What Does NISMO Mean? 2027 Nissan Z NISMO Explained

If you have seen the NISMO name on a Nissan and wondered what it means, you are not alone. It shows up on some of Nissan’s most performance focused models, and the 2027 Nissan Z NISMO is the latest example. Here is what the name stands for and what Nissan says sets this Z apart.

• NISMO stands for Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd., founded in September 1984.
• 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque are Nissan’s listed figures for the 2027 Z NISMO.
• Six speed manual with an upgraded clutch is listed for the NISMO, with a NISMO tuned nine speed automatic as an option.

What NISMO Stands For

According to Nissan, NISMO was founded in September 1984 as a specialist company to support all of Nissan’s motorsports activities. Nissan describes its mission as achieving success in motorsports using Nissan vehicles, engines and components, and calls it the performance brand responsible for motorsports activities and performance cars. That racing background is the idea behind every NISMO model: take a production car and tune it with performance in mind.

What Makes the 2027 Z NISMO Different

All 2027 Z models use a twin turbo 3.0 liter V6. Nissan lists the Z Sport and Z Performance at 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and the Z NISMO at 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. Nissan’s press kit does not state a rating standard for these figures, so treat them as Nissan’s published numbers.

Beyond the engine, Nissan’s press kit lists several NISMO specific changes:

• Brakes: two piece iron and aluminum front rotors derived from the Nissan GT-R, with cooling channels Nissan says reduce brake pad temperatures in track use.
• Chassis: NISMO tuned suspension, NISMO front and rear chassis bracing, and NISMO specific tuning for the electric power steering.
• Engine hardware: a NISMO enhanced engine oil cooler.
• Manual transmission: an upgraded clutch compared with the Z Sport and Z Performance, and a shift lever ratio Nissan says shortens the shift stroke.

Manual or Automatic

Nissan lists a six speed manual as standard across the 2027 Z lineup, including the NISMO. The NISMO is also offered with a NISMO tuned nine speed automatic, which is listed as an option on that model only. The Z Sport and Z Performance offer a nine speed automatic as an option.

Everyday Use and Honest Limits

A NISMO is built with performance first. Nissan lists premium unleaded as the recommended fuel for the twin turbo V6, and a car tuned for track use is a different experience from a comfort focused daily driver. If you mostly want a sporty Z for commuting on the 15 or weekend drives through the High Desert, the Z Sport or Z Performance may fit better. If you want the most track oriented Z, the NISMO is the one to ask about. Either way, a test drive is the best way to decide.

For more on the rest of the lineup, see our guide to what is new for the 2027 Nissan Z.

Common Questions

What does NISMO stand for?

NISMO stands for Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. Nissan describes it as a specialist company founded in September 1984 to support all of Nissan’s motorsports activities, and as the performance brand behind its performance cars.

What makes the 2027 Nissan Z NISMO different from other Z models?

Per Nissan’s 2027 Z press kit, the Z NISMO adds a more powerful version of the twin turbo 3.0 liter V6, NISMO tuned suspension, front and rear chassis bracing, NISMO specific steering tuning, and GT-R derived front brake rotors. Nissan lists it at 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, compared with 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft for the Z Sport and Z Performance.

Does the 2027 Nissan Z NISMO come with a manual transmission?

Yes. Nissan’s press kit lists a six speed manual with an upgraded clutch for the 2027 Z NISMO. Nissan also lists a NISMO tuned nine speed automatic as an option on the NISMO only.

Does the Nissan Z NISMO need premium fuel?

Nissan’s 2027 Z specifications list premium unleaded as the recommended fuel for the twin turbo V6.

Is the Nissan Z NISMO available at Valley Hi Nissan?

Availability changes often. Call Valley Hi Nissan at (760) 241-1700 or visit the dealership in Victorville to ask about current Z inventory and expected arrivals.

See the Nissan Z in Person

Ask the team at Valley Hi Nissan about current Z inventory and expected arrivals. Browse new vehicles, find us on the map at 15722 Valley Park Ln in Victorville, or call (760) 241-1700. Sales hours are Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM.