Nissan’s Nismo Z Finally Gets a Manual Transmission

Caecey Killian September 8, 2025 2 min read 0

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Nissan has been fighting to reinvigorate its performance image, and the company’s latest move shows they’re listening closely to the enthusiast community. The automaker confirmed that the high-performance Nismo Z will soon be offered with a manual transmission, addressing one of the most requested features since the car’s debut.

Until now, the twin-turbo 420-horsepower Nismo Z has only been available with a nine-speed automatic transmission, a decision that left many purists cold. Even though the automatic offers better performance figures on paper, it’s not what buyers want. Meanwhile, the other Z models offer a six-speed manual, making the absence of a manual in the Nismo variant even harder for some fans to accept or understand.

A Shift Toward Driver Involvement

The confirmation came from Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier, who announced that the manual Nismo Z is officially in the works. While technical specifications and release dates remain under wraps, the announcement alone signals a turning point. Nissan is acknowledging that driver engagement is just as important as outright performance.

For drivers who crave control, rhythm, and the thrill of rowing their own gears, the upcoming Nismo Z manual promises to be a far more immersive experience than the automatic-only setup currently on sale.

What This Could Mean for Nissan’s Future

The decision goes beyond just one car. It signals Nissan’s recognition that its performance lineup must continue to prioritize enthusiasts if it hopes to stay relevant. The Z nameplate has always carried a strong connection to driver-focused sports cars, and adding a manual option to the top-performing model only strengthens that legacy. Even if the performance models are low-volume sellers.

It also raises questions about what might be next. Could this move pave the way for more enthusiast-focused options in future models? Some fans are already speculating that Nissan could take a similar approach with the next-generation R36 GT-R.

The Right Move

While we don’t yet know when the manual-equipped Nismo Z will hit dealerships, or the full technical details, one thing is clear: Nissan has heard the outcry and responded. By finally pairing the Nismo’s upgraded performance with the engagement of a manual transmission, Nissan is giving enthusiasts the kind of car they’ve been asking for all along.

AboutCaecey Killian

Caecey Killian covers builds, installs, and product features for Car Junkie Magazine. He has spent years on the floor of the garage chasing horsepower across SBC, LS, and modern muscle platforms, and that shop time runs through every article he writes. His current CJM project is Project Street Reaper, a 1976 Camaro built around a fresh SBC 350. He is also known for Project Mighty Mouse, a 1977 Chevy Nova running a 1962 small-journal 327 SBC, with build coverage published across multiple online automotive magazines. His media background spans long-form build documentation, install coverage, and product features across the magazine and the Car Junkie Magazine YouTube channel. He writes the way he wrenches: specific, honest about the mistakes, and grounded in real garage work.