Discover the 2026 Nissan Z facelift unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon – fresh G‑nose styling, dual‑tone wheels, new Unryu Green paint, and a rare 6‑speed manual. Read more now!
At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, Nissan rolled out a mid‑cycle refresh for its 27MY sports coupe, the Nissan Z – known locally as the Fairlady Z. The update brings a blend of fresh styling cues, subtle aerodynamic tweaks, and a long‑awaited 6‑speed manual gearbox.
Exterior Refresh
The highlight is a new “G‑nose” front end, inspired by the classic Fairlady ZG sold abroad. Revised front bumper, grille and the addition of a front splitter shave 3.3% off front‑lift and trim aerodynamic drag by 1%.
Dual‑tone wheels, a nod to the iconic Nissan 300ZX (Z31), replace the previous design, while the small rear wing has been removed for a cleaner look. A brand‑new paint option – Unryu Green – pays homage to the historic Grand Prix Green hue of early Fairlady Z models.
Powertrain & Transmission
Under the hood, the Z retains its 3.0‑litre twin‑turbo V6, delivering 405 hp (302 kW) and 475 Nm of torque. Buyers can now choose between the existing 9‑speed 9G‑Tronic automatic and a newly offered 6‑speed manual gearbox, a welcome addition for purists.
The ECU has been retuned to harmonise ignition timing and throttle response with the new transmission. Suspension pistons grow from 40 mm to 45 mm, and the curb weight drops to 1,640 kg for the manual version and 1,670 kg for the automatic – roughly 10 kg lighter than the prior 26MY generation.
Interior & Technology
Inside, the cabin stays largely unchanged. A 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster and a centrally mounted 9‑inch touchscreen keep the Z’s cockpit modern and driver‑focused. No major infotainment upgrades were announced.
Pricing & Market Outlook
Nissan has not revealed the official price for the facelifted Z. The outgoing 26MY model started at ¥6,759,500 (about US$42,800). The Z has a strong heritage, with 1,836,157 units sold worldwide from its launch in 1970 through September 2025.
The addition of a manual transmission and refreshed styling aim to capture both new enthusiasts and longtime fans, reinforcing the Z’s position as an iconic sports coupe in a competitive market.
Stay tuned for pricing details and availability in your region.
