The Nissan Z isn’t undergoing a complete transformation for 2027, but it doesn’t need one. Instead, Nissan has focused on refining what enthusiasts already love while addressing a few areas that make the sports coupe even more enjoyable, especially on the track.
The biggest headline isn’t just the refreshed styling or the higher price tag. It’s the arrival of a six-speed manual transmission in the Z Nismo, something enthusiasts have been asking for since the performance model first arrived. Combined with subtle design updates and functional engineering improvements, the latest Z aims to keep the iconic nameplate competitive in a shrinking sports car market.
Prices Climb Across the Lineup
Like many new vehicles arriving this year, the 2027 Nissan Z comes with a higher starting price.
The entry-level Z now starts at $45,735including the mandatory $1,245 destination chargemaking it $1,510 more expensive than the outgoing model. Buyers stepping up to the Z Performance will pay $55,725while the flagship Z Nismo now carries a starting price of $68,505.
While the increase may disappoint some buyers, Nissan is pairing the higher cost with meaningful equipment upgrades rather than simply raising prices.
A Fresh Look Inspired by the Z Heritage
At first glance, the styling changes are subtle, but they give the coupe a cleaner and more purposeful appearance.
The front fascia has been redesigned with a sharper look that enhances the Z’s sporty stance without dramatically changing its character. One of the most distinctive updates is the replacement of the traditional Nissan badge on the nose with a retro-inspired “Z” emblem, a nod to the model’s rich heritage.
Nissan is also introducing a new Shinkai Green Pearl exterior paint option, giving buyers another striking color choice that complements the coupe’s classic proportions.
The updates are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, preserving the design that has already earned praise since the current-generation Z debuted.
The Most Important Upgrade Is Hidden Beneath the Body
Not every improvement is immediately visible.
For 2027, Nissan has redesigned the Z’s fuel tank to better withstand the demands of spirited driving on race circuits. During sustained high-speed cornering, sports cars can sometimes experience fuel starvation as fuel shifts away from the pickup point inside the tank.
The revised design helps reduce that risk, allowing the engine to receive a more consistent fuel supply during aggressive driving sessions.
It’s the kind of engineering change that many owners may never notice during daily commuting, but track-day enthusiasts are likely to appreciate.
Performance Trim Gains More Premium Features
The Z Performance receives several notable upgrades designed to improve both driving dynamics and everyday comfort.
New larger shock absorbers are intended to deliver better body control while maintaining ride quality. Nissan has also fitted new lightweight 19-inch forged wheelsadding both visual appeal and performance benefits.
Inside the cabin, buyers now get a Qi2 wireless charging padmaking smartphone charging quicker and more convenient. Nissan is also expanding interior personalization by offering an optional tan cabin alongside the traditional black interior.
These additions make the Performance model feel more premium without altering its core driving character.
Familiar Power, But a Big Win for Enthusiasts
Mechanically, the Z remains unchanged.
Every standard model continues to use Nissan’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6producing 400 horsepowerwhile the Z Nismo retains its uprated 420-horsepower version of the same engine.
The biggest mechanical news is transmission availability. Most Z models continue to offer buyers a choice between a six-speed manual and a nine-speed automatic, but for 2027, the Z Nismo finally joins the manual transmission lineup.
For driving enthusiasts, that’s arguably the most significant change of all. A manual gearbox allows drivers to extract even more involvement from Nissan’s most focused Z model, bringing it closer to the experience many performance-car fans have long wanted.
A Sensible Evolution
Rather than reinventing the Z, Nissan has chosen to refine it in meaningful ways.
The refreshed styling keeps the coupe looking modern while honoring its heritage. Functional improvements such as the redesigned fuel tank show that Nissan continues listening to enthusiasts who use their cars beyond public roads. Add the long-awaited manual-equipped Nismo, and the 2027 Z becomes a more compelling choice despite its higher asking price.
For buyers seeking a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car with twin-turbo power and now an even stronger enthusiast appeal, the updated Nissan Z remains one of the few remaining options that still puts driving enjoyment at the center of the experience.
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