Nissan Z NISMO Is Getting a Stick Shift, Says U.S. Boss
A manual should have been available from the start, but better late than never.

Edward Loh - Writer | Sep 03, 2025


If you're in the market for a reasonably thrilling yet somewhat practical sports car, the Nissan Z NISMO just leveled up. Nissan has confirmed that the high-performance variant of the Z, previously offered only with a nine-speed automatic, will soon come with a six-speed manual. This marks an exciting expansion of options for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

Straight from the Boss

In a recent podcast from Automotive News, Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier announced a manual option is coming for the Nissan Z NISMO, though neither timing nor additional details such as pricing were disclosed. When contacted by MotorTrend, Nissan PR declined to provide any additional context on Meunier’s revelation, providing only this official statement: “The Nissan Z NISMO represents the pinnacle of accessible performance in our lineup. We value the passion for the model and are always exploring ways to enrich the driving experience. We look forward to sharing more details in the future."

Why It Matters

The standard Nissan Z has long given shoppers the choice between a nine-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Until now, though, the top-spec NISMO model left out the manual entirely, frustrating drivers who want to get hands-on with the ultimate Z.

Performance That Strikes a Balance

The Z NISMO pushes the 3.0‑liter twin‑turbo V‑6 to 420 hp and 384 lb‑ft, up from 400 hp and 350 lb‑ft in base Z trims. That extra power, combined with upgraded suspension, brakes, and a limited‑slip differential, helps the NISMO deliver most of the fun and excitement you’d expect from the highest-performance version of its iconic Z, as we discovered in the automatic-equipped 2024 version. Adding a manual should complete the puzzle.


The 2025 Z lineup spans from $42,970 for the Sport trim to $65,750 for the NISMO. Fuel economy for the NISMO sits at 17/24/19 mpg city/highway/combined, with a 16.4‑gallon tank offering an estimated range just over 300 miles. The car maintains its classic proportions, as well, being roughly 173 inches long and 73 inches wide, though its small size and swept roofline limit cargo space to a modest 7 cubic feet or so. The curb weight came in at 3,652 pounds on our scales.

Tech and Comfort for Daily Use

The Z NISMO isn’t just about performance—it’s also surprisingly livable. It features Recaro leather seats, a customizable 12.3‑inch digital gauge cluster, and an 8.0‑ or 9.0‑inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bose audio, a Wi‑Fi hot spot, and advanced safety systems like lane departure warning and emergency braking.

Sticking It to the Future

Adding a six-speed manual gives drivers a more immersive experience behind the wheel. While Nissan hasn’t confirmed details, it's expected to use a revised version of the existing manual used in other Z trims, strengthened to suit NISMO's extra power. Timing has yet to be announced, but the 2027 model year is what we’re guessing.