Nissan confirms Z NISMO will launch a manual transmission version

AshleySep 01, 2025, 03:48 PM

[PCauto] Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier recently confirmed in an “Automotive News” podcast interview that the Nissan Z NISMO will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, a decision that directly responds to global consumer demand.

This announcement ends market speculation that began in 2023 when Nissan stated that it would consider offering a manual transmission option for the high-performance Z NISMO version if there was enough market demand.

Nissan Z NISMO Manual Edition Aligns with NISMO’s Driving Philosophy

As a high-performance sports model under the brand, the Nissan Z NISMO is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine (VR30DDTT). The manual version is expected to retain the existing power output of 420 horsepower.

The standard version of the Nissan Z has long been offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, but the NISMO version was previously only available with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Christian Meunier emphasized that the introduction of a manual transmission is aimed at enhancing driving engagement and precision control, especially in track and winding road environments. This aligns with the core philosophy of NISMO (Nissan Motorsport International) in pursuing performance.

The integration of the manual transmission requires recalibration of the clutch and drivetrain system to ensure compatibility with the high torque output of the VR30DDTT engine.

Nissan may draw on the experience of the GT-R and 370Z NISMO, but the new version will focus on enhancing daily drivability and track performance.

The Manual Nissan Z NISMO Will Be Launched in 2027

Based on the release timeline, although the 2026 order sheet does not include the manual Z NISMO, this version may be available as early as the 2027 model year.

This timing aligns with Nissan’s global product update cycle and may also tie in with further announcements at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2025.

The Manual Transmission is Seen As a Resistance to the Trend of Automotive Electrification

On social media and professional forums, the Nissan Z NISMO manual transmission is viewed as a form of resistance to the trend of full electrification, emphasizing the importance of human factors in the driving experience.

In the context of the global auto industry accelerating electrification, Nissan’s move stands out significantly.

Although the parent company plans to achieve 25-40% of global sales with electric vehicles by 2030, the confirmation of the Z NISMO manual transmission indicates that Nissan believes traditional internal combustion engines and high-performance models will still play a vital role during the transition period.

About the History of the Nissan Z Series

Since the launch of the 240Z in 1969, the Z series has been at the core of Nissan’s sports car DNA and has built a strong reputation in global markets, especially in the United States.

The seventh-generation Z model (RZ34) made its return in 2022, featuring a retro design language and modern powertrain to rejuvenate the brand’s position in the sports car segment.

The addition of the NISMO version further raised the performance benchmark, while the introduction of a manual transmission upheld the Z series’ commitment to driving purism.