Nissan’s New Z Is Way More Retro Than You Probably Realize

The Japanese automaker is only leaning further into the legend’s history with the changes it’s made for 2027.

Close-up of a black Nissan alloy wheel with red brake caliper on a green car.

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By Gray Van Dyke

Published 2 hours ago

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When Nissan pulled the curtain back on the Z Proto in 2020, it amounted to quite a statement.

Though the previous 350Z and 370Z each adopted Fairlady proportions through their long hoods and fastback rooflines, neither one made for quite as obvious an homage. From its S30-inspired front end to its 300ZX-lookalike taillights, the new Z wears its history with pride.

Not content to settle there, Nissan is only continuing to lean into the badge’s legacy for 2027. As a result, it means that the new model is way more retro-inspired than you may even know.

Two green sports cars side by side, one classic with round headlights and one modern with LED headlights, both facing forward. — Nissan’s New Z is growing to look more and more like its S30 predecessor by the year.

A chip off the ‘ole block

This includes the outside of the car. For the 2027, Nissan is giving the Z a subtle but impactful facelift, a change that’s already made for big news this year.

As a result, it now wears a split grille that has it looking more like the brand’s darling S30 than ever. When Nissan first launched the Z, it featured its large mouth for improved cooling. However, tweaking the parking sensor maintained airflow while allowing for a horizontal bar.

Front view of a red sports car with sleek headlights and a black grille. — The large opening originally provided more airflow, but Nissan has since tweaked the location of the front parking sensor.

Together with the badge atop the hood, it really adds to the old-school charm. Still, it’s the wheels that pull the look into focus, as they also make for visual homages to the Zs of old.

Specifically, the Z31. The new 19-inch RAYS wheels feature ten spokes in a star-like pattern that’s meant to evoke the designs of the 1980s 300ZX.

Rounded out by a fresh paint option, the 2027 Z even pulls from the colors of its predecessors. That’s because the new Shinkai Green Pearl is a rich hue that’s reminiscent of Nissan’s shade of Grand Prix green, yet another tie-in to the iconic 240Z.

Two Nissan car wheels, one silver with a "Z" emblem and one black with a "Nissan" emblem, on a black background. — The Nissan Z’s wheels take inspiration from a design offered on the 1980s 300ZX.

Nissan’s living Z legacy

Nissan’s historical Z influences don’t stop there, either. The brand has also made a couple of changes to the cabin, and that’s not even mentioning what offerings like the Heritage Edition also bring to the table.

For 2027, Nissan is giving Z Performance grade buyers the option of new tan interior upholstery. Once again, the color was carefully chosen because of its associations with the S30 palette.

Car interior with tan leather seats, black dashboard, digital instrument cluster, and cityscape visible through the window. — The tan interior upholstery color was lifted from the S30 palette.

While that’s an option that’s exclusive to just the one trim, all Zs will benefit from a new eye-catching startup animation (NISMOs get their own, too). It shows a progression of the Z lineage as a car appears onscreen, an ever-present reminder of the history you’re driving.

In any event, assuming Nissan’s 2027 Z still isn’t already enough for your Fairlady fanaticism, there’s likely still more nostalgia brewing behind the screens.

After first introducing the up-spec Heritage Edition in 2024, Nissan brought the option back last year. Upon return, it wore other Z-inspired goodies like retro ‘Twin Turbo’ graphics and a carbon fiber spoiler.

Close-up of a black and silver Nissan car wheel with red brake calipers, and a green Nissan sports car in the background on a reflective surface. — Nissan realizes that it can win over enthusiasts with nostalgia, so further old-school Zs are bound to be in the pipeline.

Granted, Nissan hasn’t announced anything just yet. Still, at the company’s current pace, I’d say it’s safe to expect more history appeals to shake out down the road.

Availability and pricing

Nissan hasn’t yet announced availability and pricing for the 2027 Z. However, if you’re looking to snag a 2026 model, MSRP starts from $42,970.

Dark gray Nissan sports car with black wheels and red brake calipers parked on a road at sunset under a concrete bridge.

2027 Nissan Z

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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