2027 Nissan Z and Z Nismo Get Smarter Upgrades

Nissan Z 2027

Image credit: nissanusa

As the calendar turns beyond 2025, Nissan has begun lifting the curtain on its next wave of performance models. At the Tokyo Auto Salon, you get your first official glimpse of what’s coming next for the brand’s modern sports car lineup: the 2027 Nissan Z and the more focused Z Nismo, both confirmed for the US market. While this update doesn’t rewrite the Z formula, it introduces thoughtful refinements aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts.

In a landscape dominated by 2026 car launches, software-defined vehicles, and the ongoing hybrid renaissance, Nissan’s approach stands out for its restraint. Rather than chasing radical reinvention, the 2027 Z focuses on improving how the car feels, responds, and performs when driven hard.

Subtle Design, Smarter Aerodynamics
At first glance, the 2027 Nissan Z looks familiar, retaining its retro-inspired silhouette that traces its roots back to the original S30-generation Z cars. That familiarity is intentional. Beneath the surface, however, Nissan has quietly refined the car’s aerodynamics to improve stability and efficiency.

The front end now generates 3.3 percent less lift, while overall aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 1 percent. Those numbers may seem modest on paper, but at highway and track speeds, they translate into better composure, improved balance, and greater confidence behind the wheel. For drivers who push their Z beyond daily commuting, these changes matter.

Suspension Changes You’ll Actually Feel
One of the most meaningful upgrades for 2027 comes in the form of revised suspension hardware. Nissan has increased the diameter of both front and rear dampers from 40 mm to 45 mm, allowing for a significantly larger internal piston.

That change brings a 26.6 percent increase in piston area, improving damper responsiveness without making the ride harsher. In practical terms, you benefit from better control over bumps, improved body motion during aggressive driving, and a more planted feel through corners. Nissan’s goal here is balance, not stiffness for its own sake.

Heritage Details With Modern Execution
Nissan is also looking back to its past by adding design features that are similar to those of former Z models. Unryu Green is a unique exterior color that takes inspiration from the Grand Prix Green hue used on original Datsun 240Z vehicles.

You will also see a new design for the aluminum wheels that is based on the wheels from the Z31 period in the mid-1980s. Even if the current wheels don’t appear exactly like the originals with their enclosed discs, the spoke pattern, two-tone finish, and general design are all obviously based on Z history. These features make the 2027 Z seem different without going overboard with nostalgia.

2027 Nissan Z Nismo Returns Manual
The 2027 Nissan Z Nismo is back with changes that go beyond looks for drivers who want a greater edge. Nissan is offering a six-speed manual gearbox, which is a big deal since it shows that the Nismo is meant for car fans.

It wasn’t as easy to add a handbook as it was to change the hardware. Nissan changed the engine’s torque mapping just for the manual transmission, which made the throttle response better and the part-throttle behavior smoother. The result is a driving experience that is more predictable and fun, whether you’re on a track or a twisty road.

Nissan Z Nismo

Image credit: nissanusa

Better Brake and Steering Control
The Z Nismo also has a lot of improvements to its brakes. Nissan currently employs two-piece Akebono braking discs with forged aluminum crowns and steel rotors that have cross-drilled holes in them. The four-piston red Akebono calipers are still there, but they operate better with the revised arrangement.

Despite adding complexity, the revised brakes reduce weight at the front axle by nearly 20 pounds. Lower unsprung mass allows the suspension to react more effectively to road imperfections, improving ride quality and handling precision. Cooling performance also improves, which is critical during extended high-performance driving.

Additional refinements include smoother damper operation and a steering rack with reduced internal friction. Together, these changes aim to deliver clearer feedback and a more connected feel—qualities that matter as much as outright speed.

Where the 2027 Z Fits in Today’s Automotive Landscape
While much of the industry focuses on retro-EVs, hybrid experimentation, and high-tech concepts like the Sony-Honda Afeela prototype or upcoming vehicles such as the Scout Traveler and Cadillac Vistiq, the 2027 Nissan Z stays firmly rooted in traditional sports car values.

That doesn’t make it outdated. Instead, it positions the Z as a counterpoint to broader trends shaping every major car and truck launch scheduled for the US in 2026. It’s a reminder that there’s still room for performance cars built around driver engagement rather than digital features alone.

What Comes Next
The refreshed 2027 Nissan Z and Z Nismo are expected to debut in the US later this year, though Nissan has yet to confirm precise on-sale dates or pricing. More technical details are likely to follow as the launch approaches.

Conclusion
With the 2027 Z and Z Nismo, Nissan isn’t trying to reinvent its sports car icon. Instead, it’s fine-tuning what already works—making the aerodynamics, suspension, brakes, and driver engagement better in ways that matter when you’re driving. In a time of fast change and electrification, the Z’s progress seems planned, targeted, and refreshingly down-to-earth.