2027 Nissan Z: Twin-Turbo Power and a Manual NISMO

Not every drive in the High Desert is a commute. Some are a Saturday run up to Big Bear, an empty stretch of highway at sunrise, or just the long way home. The 2027 Nissan Z is built for those drives: rear-wheel drive, a twin-turbo V6, and a choice of a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. For 2027, Nissan has restyled the front end, sharpened the handling, and added a manual transmission to the NISMO.

• 400 hp from the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 on Z Sport and Z Performance
• 420 hp and 384 lb-ft on the Z NISMO
• Six-speed manual available on every trim, including the NISMO

What Is New for 2027

The Z keeps the formula and adds meaningful updates:

• Z NISMO now offers a six-speed manual transmission with an upgraded EXEDY clutch
• GT-R derived two-piece iron-aluminum front brake rotors on the NISMO
• Restyled front bumper and grille on Z Sport and Z Performance, inspired by classic Nissan sports cars
• New Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint with a Super Black roof
• Larger-diameter monotube shock absorbers on the Z Performance
• A revised fuel tank design intended to keep fuel delivery consistent during high-G cornering
• A 15-watt wireless Qi2 charger on Z Performance and Z NISMO
• A new tan interior upholstery option for the Z Performance

A Twin-Turbo V6 and Your Choice of Transmission

Every Z uses a 3.0L twin-turbo V6. Z Sport and Z Performance make 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and the Z NISMO steps up to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. That torque arrives low, with peak output on the Sport and Performance available from 1,600 rpm, so power is available early in the rev range.

• Six-speed manual: a close-ratio gearbox with a high-performance EXEDY clutch, offered on every trim. Manual cars also get a carbon fiber composite driveshaft, and the NISMO adds a shorter shift lever ratio for quicker shifts.
• Nine-speed automatic: standard paddle shifters, and a NISMO-tuned version on the Z NISMO.

Power goes to the rear wheels. The Z Performance with the manual gets a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential for traction out of corners.

Three Trims, Three Personalities

Z Sport

The entry point to the lineup keeps the 400 horsepower V6, with 18-inch wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system.

Z Performance

This is the step up for drivers who want the hardware as well as the engine. It adds larger front brakes with red four-piston calipers, 19-inch forged wheels, a 9-inch navigation touchscreen, Bose audio with eight speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and front and rear spoilers.

Z NISMO

The track-minded Z. It adds 20 more horsepower and more torque, the largest brakes in the lineup, NISMO-tuned suspension with extra chassis bracing, 19-inch forged wheels, Recaro seats in leather and Alcantara, and NISMO-exclusive styling including a three-piece rear spoiler.

Brakes, Suspension, and Handling

The Z uses a double-wishbone aluminum front suspension and a multi-link aluminum rear suspension, with monotube shocks at every corner and a front strut tower brace. Brakes scale with the trim: 12.6-inch front rotors on the Sport, 14-inch rotors on the Performance, and 15-inch GT-R derived rotors on the NISMO, which Nissan says save about 19 pounds in total.

Inside and Behind the Wheel

Z Sport comes with a black woven cloth interior. Z Performance moves up to synthetic suede and leather-appointed seats with power adjustment, and Z NISMO brings the Recaro seats. Connectivity includes Apple CarPlay on all trims (wireless on Performance and NISMO), Android Auto on the Sport, Bluetooth, and NissanConnect with a Wi-Fi hotspot on Performance and NISMO. SiriusXM requires a subscription.

Standard Safety Technology

Every Z includes a set of driver assistance features:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Predictive Forward Collision Warning
• Blind Spot Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Intelligent Auto Headlights and High Beam Assist

Fuel Economy

EPA-estimated fuel economy (city/highway/combined mpg): Z Sport and Z Performance are rated 18/24/20 with the manual and 19/28/22 with the automatic. The Z NISMO is rated 16/21/18 with the manual and 17/24/19 with the automatic.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage will vary with how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.

Is the Z the Right Fit?

The Z is a sports car, and it is honest about that. It has 4.8 inches of ground clearance (4.9 on the NISMO), so steep driveways, dips, and dirt roads call for care. If you need room for passengers or gear, or you want something for dirt trails, a Nissan SUV or the Frontier is a better tool. If you want a rear-wheel-drive car with real power and the option of three pedals, the Z is built for exactly that.

Common Questions

How much horsepower does the 2027 Nissan Z have?

Z Sport and Z Performance make 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Z NISMO makes 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft.

Does the 2027 Nissan Z come with a manual transmission?

Yes. A six-speed manual is available on every trim, and it is new for the Z NISMO for 2027. A nine-speed automatic is also available.

What is new on the 2027 Nissan Z?

A manual transmission for the NISMO with an upgraded clutch, GT-R derived front brake rotors on the NISMO, a restyled front bumper and grille on Sport and Performance, new Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint, larger monotube shocks on the Performance, a revised fuel tank design, and a wireless Qi2 charger on Performance and NISMO.

What is the difference between the Z Sport, Z Performance, and Z NISMO?

Sport is the base trim with the 400 horsepower V6. Performance adds larger brakes, forged 19-inch wheels, a 9-inch navigation screen, and Bose audio. NISMO adds more power, the largest brakes, NISMO-tuned suspension, and Recaro seats.

Is the Z rear-wheel drive?

Yes. The Z is a rear-wheel-drive sports car.

Is the 2027 Z at Valley Hi Nissan?

Availability changes, so call (760) 241-1700 and our team will tell you what is on the lot and what is on the way.

See the Nissan Z in Person

Want to see the 2027 Z up close? Ask us about current availability, then stop by Valley Hi Nissan. Browse new Nissan Z models, visit our showroom at 15722 Valley Park Ln, Victorville, CA 92394, or call (760) 241-1700. Sales hours are Mon-Sat 9 AM to 9 PM and Sun 10 AM to 9 PM.