Nissan Will Address The Z NISMO’s Major Flaw With A Single Easy Pedal | Carscoops

      The head of Nissan Americas has announced that the Z NISMO will soon be available with a six-speed manual transmission, addressing its biggest drawback.

      Currently, the NISMO is equipped with a powerful 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, but it is only offered with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The manual gearbox may be adapted from the standard Z’s transmission, potentially arriving by 2027.

      While the Nissan Z might not be the quickest coupe available, it is certainly one of the most enjoyable to drive. This made it surprising when the automaker launched the high-end NISMO trim with just one transmission option: a nine-speed automatic. Now, it appears that the model will incorporate what driving enthusiasts hoped for from the outset: a manual option complete with an extra pedal and a gear stick situated between the Recaro bucket seats.

      During an appearance on the Auto News podcast, Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier revealed, “We have a NISMO manual transmission coming.” He did not provide details on the timing, specifications, or whether other modifications will accompany the new gearbox, but this confirmation indicates a significant shift in strategy for the company’s flagship sports car.

      The Z NISMO features the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine as other Z models, but it has been tuned to deliver 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, which includes an increase of 20 hp and 34 lb-ft compared to the standard version. It also comes equipped with upgraded brakes, enhanced suspension components, a limited-slip differential, and more aggressive body styling.

      While no additional details were shared, the manual transmission for the NISMO may utilize the same six-speed gearbox as the regular Z, potentially with different gear ratios. However, the timing of its release remains uncertain; while 2026 seems optimistic, 2027 appears more realistic given the recent announcement. If Nissan has been preparing for this behind the scenes, there is a chance that it could launch sooner than expected.

      Typically, introducing a manual transmission for one variant among several wouldn’t be particularly significant. However, it holds particular importance for the Z NISMO due to its performance-focused nature. During our evaluation of the car, we found this to be its main shortcoming.

      There is no doubt that the Z NISMO may not be as speedy or as refined as competitors like the Chevrolet Corvette or BMW M4. Thus, it makes sense for Nissan to emphasize the enjoyment aspect, which is the Z’s primary strength.

      The most performance-oriented Z serves as a tribute to enthusiasts seeking a fun driving experience. Incorporating an additional engagement point will only enhance this mission, and we eagerly anticipate experiencing it.