2027 Nissan Z Nismo & Performance: Price Hike, Manual

Price Rises and a Big Surprise for Enthusiasts

The 2027 Nissan Z arrives with a mixed bag: modest styling and tech updates, higher sticker prices across the range, and—most notably—the return of a six-speed manual for the Nismo flagship. For buyers weighing passion against pennies, these changes reshape the Z's appeal in the sports coupe segment.

How much more does the 2027 Z cost?

Nissan has bumped prices across the 2027 Z lineup by roughly $1,510 versus previous model-year pricing. The new U.S. price points are:

• Base Z coupe: $44,480
• Z Performance: $54,480
• Z Nismo: $67,260

That steady $1,510 increase clouds the sales outlook: each trim adds small but meaningful equipment improvements, yet higher entry costs may slow the momentum for a model already trying to claw back market share.

Exterior and packaging updates

A light facelift brings visual freshness without a full redesign. The most obvious changes are a revised grille and a reshaped front bumper that give the Z a slightly more assertive stance. Nissan replaces the front logo with a stylized Z badge and adds a new paint color, Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic, to broaden customer choice.

Nissan also revised the fuel tank layout for improved fuel pickup under high-g lateral maneuvers—an unglamorous tweak, but important for track-focused driving where consistent fuel delivery matters.

Notable equipment additions

- Qi2 wireless charging - Forged 19-inch wheels with black machined spokes on Performance - New light-brown interior trim option to break up the standard black cabin

Performance and chassis tweaks

Mechanically the Z stays true to its identity. Under the hood sits the familiar 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo. Output figures remain unchanged for the non-Nismo Z: about 400 horsepower and 474 Nm of torque. The Nismo model continues to produce the stronger 420 hp and 520 Nm.

Where Nissan focused on improvement is in chassis and control: the Performance trim gets larger dampers for better daily ride compliance, while the Nismo benefits from comprehensive tuning for sharper handling. Steering and suspension settings have been revised to deliver more precise responses, matching the car's sportier intent.

Nismo-specific hardware

Nismo's upgrades go beyond software. The front braking system borrows technology from the GT-R, featuring two-piece iron-aluminum discs that reduce unsprung weight by roughly 19 lb (8.6 kg) and improve thermal capacity. Suspension and steering calibrations have also been reworked to enhance cornering accuracy.

The headline: manual transmission returns to Nismo

The defining news for enthusiasts is the addition of a bespoke six-speed manual transmission to the Z Nismo. This gearbox is not a commodity unit but is specially tuned for the halo model. Nissan pairs it with an upgraded clutch and a revised shift ratio designed to shorten throw and deliver a more tactile, rapid shift feel. The throttle mapping has been made more aggressive to match the mechanical intimacy of a manual, and both 'Active Sound Enhancement' and 'Active Noise Cancellation' have been recalibrated to preserve an engaging cabin soundscape.

A quote from Nissan marketing might read: 'We wanted the Nismo to reconnect drivers with the pure, mechanical pleasure of shifting gears.' Whether that philosophy translates into strong sales will depend on how many buyers prioritize driver engagement over convenience.

Market perspective and final thoughts

The 2027 Nissan Z still positions itself as an affordable performance coupe with a strong enthusiast following. The return of the manual in the Nismo is a savvy move to bolster the model's halo credibility and attract purists. However, the across-the-board price increase—albeit accompanied by tangible content upgrades—could make the Z a tougher sell against rivals offering similar performance and equipment at competitive prices.

For buyers seeking a driver-focused coupe with modern performance tech and the option of a traditional manual experience, the Nismo now stands out. For shoppers most sensitive to price, the higher entry points may push them to compare alternatives more closely.

Highlights:

• Nismo receives a dedicated six-speed manual and hardware upgrades
• Modest facelift, new colors, and interior trim choices
• Prices up roughly $1,510 across the lineup
• Engine outputs unchanged: 400 hp (standard) / 420 hp (Nismo)

Whether the 2027 Z's updates will translate into stronger showroom traction remains to be seen, but Nissan has clearly doubled down on driver engagement—especially for those who still love a manual gearbox and analogue thrills.