Refreshed 2027 Nissan Z Unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon with First NISMO Manual Option

The updated sports car gets aerodynamic styling and the new NISMO MT variant

2027 Nissan Z revealed at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 with summer 2026 Japan release
NISMO MT brings first manual transmission option to the track-focused Z NISMO grade
Canadian and North American availability has not been announced

Nissan revealed the refreshed 2027 Fairlady Z at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, sporting aerodynamic styling updates and the first-ever manual transmission option for the Z NISMO grade. The updated sports car is scheduled for release in Japan in summer 2026, though North American availability has not been confirmed.

The biggest update for the 2027 Z is the introduction of the NISMO MT, a new variant that brings a manual transmission to the NISMO grade for the first time. Since its introduction for the 2024 model year, the Z NISMO has been available exclusively with a nine-speed automatic transmission tuned for track performance.

The current Z Sport and Performance grades offer buyers a choice between a six-speed manual transmission with an EXEDY high-performance clutch and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The NISMO grade, however, required buyers seeking the 420-horsepower output and track-focused suspension tuning to accept automatic-only operation. The NISMO MT addresses that gap for enthusiasts who prefer three pedals.

Nissan states the refreshed Z features new design styling to increase aerodynamic performance. The automaker has not released specific details regarding the extent of exterior changes or their measured aerodynamic benefits.

The current Z NISMO already incorporates aerodynamic enhancements over standard grades, including a “Grand-Nose” front-end treatment, wider rear spoiler, front canards and reshaped rear bumper corners. The 2027 refresh builds upon these NISMO add-ons.

Nissan has not announced whether the refreshed 2027 Z will be offered in Canada or elsewhere in North America. The current seventh-generation Z launched in Canada as a 2023 model and has been carried over through the 2025 model year without significant changes. The Z NISMO joined the lineup for 2024 and continued into 2025.

No 2026 model year is planned for the Z in Canada. Whether Nissan Canada will skip the 2026 model year and go directly to the 2027 model year with the refreshed version remains unknown at this time.

The existing Z uses a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine good for 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque in Sport and Performance grades. The NISMO grade increases output to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Nissan has not confirmed whether the 2027 refresh includes powertrain changes.