Since its launch, the new Nissan Z has proven to be a popular sports car. Fast, agile, and with a manual transmission, it’s been a real winner. It also looks great, and it appears Nissan has no intention of dropping the car anytime soon, with an updated version coming in 2027.
The fact it is going to get a small refresh is a real bonus, as it would be easy for Nissan to leave the car as is and not make any changes. However, the downside is that there is going to be a slight price increase across the whole Z lineup.
But don’t despair. While there is going to be a price increase, there are reasons for it. Plus, enthusiasts will be very happy to hear that for 2027, the Z Nismo will finally be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, which it didn’t have at launch.
Alongside the manual Nismo, there are a few visual updates to the sports car. Nissan has also redesigned the fuel tank in the Z, and the company has fully leaned into the retro design with a small but noticeable tweak at the very front of the car.
What Has Changed With the 2027 Nissan Z Sports Car?
First of all, the price of the Nissan Z has changed. The price has increased by $1,510 over the previous year’s model, up to a $45,735 starting price. The mid-level Z Performance now starts at $55,725, while if you want the Z Nismo, you are looking at $68,505. The biggest change for the Z Nismo is the addition of a six-speed manual transmission for the first time.
That isn’t all that’s new, however. Nissan has worked hard to give the sports car a cleaner front fascia, and one with a more aggressive design. Plus, the Nissan badge at the front is gone. In its place is a retro-inspired Z emblem, injecting a bit of the Datsun 240Z onto the 2027 sports car. It is a small and subtle change, but one that will be welcomed by enthusiasts.
The facelift at the front is certainly a welcome one. Gone is the original square grille, and in its place is a smaller, curved grille, with the front-end itself more curvaceous and pleasing to the eye. The flatter front created a more ‘static’ appearance for the sports car. Now with the redesigned front-end, the Nissan Z looks a lot more dynamic, and like it means business.
The Biggest Change Is Under the Skin
Perhaps the biggest change, however, is under the skin. For 2027, Nissan has redesigned the fuel tank for the sports car. It has done so to make the Z better for track driving by helping to prevent fuel starvation, which can occur during sustained high-G cornering. None of us will ever see that change, but for those of us who like to throw our cars around, it is a welcome upgrade.
If you buy the Performance trim, there are some extra goodies as well. Large shock absorbers help to improve the ride quality and body control, and there are new 19-inch forged wheels as well. The Z also has a Qi2 wireless charger, plus if you want a tan interior instead of a black one, Nissan has now added that option. Power still comes from the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, making 400hp in the standard Z models, with it producing 420hp in the Z Nismo.