Nissan kicked off September with two rounds of good news for Z enthusiasts when it confirmed that a limited production Heritage Edition will join the lineup in 2026, and the top performance trim, Z NISMO, will be available with a manual transmission.
But there’s a big caveat for point two: we don’t know when the Z NISMO manual will arrive. That’s because the executive who made the claim, Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier, didn’t provide a date, or a model year, when he announced it on a recent Automotive News podcast.
As reported in Car and Driver, all that Meunier said was, “we have a NISMO manual transmission coming,” without provide additional details, including a timeline. Currently, the Z NISMO is only available with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which includes the 2026 model year.
The 9-speed is paired with a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that produces 420 hp and 384 lb-ft., which are +20 and +34 versus the non-NISMO Z. Our guess is the manual won’t arrive until 2027 at the earliest, but we have to wait a bit longer for confirmation.
As for the Heritage Edition, it’s an appearance package for the 2026 Z Performance grade that adds unique styling cues inspired by the 300ZX from the 1990s, which is commonly referred to by enthusiasts as the Z32.
The package, which retails for $2,940, comes with 19-inch RAYS wheels, carbon fiber rear spoiler, Twin Turbo badging and graphics, along with Midnight Purple exterior finish. The latter is also found on the Nissan GT-R.
The Heritage Edition package is limited to 500 units, so those interested should get to their local Nissan dealer ASAP.
Full Nissan USA press release follows.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Paying homage to the fourth generation of the Nissan Z sports car, the 2026 Nissan Z introduces a new Heritage Edition with visual enhancements that evoke the 1990s. The new model was revealed today at the 38th annual ZCON, the International Z Car Convention hosted by the Z Car Club, which welcomes hundreds of Z car enthusiasts each year.
The 2026 Nissan Z offers three compelling grades – Sport, Performance and NISMO. The 2026 Nissan Z will reach dealers later this month with Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) starting at $42,970.
The Heritage Edition package is offered exclusively on the 2026 Nissan Z Performance grade for $2,940, bringing the total MSRP of a 2026 Nissan Z Performance grade with Heritage Edition package to $55,910 – a significant value.
Z32 brought to the 21st century
The Nissan 300ZX – known by enthusiasts as the Z32 – was introduced in 1989, two decades after the first Nissan Z sports car. Its low, wide proportions and extremely short overhangs alluded to its thrilling performance potential, which included an available twin-turbo V6 engine.
The 2026 Z Heritage Edition recreates that iconic model with bronze 19-inch RAYS® wheels, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler featuring a retro-styled “Twin Turbo” badge, and bronze “Twin Turbo” graphics on the body sides. Interior enhancements include unique door kick plates and exclusive floor mats.
The final touch is Midnight Purple paint, one of the most beloved shades in Nissan performance car history from the iconic GT-R.
Also new for 2026, Z Sport and Performance grades are available with a new Boulder Gray paint color paired with a black roof.
Modern yet retro design
The seventh-generation Nissan Z’s iconic design features numerous elements that reference the sports car’s history. For instance, the raised hood bulge with sharp creases recalls the original Nissan Z, and the twin crescent-shaped LED running lights on each headlight recall the glass-covered headlights of the 240ZG. The rear of the 2026 Z is clearly influenced by the Z32, including its elongated-oval taillight shapes and blacked-out center section. Z32-inspired elongated oval shapes are also seen in the modern Z’s front grille.
Within the cabin, designers incorporated three gauges atop the dashboard, a design cue seen on many past Z sports cars. In the case of the 2026 model, those show turbocharger boost pressure, turbine speed and battery voltage. The car’s general dashboard layout – simple, functional, horizontal – was similarly inspired by the purposeful look of the original Z.
Three flavors of Nissan’s iconic sports car
The 2026 Nissan Z Sport features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine rated at 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic with shift paddles. Standard features include a fully digital meter display, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Intelligent Cruise Control, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 18-inch wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance tires.
Moving up to the 2026 Nissan Z Performance adds the capability and excitement of a mechanical Limited Slip Differential, 19-inch RAYS super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with Bridgestone Potenza® S007 high performance tires and Nissan Performance Brakes. Additional convenience features include an eight-speaker Bose® Audio System, a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, NissanConnect® Services with Wi-Fi hotspot, heated side mirrors, aluminum sport pedals and heated, leather-appointed power seats.
The 2026 Nissan Z NISMO features precise engineering that exhilarates drivers on and off the racetrack. Its engine output rises to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, complemented by a faster-shifting transmission. NISMO-tuned suspension and brakes, revised aerodynamic bodywork, and wider wheels with a more aggressive tire compound deliver more confident, more capable performance. Interior enhancements include red-anodized engine-start and drive mode buttons, manual-adjust Recaro seats, and a leather-and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red marker at the 12 o’clock position.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for the 2026 Nissan Z:
Model Transmission MSRP
Nissan Z Sport 9AT $42,970
Nissan Z Sport 6MT $42,970
Nissan Z Performance 9AT $52,970
Nissan Z Performance 6MT $52,970
Nissan Z NISMO 9AT $65,750
*Heritage Edition package: $2,940
Destination & handling: $1,245
Photos courtesy of Nissan USA
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