The Nissan Z Nismo is finally getting the manual transmission it deserves

Nissan is backtracking on its decision to not offer a manual transmission for its Z Nismo. Almost two years after it was unveiled, the high-performance two-door sports coupé is finally getting the transmission it deserves.

Set to make its first public appearance at the upcoming 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), happening on January 9-11, 2026 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, the manual transmission-equipped Z Nismo is obviously a response to customer demand for a stick shift with three pedals.

While no exact details have been revealed just yet, we can expect a six-speed manual transmission, previously exclusive to the regular Nissan Z, along with the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine making 420 horsepower and 521Nm of torque. We can also expect it to have the same other upgrades over the regular Z.

On top of that, the Japanese automaker is also set to unveil the first refresh for the Z which will feature updated styling that’s aimed at increasing aerodynamic performance.

If Nissan offering a manual transmission isn’t proof that they listen to their customers, we don’t know what is. And of course, we hope that Nissan Philippines decides to eventually offer the Z Nismo locally with a manual transmission.

_{Photos from Nissan}