New in New Zealand for 2026, the Nissan Z gains its first manual NISMO, a redesigned Coupe front end, a new ‘Unryu Green’ hero colour plus a series of equipment and chassis upgrades across the range.
A manual NISMO joins the range
The headline change for 2026 is the arrival in New Zealand of a six-speed manual NISMO model. It is the first time Nissan’s most focused Z has been offered with a manual transmission in Aotearoa. It joins the existing automatic NISMO, taking the Z line-up to four grades: Coupe manual, Coupe automatic, NISMO automatic and the new NISMO manual.
The NISMO manual uses a short-stroke six-speed gearbox with an exclusively tuned drive mode. In NISMO form, the Z delivers 309kW and 520Nm, an increase of 11kW and 45Nm over the standard Z coupe.
GT-R-derived brakes and chassis upgrades
For 2026, the Nissan Z NISMO models also adopt new two-piece front brake rotors derived from the GT-R, paired with a new brake caliper colour. The new components reduce unsprung mass by around 9kg.
Redesigned Coupe styling and new colours
The 2026 Z Coupe wears a redesigned front bumper and grille and a new 19-inch alloy wheel design. In addition, both manual and automatic variants feature upgraded NISMO monotube dampers for improved handling and ride comfort.
Leading the Coupe’s colour palette is a new hero shade, ‘Unryu Green’, joined by the return of a Boulder Gray two-tone with a black roof.
Cabin and equipment updates
Inside, all Z models feature a new wireless smartphone charger and a new no-cost tan interior is optional on the coupe. Other detailed upgrades include a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a new start-up animation and a new intelligent-key design.
Availability
The 2026 Nissan Z range, including the new manual NISMO, will be available for order from this month with first customer arrivals expected in September 2026.
“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,” said Steve Milette, Managing Director, Nissan Oceania.
“Add the Coupe’s fresh new face, the heritage-inspired Unryu Green, and 2026 is a milestone year for Z.”
All Z variants will be backed by Nissan’s 10-year/300,000km Nissan MORE warranty, which includes up to 10 years/300,000km of Roadside Assistance, when serviced at authorised Nissan dealers. The Nissan MORE program also sees the 2026 Z enjoy flat price servicing cost of $499 for the first five years, which combined with longer service intervals, offers a notable saving for owners.
2026 Z prices (MSRP)
Prices are manufacturer’s recommended list price and exclude premium paint, statutory charges and on-road costs. The tan interior is a no-cost option on the Z Coupe.
| Grade | New Zealand (MSRP) |
| Z Coupe (manual or automatic) | $89,990 |
| Z NISMO (automatic) | $108,500 |
| Z NISMO (manual) — new | $108,500 |
