Nissan has confirmed 2026 updates for the Z range in New Zealand, headlined by the arrival of a six-speed manual NISMO — the first time Nissan’s most focused Z has been offered here with a manual gearbox. The update also brings a redesigned Coupe front end, a new Unryu Green hero colour, and chassis and brake upgrades across the range, taking the Z line-up to four grades: Coupe manual, Coupe automatic, NISMO automatic, and the new NISMO manual.
A manual gearbox joins the NISMO
The new NISMO manual uses a short-stroke six-speed gearbox paired with an exclusively tuned drive mode. In NISMO form, the Z produces 309kW and 520Nm, an increase of 11kW and 45Nm over the standard Z Coupe.
Brakes and dampers borrowed from the GT-R
Both NISMO models gain new two-piece front brake rotors derived from the GT-R, paired with a new brake calliper colour; the new components cut unsprung mass by around 9kg. Manual and automatic variants alike also pick up upgraded NISMO monotube dampers, aimed at sharpening handling while improving ride comfort.
A refreshed front end for the Coupe
The 2026 Z Coupe wears a redesigned front bumper and grille alongside a new 19-inch alloy wheel design. Leading the colour palette is the new Unryu Green hero shade, joined by the return of a Boulder Gray two-tone finish with a black roof.
Cabin updates and ownership costs
Inside, all Z models gain a wireless smartphone charger and a no-cost tan interior option on the Coupe, alongside a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a new start-up animation, and an updated intelligent-key design.
Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette frames the update as reinforcing the Z’s enthusiast appeal: “The Z is a Nissan icon. It has always been about the connection between driver and car, so bringing a manual to the NISMO and genuine GT-R-derived hardware doubles down on our promise to our most committed enthusiasts. Add the Coupe’s fresh new face, the heritage-inspired Unryu Green, and 2026 is a milestone year for Z.”
All Z variants carry Nissan’s 10-year/300,000km MORE warranty, including up to 10 years/300,000km of roadside assistance when serviced through authorised Nissan dealers, plus flat-rate servicing of $499 for the first five years. The 2026 Nissan Z range is available to order now, with first customer deliveries expected from September 2026.
