- Nissan Americas’ chairman confirms a manual transmission is coming to the Z NISMO.
- The current NISMO packs 420 hp and 384 lb-ft but only comes with a nine-speed auto.
- Manual gearbox could be adapted from the one on the standard Z, possibly by 2027.
The Nissan Z might not be the fastest coupe on the market, but it’s one of the most enjoyable. That’s why it was baffling when the Japanese brand rolled out the top-end NISMO performance trim that came with only one gearbox option: a nine-speed automatic. Now, it is about to get what petrolheads expected it to come with in the first place: an extra pedal and a stick between the Recaro bucket seats.
Speaking on the Auto News podcast, Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier dropped the news directly: “We have a NISMO manual transmission coming.” He didn’t elaborate on timing, specs, or whether other tweaks will accompany the gearbox, but the admission alone signals a major shift in strategy for the company’s current halo sports car.
Read: The Nissan Z Is Absolutely Crushing The Supra In Sales This Year
The Z NISMO currently packs the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 found in other Zs, but it’s tuned up to 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 384 lb-ft (521 Nm) of torque, or 20 more ponies (15 kW) and 34 extra lb-ft (46 Nm) than the standard model. It also comes with uprated brakes, stiffer suspension components, a limited-slip differential, and more aggressive bodywork.
Although no further info was offered, the stick shift NISMO could use the same six-speed transmission already offered in the regular Z, possibly with different gear ratios. That said, timing is still up in the air. 2026 would be an optimistic guess so 2027 seems more reasonable given how fresh this revelation is. Still, if Nissan has been quietly preparing it in the background, we might be pleasantly surprised with an earlier debut.
Normally, adding a manual gearbox to one trim where others already have it wouldn’t be a huge deal. It’s important regarding the Z NISMO, though, because of its nature. When we tested the car, it was the one major gripe we had.
There’s no question that the Z NISMO isn’t as fast or as dialed in as some rivals like the Chevrolet Corvette or the BMW M4. Thus, it makes sense for Nissan to lean into the fun factor, which is the Z’s greatest asset.
The most hardcore Z drives like a love letter to enthusiasts who just want to have fun on every drive. Adding one more major engagement point will only solidify that mission – and we can’t wait to sample it.
