- The 2027 Z Nismo gets a manual gearbox and front brake rotors derived from the GT-R.
- Z Sport and Performance trims have a redesigned front fascia.
- Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic is now available, but only with a black roof.
When Nissan gave Japan’s Fairlady Z a nip and tuck at the beginning of the year, we knew it would only be a matter of time before its American counterpart received these changes. The 2027 model year has now touched down in the United States, bringing updates across the board. As seen on the JDM model, the non-Nismo versions get a facelift with a new front bumper and a split retro grille design harkening back to the Datsun era.
Additionally, the Z Sport and Performance receive a Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint option, which appears to be the same as the Unryu Green we saw on the Japanese model in January. Inspired by an exterior finish from the S30-generation Z of the 1970s, the newly added color is offered exclusively with a contrasting black roof. Elsewhere, eagle-eyed readers will also spot that the front Nissan badge is gone, making way for the Z logo.
We’re told the fresh face isn’t just for style, as Nissan claims there are cooling and aerodynamic benefits after resculpting the bumper and grille. The mid-grade Z Performance gets further tweaks for 2027, including redesigned 19-inch forged black wheels, a tan interior, and an improved 15-watt cooled charger. This trim level also now features larger-diameter monotube shock absorbers for better comfort and improved handling.
2027 Nissan Z Nismo with six-speed manual gearbox
Photo by: Nissan
Upgrading to the Nismo finally brings a manual transmission for those who want to row their own gears. The third pedal is paired with further tuning for the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine to improve throttle response. The Active Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Cancellation systems remain but have been modified to deliver a more aggressive note when switching to Sport mode.
Nissan is also adapting the GT-R’s front brake rotors for the flagship Z to deliver superior stopping power, along with a minor weight reduction of 19 pounds. Engineers optimized the front suspension following the weight loss and tweaked the steering rack to reduce internal friction by 20 percent. Inside, there’s a new gear lever for the six-speed manual, along with the wireless charging pad mentioned earlier.
Regardless of the Z variant you choose, all models feature an updated fuel tank that ensures a steady fuel supply to the pump during hard cornering.
Nissan will have the 2027 Z on display next week at the New York Auto Show before bringing the updated sports car to dealers this summer. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the outgoing base model starts at a little over $44,000, rising to just over $67,000 for the range-topping version.
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Source: Nissan
Motor1’s Take: (Relatively) affordable sports cars are becoming increasingly rare, so it’s good to see Nissan not only keeping the Z alive but also improving it for 2027. Although the company is going through a rough financial patch, it remains committed to its halo performance model despite its inherently niche appeal.
With the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 set to go out of production this year, 2026 could very well become the year of the Z, especially with a three-pedal Nismo on the way.