After Four Years, Nissan Managed To Get A Manual Transmission In The Z NISMO

The Nissan Z NISMO was the coolest, fastest version of the redesigned Z when it came out in 2024. With more power and less weight, it was as switched-on as the sports car got, but it left out a key component, and one many owners wanted: a six-speed. There was one in the rest of the lineup, but not in the NISMO. As the company's track-focused model, the quicker-shifting automatic was chosen. Now, Nissan has chosen to outfit the fastest Z with the slowest transmission, and it'll probably be all the better for it.

Nissan's new Z brings changes we first saw on the Japanese version early in the year to the States, including that manual transmission for the Z NISMO. The sports car's non-NISMO lineup benefits from a new look, just like its recently debuted Japanese counterpart. The grille is updated, featuring a split-mouthed look. A bit of function is baked into the form of the new bumper, bringing aerodynamic improvements to the model, too. It's pretty innocuous, but the new Shinkai Green paint option makes the sports car stand out all the more. This will be available only with a contrasting black roof, inspired by the Zs of the 70s. The color will be available solely for the Sport and Performance trims, which is a shame: the NISMO Z needs a bit more color.

Other changes include updates to the Z Performance model, which includes new 19-inch black wheels and a tan interior, as well as a new, cooled wireless charger that'll hopefully keep your phone from going supernova while charging. Nissan also says the Performance gets larger-diameter shock absorbers for better comfort and handling.

As for the NISMO, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine receives some updates to ensure throttle response is as quick as the Z looks. Nissan also says it modified the Active Sound Enhancement (fake engine noise) and Active Noise Cancellation (less noise) systems, which have been modified so that Sport mode in the car feels and sounds a bit more aggressive. The GT-R lives on in the Z's front brake assembly, which gets the old flagship's front rotors for better performance at a 19-pound weight deficit. Front suspension has also been optimized to account for the reduced mass at the wheels, and the steering rack should feel a bit smoother. All models get an updated fuel pump to better deliver that oh-so-valuable fuel while cornering.

As for pricing, Nissan hasn't made an announcement yet. We're predicting an increase given all these changes, which could edge the Z NISMO past $65,000.