With an industry moving toward autonomous driving, electrification, and versatility, one might wonder whether a two-seat sports car that offers none of those things still has a place on the market. The answer is definitely yes, as the Nissan Z has been a tremendous success since its launch. The Japanese automaker certainly went all out with a sharp silhouette, a driver-focused cabin, an upscale finish, and a potent twin-turbo V6 up front that powers the rear wheels. The 2027 Nissan Z is certainly a high-performance car, but it also offers an unpretentious balance that has become rather rare for a machine of this caliber nowadays.
The 2027 model year brings its share of updates, including a new Shinkai Green exterior color. However, the addition of a manual transmission to the NISMO version is likely to be what excites Z enthusiasts the most this year.
Lineup and Pricing
The 2027 Nissan Z lineup is divided into three versions. First, there is the Sport, which serves as the entry-level model. It starts at $52,966. That is a little expensive compared to a base Mustang or a Toyota GR86, but I promise you the Z is well worth its price.
Next comes the Performance version, with a starting price of $65,966. As its name suggests, this version delivers sharper performance thanks to a number of small upgrades. Finally, there is the legendary NISMO version, which sits at the top of the lineup with a starting price of $79,966.
Category and Competition
The Nissan Z can be compared to all sorts of cars, but it remains unique nonetheless. Unlike vehicles aimed at the mass market, sports cars like the Z exist in a niche where passion takes precedence over reason. The Z is a dream car, the kind of model that sparks desire and has everything it takes to please.
Rivals: BMW 2 Series, Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86
Design and Technology
Finding the ideal balance between modern lines and retro styling is no easy task, yet Nissan's designers managed to achieve exactly that with the Z. The car looks stunning from every angle. As a bonus, the bodywork comes in a selection of gorgeous colors, and the automaker has made excellent choices when it comes to wheel designs.
The interior is just as appealing. From the moment you get inside, you know you are sitting in something special. Nissan has put considerable effort into improving the quality of the materials and finishes, and the Z remains a very comfortable car despite its performance-oriented nature.
Performance
The 2027 Nissan Z is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine equipped with two turbochargers. This combination produces 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. If you opt for the NISMO version, output increases to 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.
In both cases, you can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a nine-speed automatic. Power is always sent to the rear wheels, and that is a big part of what makes this car so appealing.
Weak Points
The lineup desperately needs a convertible version.
Strong Points
It offers impressive performance, lively driving dynamics, and excellent balance. It is beautiful, elegant, and serious. Its overall build quality is well above average.
Signature Element
The Nissan Z is a unique sports car that never fails to turn heads wherever it goes.
Final Word
The Nissan Z offers dynamic and aggressive driving without being excessively powerful. That is what allows you to have fun behind the wheel without necessarily exceeding the speed limit. Believe it or not, that is something increasingly difficult to find today.
Unfortunately, this is the kind of driving experience that is becoming harder and harder to find in high-end exotic cars, while the Z, a relatively affordable sports car, still manages to deliver it.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
