The 2027 Nissan Z NISMO isn’t just another sports coupe—it’s a rallying cry for old-school driving passion in a digital, electrified, and increasingly automatic age. Nissan’s announcement that the NISMO will now offer a six-speed manual transmission, starting at $68,505, is a bold move that bucks industry trends. But what’s really going on beneath the surface of these headlines?
If you love driving, this news is massive. Not only has Nissan kept the manual alive, but they’ve given it to their hottest Z yet—while their rivals are heading for the automotive graveyard. Let’s unpack the real story and why it matters.
Why This Matters
- Manual transmissions are disappearing. In 2020, just 1.2% of all new cars sold in the US had a manual gearbox. That number has been sliding for years as automakers chase efficiency, emissions targets, and broader market appeal.
- The Toyota Supra (once a direct rival) is gone, and the BMW Z4 is also bowing out soon. The Z is now one of the last true analog sports cars standing—especially in the $70k and under segment.
- Same price for manual or automatic: Nissan bucks the industry trend of upcharging for DIY shifting. Whether you pick the six-speed manual or nine-speed auto, the price tag is identical across trims.
- NISMO upgrades go beyond the shifter: The manual-equipped NISMO isn’t a lazy swap. Nissan engineers upgraded the front brakes and reworked the system for true performance parity with the automatic.
What Most People Miss
- This is the end of an era. With the GT-R discontinued and rivals vanishing, the Z NISMO is Nissan’s lone performance flag-bearer.
- Performance per dollar is stellar here. Compared to the BMW M2 ($69,550) and Mustang GT ($48,795), the Z NISMO finds a sweet spot with 420 hp, a limited-slip diff, forged wheels, and upgraded brakes—at a price that’s competitive even after a $1,460 increase.
- Manual NISMOs are rare. Most brands reserve their best-tuned models for automatics. Nissan’s move caters to real enthusiasts who want the full, hands-on experience.
Key Takeaways
- Powertrain: All trims get a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp in Sport/Performance, 420 hp in NISMO).
- Pricing: Sport: $45,725; Performance: $55,725; NISMO: $68,505. Manual or auto—same price. All are up $1,460 from last year.
- Competition: Direct manual rivals are dwindling. Only the Mustang GT and BMW M2 stand toe-to-toe on power, price, and engagement.
- Legacy: Nissan is one of the last volume automakers willing to build a top-spec, track-focused manual sports car.
Industry Context & Comparisons
- Manual transmission sports cars are now unicorns. The Mazda Miata, Toyota GR86, and Subaru BRZ still offer sticks but at lower power and price points. At 420 hp, the Z NISMO sits in rarified air for do-it-yourself shifters.
- Resale and collector value: With manuals becoming scarce, expect future appreciation and strong enthusiast demand for these models.
- The Z NISMO’s manual option signals Nissan’s willingness to cater to passionate drivers even as electrification looms large across the industry.
The Bottom Line
The 2027 Nissan Z NISMO manual is more than a spec sheet update. It’s a love letter to performance purists and a middle finger to the idea that every car must be an automatic or an EV. If you want a new, high-powered, rear-wheel-drive coupe with a manual and true pedigree, your options are vanishing. Nissan just made your choice a lot easier.