The 2027 Z NISMO Gets a Six-Speed Manual — Here's What Else Changed Across the Lineup

Nissan has just pulled the covers off the refreshed 2027 Z, and the biggest news for driving purists is the arrival of a six-speed manual transmission for the NISMO trim. The 2027 lineup brings updated styling, enhanced handling, and a new wireless charging pad across Performance and NISMO models. If you've been waiting for a track-ready sports car with a proper stick shift, this refresh delivers.

The 2027 Z continues with three trims - Sport, Performance, and NISMO - each built around the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine. Sport and Performance trims produce 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, while the NISMO steps up to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft. All three trims now offer a six-speed manual with an EXEDY high-performance clutch as standard, with a nine-speed automatic available on Sport and Performance. The NISMO gets a NISMO-tuned nine-speed automatic as a standard option alongside the manual.

What's New for 2027

The headline change is the six-speed manual option for the Z NISMO. The manual comes with a carbon fiber composite drive shaft (automatic models use steel), SynchroRev Match on Performance and NISMO trims, and a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential on Performance and NISMO.

Design updates touch all three trims, with refreshed front and rear fascias and updated lighting signatures. The NISMO gets an exclusive three-piece rear spoiler, black katana blade styling element, and red-accented mirrors. Performance and NISMO trims now include a Qi2 wireless device charger - a small but welcome addition for daily driving.

Trim Breakdown

Sport is the entry point, delivering 400 hp through either the six-speed manual or optional nine-speed automatic. It includes front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Cruise Control, and Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start. The Sport trim focuses on driving essentials without the track-oriented hardware of the upper trims.

Performance keeps the same 400 hp output but adds SynchroRev Match for manual models, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and aluminum sport pedals. You also get an eight-inch touchscreen with Bose audio (eight speakers), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect with WiFi hotspot. HomeLink and heated mirrors round out the convenience upgrades. The Performance trim is the only model with a manual opening and closing hatch.

NISMO is the track-focused flagship. The engine is tuned to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft, with a NISMO-enhanced oil cooler for sustained high-rpm driving. The NISMO gets exclusive red anodized engine start and Drive Mode buttons, a wider body (73.6 inches versus 72.6 on Sport and Performance), and a wider front track for improved cornering stability. The three-piece rear spoiler and black katana blade styling element are NISMO-only. The NISMO includes Bose audio with eight speakers and NissanConnect Services with WiFi hotspot. Launch control is standard on both manual and automatic NISMO trims.

Performance Hardware

All 2027 Z models use rear-wheel drive and a mid-mounted front-engine layout. The six-speed manual features a carbon fiber composite drive shaft on all trims, while automatic models use a steel shaft. Manual Performance and NISMO trims include SynchroRev Match, which automatically blips the throttle on downshifts for smoother heel-toe transitions. Automatic models get downshift rev matching and paddle shifters (Performance and NISMO only).

The mechanical limited-slip differential on Performance and NISMO trims improves traction out of corners by actively managing rear-wheel power distribution. Launch control is standard on Performance and NISMO trims with the automatic transmission. Sport trim gets launch control with the automatic only. Hill Start Assist is standard on all trims.

Technology and Safety

Performance trim includes an eight-inch touchscreen with Bose audio, Active Noise Cancellation, and Active Sound Enhancement. The Bose system uses eight speakers tuned specifically for the Z's cabin. NissanConnect includes a WiFi hotspot with a three-month or 3 GB trial. Sport trim gets a six-speaker Nissan audio system without the touchscreen or smartphone integration. NISMO trim includes the Bose eight-speaker system and NissanConnect Services.

Standard safety equipment across all trims includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, steel side-door guard beams, and Vehicle Dynamic Control round out the safety suite.

Key Specs at a Glance

What We're Still Waiting to Learn

Nissan has not yet released Canadian pricing or fuel economy figures for the 2027 Z. The Sport trim's starting price and the cost of the automatic transmission option remain to be announced. We also don't have official on-sale dates for the Canadian market, though the refresh suggests availability later this year.

The 2027 Nissan Z refresh addresses the biggest complaint about the previous NISMO - the lack of a manual transmission - while adding thoughtful updates across the lineup. If you're shopping for a rear-drive sports car with genuine performance hardware and the option to row your own gears, the refreshed Z deserves a close look.

Ready to learn more about the 2027 Nissan Z? Contact Evergreen Nissan in Prince Albert to get updates on Canadian availability, pricing, and ordering. Our team can walk you through the trim differences and help you decide which Z fits your driving style.