2027 Nissan Z Nismo Manual First Drive Review: For All Those Who Claimed They Would Purchase One If It Came With a Manual Transmission
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The Z is part of my heritage. My grandfather owned a 240Z, my father had one as well, and during the pandemic, I immersed myself in restoring and driving a 280Z until, reluctantly, I had to hand over the keys. The passion for the brand didn’t fade with them. The Z has historically been the car that educates enthusiasts on the essence of a sports car: accessible, reliable, without tricks, and with performance that exceeds mere necessity. This principle has remained consistent through every iteration. When I received the invitation to test drive the 2027 Nissan Z Nismo with a manual transmission at Sonoma Raceway, my enthusiasm transcended that of a journalist; it was the excitement of a lifetime enthusiast.
However, some pertinent context is necessary: the track was wet. Rain from the night before rendered the surface slippery enough to heighten my anxiety and keep my right foot in check. This adds an element of risk, but a wet track also reveals a car’s true nature more effectively than a dry one.
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The 2027 Z Nismo represents a significant enhancement to a vehicle that was already impressive. The previous Nismo, which I evaluated in 2023, was a bona fide sports car but had one notable drawback: it lacked a manual transmission. A representative from Nissan mentioned at that time that a manual Nismo was “not off the table” if there was customer demand, and the demand was there. Nissan responded.
The standout feature is the introduction of a six-speed manual transmission specifically optimized for the Nismo variant. The clutch has been upgraded compared to what is found in the Sport and Performance trims. The shifter offers a more tactile feel with a shorter throw, and the engine's throttle and ignition timing have been recalibrated for manual driving.
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The drivetrain remains unchanged: a VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo producing 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque in the Nismo version. This means the Z now offers both a nine-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission. So, what complaints could one possibly have now?
The additional enhancements to the Nismo build upon the successful formula of the previous generation. The front brakes now feature two-piece iron-aluminum rotors sourced directly from the GT-R, measuring a substantial 15 inches and equipped with significantly improved cooling channels. This change reduces unsprung weight by 19 pounds, leading Nissan to reassess the suspension to accommodate the lighter front end. The steering rack also received modifications with both hardware and software adjustments. While these may appear to be minor improvements on paper, they collectively create a car that feels more focused than its predecessor when driving at Sonoma.
Nissan had us experience the standard 2026 Z Performance before handing over the keys to the manual Nismo, which proved to be a clever approach. This direct comparison revealed the Nismo’s characteristics instantly. The distinctions weren’t drastic—the underlying Z platform is so competent that even the base model feels impressive—but the Nismo had a level of stability that the Performance trim lacked. Everything was tightened up: the steering, the chassis, and the car’s commitment to its path. I would characterize it as track-oriented rather than competition-ready. It’s not a GT3 contender, but rather a driver’s car that respects the driver’s experience and is straightforward about its identity.
The three primary contact points inside—the steering wheel, shifter, and seats—immediately reinforce this character. The exclusive Nismo Recaro seats provide excellent support without being overly harsh, wrapped in leather and Alcantara that looks and feels premium. The steering wheel also utilizes Alcantara, giving it a firmer, more connected feel. The shifter, with its shorter and more mechanical stroke, serves its purpose perfectly—not a flashy feature, just optimal.
The boost from the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 hits powerfully. While this is well-known to those familiar with the current Z, the manual transmission brings an awareness of that power that the automatic version doesn’t convey. Coming out of the carousel at Turn 6 or the double apex at Turn 7, the rear end reminded me emphatically that I was driving a front-engine rear-wheel-drive car with 420 hp on a wet surface. Exiting the hairpin at Turn 11, the car became a bit unruly under heavy acceleration on standing water, prompting me to ease off. This type of sharp, low-end torque rewards smooth driving and penalizes mistakes.
Although I couldn’t thoroughly test the GT-R-derived brake rotors through repeated hard use, I can confirm that the calipers provided a strong and consistent bite. According to Nissan’s testing team, the enhanced cooling from the two-piece rotor resulted in temperatures that were 100 degrees cooler after
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2027 Nissan Z Nismo Manual First Drive Review: For All Those Who Claimed They Would Purchase One If It Came With a Manual Transmission
The Z Nismo finally receives the manual transmission it has always needed — and Nissan has done much more than simply install it.