Facelifted 2026 Nissan Z shown in Japan

Nissan debuted a surprise facelift for its flagship Z coupe at the Tokyo Auto Salon over the weekend – one that taps deeper into the Z’s lineage and finally adds a manual transmission to the halo NISMO version.

The current generation Nissan Z is barely three years old and yet Nissan has already updated it – likely to increase sales – with a less polarising but historically-inspired design, a mildly tweaked cabin and retuned suspension.

Gone is the gaping big mouth intake, in its place, a new split-grille arrangement as seen on certain versions of the classic 240Z and 260Zs of yesteryear, complemented by a revised front chin.

There’s also a new alloy wheel design, but it’s what lies behind the wheels that really matters: updated shock absorbers said to make the cab-back coupe sharper and more responsive in the bends.

A brake upgrade has also been applied, though the hotter NISMO takes that enhancement to the next level and doubles down with the long-awaited addition of a six-speed manual transmission.

The NISMO misses out on the standard model’s cool new look but has been treated to its own subtle nip and tuck seeing as it already wore a different front facia.

Nissan Australia hasn’t confirmed its plans for the updated Z at the time of writing, however it would be safe to assume the new model will head Down Under in the second half of the year, possibly even as a 2027 model year offering.

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