Nissan Z NISMO Manual Transmission Confirmed for 2027: 420 HP of Stick-Shift Glory

Picture this: I’m 16, sneaking my dad’s 350Z out for a joyride, fumbling with the clutch like a rookie. That raw thrill of a manual gearbox stuck with me, so when I heard Nissan’s finally slapping a six-speed manual into the Z NISMO, I legit fist-pumped. Announced by Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier on an Automotive News podcast, the 420-hp Z NISMO is getting the three-pedal treatment, answering every gearhead’s prayers. With the current NISMO stuck with a nine-speed auto, this shift (pun intended) could make it the ultimate driver’s car by 2027. Let’s break down why this news has me buzzing like a kid at a car show.

The Big News: Z NISMO Goes Manual

Nissan’s been teasing us manual lovers with the standard Z’s six-speed, but the high-performance Z NISMO? Auto-only—until now. Meunier dropped the bombshell, saying, “We have a NISMO manual transmission coming,” and I’m already imagining rowing gears in a car that looks like it’s ready to eat corners. No exact date was spilled, but since this is fresh news, I’m betting on a 2027 debut, maybe 2026 if Nissan’s feeling frisky. My buddy Alex, who’s got a 370Z he babies, says this is Nissan finally listening to the purists screaming for a stick shift.

The reveal’s light on details, but the hype is real. After years of auto-only NISMO Zs, this move feels like Nissan handing us the keys to a dream car.

Power and Specs: 420 HP of Twin-Turbo Fury

The Z NISMO’s heart is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, pumping out 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque—20 hp and 34 lb-ft more than the standard Z. It’s like giving an already jacked athlete a protein shake. In testing, the auto-equipped NISMO hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, four-tenths quicker than the auto Z Performance and a full six-tenths faster than the manual version’s 4.5 seconds. With the six-speed manual, expect a slightly slower sprint—maybe 4.3 seconds—since you’re trading robotic shifts for driver soul.

It’s not just about power. The NISMO rocks a limited-slip differential, stiffer suspension, beefier brakes, and bodywork that’s meaner than a junkyard dog, complete with red accents that scream “look at me.” I saw a NISMO Z at a local show last summer, and those aggressive lines had me drooling.

Why a Manual Matters: Pure Driving Joy

Manuals are a dying breed, like vinyl records in a Spotify world, but the Nissan Z’s been waving the stick-shift flag proudly. The standard Z’s six-speed is a gem—crisp throws, perfect clutch feel—and the NISMO’s version will likely get tweaked ratios to handle the extra grunt. It’s like tuning a guitar to hit just the right note. Sure, the auto’s faster for lap times, but a manual’s about the connection—like dancing with a partner who knows your every move.

I remember teaching my sister to drive stick in an old Civic Si. The grin when she nailed a heel-toe downshift? That’s what the Z NISMO manual promises. It’s for drivers who’d rather lose a tenth at the track than miss out on the thrill of shifting gears.

What’s Next: Timeline and Expectations

Meunier kept it vague, so we’re left guessing when this manual Z NISMO hits. My gut says 2027, since 2026 order forms didn’t mention it, per some forum chatter. Compared to the Z Performance (400 hp, $52,085), the NISMO’s pricier—around $65,000—but the manual could add a premium for its niche appeal. It’ll still undercut rivals like the Toyota GR Supra ($60,000, 382 hp) while offering more power and that three-pedal magic.

Nissan’s listening to enthusiasts, and I’m betting we’ll see more details at the 2026 Japan Mobility Show. Until then, I’m dreaming of a NISMO Z in Stealth Gray, stick shift in hand, carving up a mountain road.

Quick Hits: Your Z NISMO Manual Questions Answered

What’s the power? 420 hp, 384 lb-ft from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.
When’s it coming? Likely 2027, possibly 2026.
Manual details? Six-speed, likely with tweaked ratios for the NISMO’s extra power.
How fast? Auto NISMO hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds; manual might be ~4.3 seconds.
What else? Limited-slip diff, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and aggressive styling.

This Nissan Z NISMO manual is like finding out your favorite band’s dropping a new album. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s got me itching to row gears. What do you think—will this stick-shift NISMO be worth the wait? Drop a comment and let’s geek out over it!