Enthusiasts have grumbled about one thing since the hopped-up Z NISMO arrived, and Nissan is finally listening. For 2027, the sharpest version of the Z picks up a manual transmission option, giving purists the third pedal they’ve been asking for without pushing the automatic out the door.

• The 2027 Z NISMO adds a manual gearbox, a first for the trim
• The nine-speed automatic sticks around for buyers who prefer it
• The NISMO keeps its tuned twin-turbo V6 and track-focused hardware

Why This Change Matters

When Nissan rolled out the Z NISMO, it came with one notable catch. You could only get it with the nine-speed automatic. That decision stung a lot of hardcore fans, because the standard Z has always offered a six-speed manual for drivers who want full control of the shifts. Asking people to buy the most driver-focused Z, then telling them they couldn’t row their own gears, felt like a mismatch. The complaints were loud and steady.

So the headline for 2027 is simple. The manual is coming to the NISMO. Buyers who want the raw, hands-on experience can finally pair the trim’s extra muscle with a clutch pedal and a shifter. It’s the kind of move that rewards the people who have stuck with the Z through its whole run.

The Automatic Isn’t Going Away

Adding the manual doesn’t mean the self-shifting version is on the way out. The nine-speed automatic remains a full option, and plenty of drivers will still pick it. Quick, smooth, and easy in traffic, the auto has real appeal for daily driving and even for buyers chasing consistent lap times. Some folks simply prefer to let the car handle the gear changes so they can focus on the road ahead. Anyone who has enjoyed the Nissan Z automatic won’t lose that choice, which is the whole point of offering both.

Giving people two very different ways to drive the same car is smart. The manual crowd gets its wish, the automatic crowd keeps what it likes, and Nissan widens the appeal of a car that lives or dies by enthusiast interest.

What Powers the Z NISMO

Under the hood, the NISMO carries a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. In this trim it’s tuned to make more than the standard Z, with output rated at 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. That’s a healthy step up from the base car’s 400 horsepower. The NISMO also brings firmer suspension tuning, upgraded brakes, stickier tires, and aero touches meant to keep it planted when you push hard. It’s built to feel sharper and more serious than a regular Z, and now the driving experience can match that intent for people who insist on shifting themselves.

The core recipe stays intact. This is still a front-engine, rear-drive sports car aimed at drivers who want a lot of performance for the money. Adding the manual just fills the one obvious hole in the lineup.

A Small Update With Big Meaning

On paper, dropping a manual into an existing trim sounds like a minor tweak. For Z fans, it’s a big deal. The manual gearbox has always been tied to the character of this car, and keeping it out of the NISMO felt like leaving the best part on the shelf. Restoring that option shows Nissan still cares about the enthusiasts who make cars like this worth building.

If you’ve been holding off on a Z NISMO because you wanted three pedals, the 2027 model finally gives you a reason to walk into a showroom. And if you love the ease of an automatic, nothing about your choice changes. Two transmissions, one seriously fun sports car, and a lineup that now covers both camps. That’s a win for anyone who cares about how a Z drives.