America Is Finally Getting the Manual Sports Car That Enthusiasts Have Been Craving

Nissan has confirmed that it will add a stick shift option to one of its beloved Nismo models for the first time.

Rear side view of a sleek, modern sports car in matte gray with a black roof. The car features a distinctive "Z" emblem near the rear window, black multi-spoke alloy wheels with red brake calipers, and illuminated horizontal rear lights. The design includes a subtle rear spoiler and aerodynamic contours.

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Upon the revival of the Z moniker in 2023, car enthusiasts were relieved to find that the base model still offered the choice of a six-speed manual transmission.

However, Nissan decided to forgo such an option with its up-spec Nismo variant, instead making a 9-speed automatic the sole gearbox. In light of the performance outfit’s reputation for driving engagement, it was a curious choice that left many fans divided on whether the model was worth the premium.

Gray Nissan sports car with black wheels and red accents on the front lip and side skirts, parked on a paved road with a blurred dry, hilly landscape in the background. — Given its various other driver-focused upgrades, the lack of a Z Nismo manual option was surprising, to say the least.

By the sound of things, the brand has been listening. According to a recent report, Nissan is finally giving the Z Nismo the manual it should have had from its debut.

Nissan’s much-needed Nismo

The confirmation comes from Automotive News, as Nissan Americas Chairperson Christian Meunier stated in a recent podcast interview that “we have a NISMO manual transmission coming.” While he didn’t provide an exact timeline for the release, this nevertheless amounts to some big news.

Close-up of a car grille featuring a "nismo" badge with silver letters and a red "o" on a black background, with part of the car's gray body and a red accent visible. — Nissan has previously stated it would build a manual Nismo Z. Now that the GT-R is gone, enthusiasts are clearly ready.

Nissan executives had previously gone on record to Road & Track stating that the company would add a manual Z Nismo to its lineup if there was sufficient demand. Meunier’s admission is evidence that car enthusiasts in the States aren’t ready to let the stick shift die just yet.

For good reason — especially in the case of the Z. With the Nismo, Nissan utilizes the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 as other models in the Z lineup, though it adds some extra grunt for a total of 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.

Two gray Nissan sports cars with black wheels and red accents are driving on a curved race track. The cars have sleek, aerodynamic designs with prominent front grilles and LED headlights. The track is surrounded by dry grass and dirt. — The Nissan Z is surging ahead of its sales in 2024, along with those of the Toyota Supra.

Considering that the car also gets performance-focused upgrades like a standard limited-slip diff, a stiffer suspension setup and some beefier brakes, the only thing that it lacked was a row-your-own gearbox.

Extending its lead over Toyota

The forthcoming manual Z Nismo option will likely incorporate the same six-speed manual as other models, so it makes sense for Nissan to offer it as a choice if the demand is there.

After all, among the best-selling sports cars in America, the Z is currently outpacing rival Toyota Supra following an impressive start to 2025.

Interior of a modern sports car featuring a black leather and suede steering wheel with a red center stripe and a "Z" emblem in the center. The dashboard includes a digital instrument cluster displaying various gauges and a central touchscreen infotainment system showing a navigation map. The center console has a compact gear selector, manual handbrake, cup holders, and climate control knobs. The seats are upholstered in a combination of black leather and suede with red stitching accents. The door panel includes a speaker, window controls, and a door handle. — A manual transmission will look so much more at home in this interior.

At the end of Q2, Nissan had sold some 3,789 Zs compared to Toyota’s 1,231 Supras. While there’s no denying that the latter is at the end of its life cycle, it’s nevertheless an impressive delta.

Moreover, considering the ceiling of the GR Supra’s expense, the addition of a manual option to the Nismo should only help Nissan sway more potential Toyota buyers.

Gray Nissan sports car with black wheels and red accents on the front lip and side skirts, driving on a racetrack with a dry, open landscape in the background. — Nissan is keen to right the ship, so a manual Z Nismo should help build rapport among enthusiasts.

Possibilities and timeline

At this stage, Nissan has made no comment as to the timeline for a manual Z Nismo. However, as Carbuzz observed, the lack of an option on 2026 order forms suggests that it will be 2027 before the model gets a six-speed.

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the Z line, you can head to Nissan’s website. The base Sport model currently starts at $42,970, while the Performance and Nismo start at $52,970 and $65,750, respectively.

Red Nissan sports car with black roof and black wheels driving on a racetrack, with empty bleachers and dry grass in the background.

2025 Nissan Z Nismo

Starts at $65,750

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.