When Nissan debuted Z NISMO debuted two years ago, despite offering the type of rear-wheel-drive sports car doesn’t cost six figures, something that’s in very short supply these days, they managed to piss everyone off by making it automatic only. Well, now a top exec is promising to rectify that mistake by giving the top Z a proper stick shift.
The revelation came from the lips of Christian Meunier, head of Nissan Americas, while speaking on an Automotive News podcast. “We have a NISMO manual transmission coming,” he said while discussing upcoming models. He didn’t elaborate at all, so there’s no information about timeframe or cost.
Back at the 2023 launch, a top product planner told us that there was an internal debate about whether or not to offer three pedals on the Z NISMO. In the end, they decided that since the 9-speed automatic would accelerate quicker than a Z equipped with the 6-speed manual, there was no need for the stick. They couldn’t have the NISMO be slower than a regular Z, right?
At the time, Paul Hawson, Nissan North America’s Director of Advanced Product Planning, said that customers who would spring for a NISMO cared about hard figures like lap times more than the overall driving experience. But, he added, Nissan was open to feedback and that if enough customers demanded a manual, they would consider it.
Well that day has apparently come. The gearbox will likely be the same 6-speed that comes on the standard Z. If the Z NISMO keeps the same engine configuration, it’ll be asked to handle 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, 20 more horses and 34 more lb-ft than the regular Z. Additionally, the NISMO comes standard with an LSD, bigger brakes, and increased chassis stiffening.
This is obviously great news, since the Z has always been a car for motorists and racers alike. Now the top-spec model can cover both bases. However, it speaks to what seems like an even greater shift_in attitude that may help revitalize the company. With news of a revived RWD manual Infiniti sports sedan and body-on-frame Xterra and Pathfinder, it feels like Nissan is listening to enthusiasts and giving loyal customers what they want. Maybe other companies should take note.
