Nissan finally gave the Z Nismo what everyone has been asking for since its launch: a six-speed manual gearbox. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 still produces 420 hp (313 kW) and 384 lb-ft (521 Nm), but now you can row your own gears instead of relying on the nine-speed automatic that drew criticism for dulling the car's character.
The manual Z Nismo gets hardware upgrades beyond the gearbox swap. Nissan fitted larger brake rotors sourced from the GT-R program, a stiffer suspension tune, a limited-slip differential, and a more aggressive aero package. The company hasn't disclosed specific gear ratios or clutch specifications, but the GT-R brake connection suggests Nissan is targeting track credibility, not just enthusiast bragging rights.
The Automatic Was the Problem
The original Z Nismo launched as an automatic-only affair, and the backlash was immediate. Here's a 420 hp sports car positioned as the raw, driver-focused version of an already analog platform, and Nissan shipped it with a torque converter. The decision undermined the car's core pitch. A Z Nismo should reward the driver for working harder, not for pressing a paddle at the right time.
Nissan is addressing that now. The manual transmission transforms the Z Nismo from a fast car with a Nismo badge into what it should have been from day one: a proper driver's weapon. At 420 hp through a stick shift and limited-slip diff, it slots into a shrinking segment alongside the Toyota GR Supra Manual (382 hp), the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (670 hp, manual pending), and whatever BMW decides to do with the next M2.
Nismo's Bigger Play
The manual Z is part of a broader Nismo expansion. Nissan confirmed plans to double the performance lineup to 10 models by 2028, targeting 150,000 annual Nismo sales globally. A mysterious concept is also teased for the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2026, described only as a low-slung silhouette that could be a new coupe or sports car. A separate Nismo racing prototype enters competition in FY2026 with a production version expected to follow.
The manual Z Nismo makes its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 9, 2026. Production will be extremely limited, though Nissan hasn't disclosed exact numbers. North American availability is confirmed, with deliveries expected sometime in 2026 as a model year 2027 car. Pricing remains undisclosed, but the current automatic Z Nismo starts around $66,000, so expect a premium for the privilege of a clutch pedal.
