at the top of the range: the Nissan Z NISMO is now available with a six-speed manual transmission, an option previously unavailable in the most powerful version of the sports car.
The new transmission was developed specifically for the NISMO and uses a reinforced clutch compared with the Sport and Performance versions. Nissan also adopted a different shifter ratio, reducing the travel between gears. The electronic engine management system received its own calibration, with changes to throttle response and ignition control.
The engine remains the familiar VR30DDTT, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. In the Sport and Performance versions, it produces 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, while the NISMO develops 420 hp and 384 lb-ft. All models use rear-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual transmission available across all three versions.
Brakes derived from the GT-R
In addition to the new transmission, the 2027 Z NISMO received two-piece front brake discs with an iron-and-aluminum construction derived from the Nissan GT-R. According to the manufacturer, the new setup improves cooling during intensive use and reduces the total weight by approximately 8.6 kg.
This weight reduction required the front suspension and electric steering to be recalibrated. The NISMO uses 15-inch discs at the front and 13.8-inch discs at the rear, accompanied by aluminum calipers with four pistons at the front and two at the rear. These changes are more relevant to drivers who intend to use the car on racetracks than to those who only drive on public roads. Even so, the reduction in unsprung weight and the brakes’ greater resistance to heat may make the model’s behavior more consistent during sporty driving.
Redesigned front end for the Sport and Performance versions
The Sport and Performance versions received a new front bumper and a redesigned grille inspired by classic models from the Z family. A body-colored bar divides the front opening, while the traditional Nissan logo has been replaced by a “Z” emblem.
The change is not purely aesthetic. The shape of the bumper, grille and internal ducts was revised to improve the airflow used for cooling and to reduce aerodynamic drag and body lift at higher speeds.
The Performance version also receives new 19-inch forged wheels with a black finish and machined edges. Inside, a light-brown upholstery option is now available for the seats, door panels, center console and part of the dashboard.
Another new feature is the Qi2-compatible wireless charger, available in the Performance and NISMO versions. The system provides a maximum output of 15 watts, magnetic alignment and dedicated ventilation to control the device’s temperature.
The lineup also introduces the Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint finish, offered exclusively with a black roof. The color was inspired by the green used on the S30-generation Nissan Z, but features a more modern pearlescent finish.
Suspension and fuel-delivery adjustments
The Z Performance received larger-diameter monotube shock absorbers, developed to improve vibration control and make the car’s behavior more predictable. This is not a complete transformation of the chassis, but rather a refinement aimed at addressing one of the main criticisms of the model: the need for better body control during more demanding driving.
All versions of the 2027 Nissan Z also received a redesigned fuel tank. The change helps keep fuel around the pump during prolonged cornering with high lateral forces, reducing the risk of momentary interruptions in fuel delivery to the engine during track use.
2027 Nissan Z prices
In the United States, the Nissan Z Sport costs US$ 44,480 with either the manual or automatic transmission. The Performance version starts at US$ 54,480, again with no price difference between the two transmissions.
The Z NISMO costs US$ 67,260 with either the automatic or manual transmission. Prices do not include taxes, documentation or destination charges. The 2027 lineup is scheduled to arrive at US dealerships during the summer of 2026.
Source and images: Nissan. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
