A Stick Shift Worth the Wait
When Nissan launched the reimagined Z sports car in 2022, enthusiasts celebrated the return of an affordable Japanese performance icon. When the range-topping Z Nismo arrived in 2024 offered solely with a nine-speed automatic transmission, potential customers weren’t happy. However, the high-performance version of the Z will soon come with three pedals, according to Nissan Americas’ Chairman, Christian Meunier.
The good news was confirmed during an Automotive News podcast interview that the Z Nismo would indeed receive a manual transmission option. The manual transmission for the range-topping Z will likely be the same six-speed unit found in the standard Z coupe, albeit likely with some changes. With the standard Z coupe offered with both manual and automatic options, the most powerful 420-horsepower Nismo variant will finally get the stick shift it deserves.
Zac Palmer
The Nismo Manual That Should’ve Been
The Z Nismo packs a tweaked version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The headlining change is an additional 20 hp and 34 lb-ft of torque from the same 3.0-liter V-6 in the standard car, thanks to improvements to the cooling system, boost pressure, and ignition timing. That pairs with handling improvements, thanks to Nismo-specific stabilizer bars, stiffer spring rates, and more finely tuned dampers.
Currently, the 2025 Nissan Z lineup starts around $43,000 for the base Sport trim, while the Performance trim climbs to approximately $53,000. The Z Nismo automatic is currently priced at $65,750, positioning it as a fairly premium sports car option. When the manual transmission becomes available, expect the Z Nismo manual to maintain similar pricing, likely landing between $64,000-$66,000.
Nissan
Final Thoughts
The manual transmission in the new Nismo-Spec Z will likely be based on the proven six-speed unit found in the standard Z coupe. That means it should carry over that gearbox’s rev match and launch control features. However, with the Z Nismo also tweaking ignition timing in the Sport+ drive mode, it remains to be seen how that translates over to the manual. What is certain is that Nissan will make revisions to the gearbox internals to handle the increased torque output. The gearing may also be tweaked to provide a more visceral experience in the Z Nismo than the standard car.
This development addresses one of the most significant criticisms facing the current Z Nismo lineup, despite which it managed to outsell its closest rival, the Toyota Supra. When the manual arrives sometime next year as a 2027 model, it should put an end to the “I would buy it if it came in manual” argument over the Z Nismo once and for all.
