Nissan is giving its high-performance Z NISMO the feature many enthusiasts wanted from the start: a traditional manual transmission. The move signals that driver engagement still carries real commercial value in an industry increasingly dominated by SUVs, EVs and automatic-only performance cars.
According to Automotive News and subsequent industry reports, the updated Nissan Z NISMO will receive a six-speed stick shift as part of a broader mid-cycle refresh, reversing the earlier decision to offer the flagship trim exclusively with a nine-speed automatic. (Facebook)
The decision comes as manufacturers reassess enthusiast demand. While manual gearboxes remain niche in volume terms, they often create strong brand loyalty, media attention and halo value disproportionate to sales numbers.
Why the Manual Matters
The Z has historically been associated with affordable rear-wheel-drive performance and driver-focused simplicity. Offering the top NISMO model only as an automatic had drawn criticism from loyalists who viewed manual shifting as central to the Z identity.
Nissan now appears to be listening to that market. Car and Driver reported the new manual-equipped NISMO includes a bespoke transmission setup with upgraded clutch hardware and shorter throws rather than simply reusing the standard Z gearbox. (Car and Driver)
That suggests the company wants the manual to feel like a genuine performance product rather than a token option.
Performance Credentials Stay Intact
The Z NISMO is expected to retain its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 producing around 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, keeping it competitive with rivals such as the Toyota Supra and Ford Mustang GT. (Car and Driver)
Additional upgrades reported for the refreshed model include GT-R-derived brake components, steering refinements and suspension changes aimed at sharper handling. (Car and Driver)
That means the manual version is not simply about nostalgia — it is being positioned as a serious driver’s car.
Why Automakers Still Care About Manuals
Manual transmissions have largely disappeared because automatics are faster, more efficient and easier to certify for emissions.
Yet manuals remain powerful marketing tools. Cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3, Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Supra have shown that enthusiast buyers still reward brands that preserve analog driving experiences.
For Nissan, the Z NISMO manual could help strengthen identity at a time when the company is rebuilding momentum globally.
Why It Matters for Europe and Slovenia
Although the Z is not widely sold across Europe, the move matters symbolically. It shows legacy Japanese sports cars still have room in a market increasingly focused on crossovers and electrification.
For enthusiasts in Slovenia and Central Europe, it also supports used-car values of analog performance models as manuals become rarer worldwide.
Bottom Line
Nissan’s decision to give the Z NISMO a manual gearbox is more than a product tweak.
It is proof that even in 2026, passion still sells — and some drivers still want to shift for themselves.
Sources
Automotive News / social excerpt – Nissan Z NISMO gets stick shift (Facebook)
Car and Driver – Nissan confirms manual transmission for Z NISMO (Car and Driver)
Car and Driver – 2027 Nissan Z NISMO revealed (Car and Driver)
Autoweek – 2027 Nissan Z gets manual and upgrades (Autoweek)
