Nissan Z Nismo Gets the Manual Gearbox Fans Have Been Craving – Here’s What We Know
Hey there, car lovers. If you’ve been holding out for a high-performance sports car that lets you truly connect with the road through a proper stick shift, I’ve got some thrilling news straight from Nissan. The Z Nismo, that beast of a twin-turbo V6 machine, is finally ditching its auto-only setup and adding a manual transmission option. Yeah, you read that right – the row-your-own-gears dream for the top-tier Z is becoming reality, and it’s all thanks to vocal enthusiasts who’ve been pushing for it since the model’s relaunch.
I remember when the updated Nissan Z hit the scene back in 2022. It was a breath of fresh air for anyone who loves affordable, rear-wheel-drive fun. The base model gave us the choice of a six-speed manual, which was awesome, but the hotter Nismo variant? Stuck with a nine-speed automatic tuned for track duty. Don’t get me wrong, that auto is quick and capable, but for purists, nothing beats the tactile joy of clutching and shifting yourself. Well, Nissan has listened, and change is on the horizon.
The Big Confirmation from Nissan‘s Top Brass
This isn’t just rumor mill chatter. Christian Meunier, the chairman of Nissan Americas and a guy who knows a thing or two about exciting vehicles from his Jeep days, dropped the bombshell during a recent Automotive News podcast. When grilled about upcoming products that get him pumped, Meunier straight-up named the manual-equipped Z Nismo as a highlight. It’s a smart move, especially since Nissan teased this possibility last year, saying they’d make it happen if demand was strong enough. Turns out, the outcry from fans was loud and clear.
For context, the current Z Nismo packs a punch with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 churning out serious horsepower, paired to that slick auto box. But adding a manual? That could elevate it to legendary status among sports car die-hards, especially in a market where manuals are becoming as rare as a quiet highway. Imagine carving up twisty roads with full control over those gears – it’s the kind of setup that makes driving feel alive again.
What Current Owners Are Saying – Mixed Emotions and Trade-In Talk
Word of this update has already rippled through online communities like the Nissan Z Club forums, and reactions are all over the map. Some folks who snapped up the auto-only Nismo are kicking themselves, admitting they’d have waited if they knew a stick-shift version was coming. One user lamented, “I jumped on the Nismo thinking manual wasn’t in the cards – now I’m second-guessing everything.” Others are stoked, with a few even plotting to trade in their current rides when the new model drops.
It’s understandable. In an era where brands like Toyota and Honda are still offering manuals in gems like the GR86 or Civic Type R, Nissan stepping up keeps the Z competitive. But patience is key here – forum detectives poring over order forms suggest the manual Z Nismo won’t show up in 2026 guides, pointing to a 2027 debut at the soonest. That gives us time to save up, right?
Beyond the Z: More Goodies from Nissan on the Way
Nissan isn’t stopping at just tweaking the Z. Meunier also let slip that the Rogue e-Power, their clever hybrid system where the gas engine acts more like a generator for electric motors, is headed to U.S. shores. This builds on earlier buzz and could mean electrified performance without sacrificing fun. Heck, Japan just got an X-Trail Nismo (that’s the Rogue’s global twin) with e-Power tweaks – fingers crossed we see something similar here, though Meunier played coy on that front.
On top of that, expect some special edition Zs to keep things fresh. With the iconic R35 GT-R bowing out of production this week after a stellar run, the Z – or Fairlady Z as it’s known back home in Japan – is now Nissan’s sole sports car torchbearer. It makes sense for them to pour love into it, maybe with unique trims, colors, or performance packs. And who knows? This could bridge the gap until the next GT-R electrifies the lineup.
Why This Matters for Sports Car Enthusiasts
In a world dominated by crossovers and EVs, the manual transmission sports car is a dying breed, but Nissan’s decision feels like a win for the little guy. The Z Nismo with a stick shift isn’t just about numbers – though that twin-turbo V6 will shine even brighter with manual control – it’s about preserving the soul of driving. Base price for the current Nismo hovers around $65,000, so expect the manual to land in a similar ballpark, making it accessible compared to pricier rivals.
If you’re like me and grew up dreaming of affordable Japanese icons like the old 300ZX, this update hits home. It’s a reminder that car companies still care about what enthusiasts want, even as the industry shifts gears toward autonomy and electrification. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge – I’ll be watching closely.
What do you think? Would you hold out for the manual Z Nismo, or is the auto fine for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. And if you’re shopping for a sports car, keep the Z on your radar – it’s evolving in all the right ways.
source- www.autonews.com
