Nissan has officially announced pricing for the 2027 Z lineup, and the biggest headline is the arrival of a six-speed manual transmission for the track-focused Z NISMO. Even better, buyers won't pay extra for choosing the manual over the nine-speed automatic, keeping both gearbox options at the same price across the entire range.

Pricing has increased by $1,460 compared to the previous model year. The Z Sport now starts at $45,725, while the better-equipped Performance model begins at $55,725. Both versions are powered by a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The Performance trim also adds larger brakes, forged 19-inch RAYS wheels, upgraded suspension, and a limited-slip differential for sharper handling.

At the top of the range sits the 420-horsepower Z NISMO, now priced from $68,505. Nissan didn't simply install a manual gearbox into the existing model. Engineers revised the transmission setup and upgraded the front braking system to ensure the six-speed manual delivers the performance expected from the flagship Z.

With the legendary GT-R now retired and rivals like the Toyota Supra disappearing from the market, the Z has become Nissan's only remaining sports car. At a time when many manufacturers are abandoning manual transmissions, Nissan is moving in the opposite direction by giving enthusiasts another reason to keep shifting for themselves.

The list of rear-wheel-drive sports cars offering both strong performance and a manual gearbox continues to shrink. Today, the Z's closest competitors include the BMW M2, which starts at $69,550, and the Ford Mustang GT, priced from $48,795.

Is Nissan making the right move by adding a manual transmission to the Z NISMO? Would you choose the six-speed over the automatic? And with the Supra gone, has the Nissan Z become one of the best affordable driver's cars still available?

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