The Nissan Z is Turning Four Next Year
It’s been about three years since Nissan reintroduced the Z, and while that isn’t exactly a long run, a few updates won’t hurt. The coupe has been performing well for the brand, proving there’s still room for an analog sports car in a world shifting toward crossovers.
With sales holding steady, Nissan seems keen to keep the momentum going. The company is now preparing a mild facelift for the Z, and early details have already surfaced in Japan, suggesting that a slightly revised version of the car will arrive sooner rather than later.
According to leaked information from Creative Trend, the upcoming update will focus mainly on fine-tuning the design and improving compliance with new regulations. Nissan’s changes aren’t radical but seem geared toward keeping the Fairlady Z – its JDM name – fresh until a more significant overhaul arrives later in the decade.
Zac Palmer
Subtle Design Tweaks and a Nostalgic Touch
The biggest visual change lies in the shape of the front bumper, now sporting a more angular spoiler reminiscent of the Fairlady Z Nismo. Lighting elements remain untouched, while other updates include tweaks to electrical systems to meet evolving standards. The highlight, though, is the addition of a new Heritage Edition, which has already been confirmed for the US market.
The Heritage Edition takes cues from the 1990s Z32-generation 300ZX, bringing a nostalgic touch without going overboard. It comes with a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, “Twin Turbo” badges, bronze side stripes, and matching 19-inch Rays wheels.
Inside, the upgrades are minimal – branded mats and illuminated Z door sills – but the overall package adds character. It’s based on the Z Performance trim, complete with a limited-slip differential and the choice of a six-speed manual. Pricing in the US starts at $55,910 before destination, with production limited to around 500 units.
Nissan
Looking Ahead: Manual Nismo
The facelifted Z is expected to reach Japan by spring 2026, which means the rest of the world could see it as part of the 2027 model year lineup. Around that time, enthusiasts can also look forward to another long-awaited addition: a manual-transmission Z Nismo. This new addition will also be part of the 2026 update of the Fairlady Z in Japan.
Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier has already confirmed that the manual Z Nismo is coming to the US. The current Nismo sticks to a 9-speed automatic, but the manual variant will give fans one more reason to stay loyal to the Z nameplate. For now, Nissan’s sports coupe is the final representative of its performance heritage – at least until the next GT-R shows up.
Kristen Brown
