Nissan NZ updates 2026 Z range with manual Nismo variant

Damien O’Carroll

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  • Nissan NZ has announced updates for the Z Coupe for 2026.
  • The Nismo model will now be available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
  • The range starts at $89,990 for the standard car rising to $108,500 for the Nismo.

Nissan has announced updates for the 2026 Z lineup in New Zealand, headlined by the introduction of a manual transmission for the Nismo model. The new six-speed manual Nismo joins the existing automatic version, bringing the total number of Z grades available to four: the Coupe in manual or automatic, and the Nismo in manual or automatic.

The Nismo manual variant uses a short-stroke gearbox and features an exclusively tuned drive mode. In Nismo trim, the vehicle's engine produces 309kW of power and 520Nm of torque, representing an increase of 11kW and 45Nm over the standard Z Coupe.

Along with a manual for the Nismo, the Z also gets a new shade of green.

Technical updates for the 2026 Nismo include two-piece front brake rotors derived from the GT-R. These components, paired with a new brake calliper colour, reduce unsprung mass by approximately 9kg. The standard Z Coupe also receives mechanical updates, specifically the adoption of Nismo monotube dampers intended to modify handling and ride comfort.

Visual changes to the 2026 Z Coupe include a redesigned front bumper and grille, as well as a new 19-inch alloy wheel design. A new exterior colour, 'Unryu Green,' has been added to the palette, and a Boulder Gray two-tone option returns to the range.

Along with mechanical tweaks, the Z's interior also gets some minor upgrades, and the option of a new tan interior.

Functional interior updates across all Z models include a wireless smartphone charger, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a new intelligent-key design, and a revised start-up animation. A tan interior is now available as a no-cost option for the Coupe.

The updated 2026 Nissan Z range is available for order starting this month, with the first customer deliveries expected to arrive in September 2026. Pricing for the Z Coupe is set at $89,990 for both transmission types, while both the manual and automatic Nismo models are priced at $108,500.

The biggest visual upgrade for the 2026 Z is a redesigned front bumper and grille, as well as a new alloy wheel design.

"The Z is a Nissan icon. It has always been about the connection between driver and car, so bringing a manual to the NISMO and genuine GT-R-derived hardware doubles down on our promise to our most committed enthusiasts," said Steve Milette, Managing Director of Nissan Oceania.

"Add the Coupe’s fresh new face, the heritage-inspired Unryu Green, and 2026 is a milestone year for Z."

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