Nissan has officially unveiled the manual transmission option for its highly anticipated Z Nismo variant, along with plans for a facelift. The new Nissan Z Nismo MT, known as the Fairlady Z Nismo MT in Japan, will make its debut at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon on January 9, 2026. This announcement marks a significant update for the model, which has generated considerable interest among automotive enthusiasts.
Details regarding the specifications of the Nismo MT remain sparse, though initial images reveal a six-speed manual transmission. The current Z Nismo features a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 309kW of power and 520Nm of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the manual option may offer a different driving experience, it is possible that the automatic’s quicker shifts could lead to faster acceleration times. Enthusiasts often argue that the joy of driving transcends mere performance metrics, as seen in popular models like the Mazda MX-5.
Whether the Z Nismo MT will be available in markets like Australia is currently uncertain. If it does arrive, it is expected to be priced competitively. The automatic version of the Z Nismo retails for $94,000, while the standard Z model is priced at $75,800 for both manual and automatic configurations. All prices are exclusive of on-road costs.
Upcoming Facelift for the Nissan Z
In addition to the manual Nismo variant, Nissan has confirmed a “refreshed” version of the Z will be introduced in Japan during the summer of 2024. Specific details regarding the facelift have not yet been released, but it is anticipated to include mechanical upgrades and aesthetic enhancements.
The Nissan Z made its debut in 2022, featuring a retro-inspired design, an updated interior, and the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine found in the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, producing 298kW and 475Nm. The new model is built on an updated platform derived from the 370Z, which first entered production in 2008 with a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre V6 engine.
As the automotive community awaits further information about the Nissan Z Nismo MT and the facelift, anticipation continues to grow. The upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon will provide a platform for Nissan to showcase these exciting developments.
