Nissan introduces Z upgrades
Nissan Australia has announced upgrades to the Z sports coupe for 2026, covering improved handling, refreshed styling and a new paint option, plus a six-speed manual transmission option on the premium Z NISMO.
Until now, the Z NISMO has only been available in Australia with a nine-speed sports automatic transmission. Adding a manual transmission is a first for this model in the local market. The manual is a short-stroke six-speed, with an exclusively tuned drive mode. In this form, the Z NISMO manual delivers peaks of 309kW and 520Nm; an increase of 11kW and 45Nm over the standard Z coupe.
The Z NISMO also gains new two-piece front brake rotors (derived from the GT-R), paired with a new brake calliper colour. These new components reduce unsprung mass by around 9kg.
On the base Z coupe, refreshed styling includes new 19-inch alloy wheels, a redesigned front bumper and grille. On both manual and automatic variants, upgraded NISMO monotube dampers have been added to improve handling and ride comfort.
A new colour, Unryu Green, has been introduced as the hero shade for 2026, while Boulder Grey returns, defined by a two-tone finish with a black roof.
In the cabin, all Z models gain a new wireless smartphone charger, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a new start-up animation and new intelligent-key design. Tan trim is now a no-cost option for the base Z coupe.
“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.”
List pricing for the refreshed 2026 Nissan Z coupe family starts at $76,800 for the base model and $95,000 for the Z NISMO in both manual and automatic form. A 10-year/300,000km warranty includes up to 10 years/300,000km of Roadside Assistance when serviced at an authorised Nissan dealer.
Orders are open now, ahead of the first Australian deliveries in September, 2026.
