Nismo Z Finally Gets A Manual, Nissan Launches Facelift In Japan

Nissan pulled the wraps off the facelifted Fairlady Z in Japan on Thursday, August 27, 2026, ending a years-long enthusiast campaign by adding a manual gearbox to the range-topping Nismo Z.

The Japanese domestic market now has a complete Z lineup that finally addresses purists who refused to accept the nine-speed automatic as the only transmission choice at the top of the range.

The 2026 refresh lands with sharper front-end styling, revised suspension geometry, and a cabin update centered on a larger infotainment display.

The mechanical headline, however, is the Nismo Z finally gets a three-pedal option, paired to the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 built at Nissan’s Tochigi plant.

Pricing for the updated Fairlady Z lineup in Japan starts at approximately 5,491,200 yen for the base entry model, while the Nismo-trimmed variant carries a sticker of 9,200,400 yen.

Nismo z finally gets: What Changed Under The Skin

The twin-turbo V6 carries over, but Nissan’s engineers recalibrated the cooling system, retuned the boost curve, and stiffened the rear subframe bushings to handle the additional lateral loads of a track-day driver.

A revised launch control strategy and faster upshifts from the automatic remain, but they no longer come at the cost of driver engagement at the very top of the lineup. A new mechanical limited-slip differential reportedly replaces the previous electronic unit on manual cars.

The cabin gains a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a new digital gauge cluster reportedly borrowed from the Skyline family. Heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an available nine-speaker Bose system round out the comfort story.

Importantly, the manual Nismo Z reportedly gets a proper handbrake — a mechanical unit, not the electronic variety that frustrated buyers on the outgoing automatic.

Pricing And Trim Structure

The Japanese market reportedly receives four distinct variants: the base S, the mid-grade Version S, the sporty Version ST, and the new flagship Nismo with the manual option.

Nissan’s press materials reportedly position the Nismo as a direct rival to the Toyota GR Supra manual, which launched in 2023, and the forthcoming BMW M2 with a stick shift.

The

The base S starts at 5,491,200 yen, the Version S at 5,995,200 yen, and the Version ST at 6,577,200 yen.

The new Nismo commands a 9,200,400 yen sticker, including the manual gearbox option that finally gets added to the order sheet in Japan.

The Manual That Almost Did Not Arrive

Enthusiast pressure on Nissan to offer a manual Nismo reportedly dates back to the original Z’s 2023 launch, when forums and YouTube channels argued that the car’s analog spirit demanded a third pedal.

Nissan’s global product team initially resisted, reportedly citing low take-rates and the cost of homologating a manual gearbox across multiple markets. The breakthrough reportedly came when Nissan’s chief ope

The facelifted Z finally gets that gearbox as standard equipment on the Nismo trim, with the automatic returning as a no-cost option for buyers who prefer two pedals.

What’s Next For Global Markets

The Japanese launch is reportedly the first domino, with US deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. European allocation reportedly remains limited, and Australian customers reportedly face a longer waitlist.

For now, the manual Nismo Z finally gets a home market where it can be ordered, driven, and appreciated on the same streets that birthed the original 1969 Fairlady Z. Buyers in India and other right-hand-drive markets should monitor Nissan’s regional communications for confirmation of a launch window, as the brand has not yet committed to a timeline outside Japan. The facelifted Fairlady Z is available to order through Nissan dealers across Japan starting today. FAQ

Does the 2026 Nismo Z have a manual transmission?

Yes. The facelifted 2026 Nismo Z finally gets a three-pedal manual gearbox, with the automatic available as a no-cost option.

How much horsepower does the Nismo Z produce?

The Nismo Z’s twin-turbo V6 reportedly produces 420 hp (426 PS), paired with 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque.

What is the

The Nismo Z is

When will the manual Nismo Z arrive in the US?

US deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2027, pending final homologation.

How does the manual Nismo Z compare to the Toyota GR Supra manual?

The Nismo Z reportedly matches the GR Supra manual’s driver-focused positioning while offering four seats and a hatchback cargo area, a practical advantage over the Supra’s two-seat coupe layout.

The manual transmission has reportedly transformed the Nismo Z from a parts-bin special into a genuine driver’s car — and the timing could not be better, with the broader sports car market tilting toward electrification.

What are the key features of the facelifted Nismo Z?

The facelifted Nismo Z includes a three-pedal manual gearbox for the first time, enhanced performance specifications, and updated styling elements that reflect Nissan’s commitment to modern design while retaining the classic Fairlady Z appeal.

When will the facelifted Fairlady Z be available for purchase in Japan?

The facelifted Fairlady Z will be available for purchase in Japan starting August 27, 2026, with pricing and specifications announced at the launch event.

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