Nissan has updated its Z sports car lineup for 2027, with the most significant braking upgrade going to the Z NISMO. The track-focused grade now features two-piece, iron-aluminum front brake rotors derived from the Nissan GT-R. All three Z grades — Sport, Performance and NISMO — also receive handling refinements and a revised fuel tank design for sustained track use.
Highlights
- Z NISMO adopts GT-R-derived two-piece front rotors, saving 19 pounds and reducing brake pad temperatures during track use
- NISMO front rotors measure 15.0 x 1.3 inches, paired with floating 4-piston aluminum calipers
- Z Performance receives larger-diameter monotube shock absorbers for improved damping consistency
- Steering rack revisions cut internal friction by 20% across the NISMO grade
GT-R Brakes Come to Z NISMO
The headline braking change centers on the Z NISMO’s front axle. Nissan replaced the previous single-piece rotors with a two-piece iron-aluminum design sourced from the GT-R program. The lighter construction sheds a total of 19 pounds from the front end. Additionally, improved cooling channels reduce brake pad temperatures during sustained track sessions.
Nissan retuned the NISMO’s suspension to account for the reduced front-end mass. The result, according to the automaker, is more consistent and predictable handling at the limit.
Brake Specifications Across the Lineup
The three Z grades offer a tiered braking hierarchy. The Sport grade uses 12.6 x 1.10-inch vented front rotors and 12.1 x 0.6-inch rears, paired with fixed 2-piston cast iron calipers. Both the Performance and NISMO grades step up to floating aluminum calipers — 4-piston front and 2-piston rear.
- Z Sport: 12.6 x 1.10-inch front / 12.1 x 0.6-inch rear vented discs; fixed 2-piston cast iron calipers
- Z Performance: 14.0 x 1.3-inch front / 13.8 x 0.8-inch rear vented discs; floating 4-piston aluminum front calipers with red finish
- Z NISMO: 15.0 x 1.3-inch front / 13.8 x 0.8-inch rear vented discs; floating 4-piston aluminum front calipers with NISMO red finish
All grades feature power-assisted vacuum braking with 4-channel ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution as standard.
Chassis and Handling Updates
Beyond brakes, Nissan refined the Z Performance grade’s ride with larger-diameter monotube shock absorbers. These improve vibration damping and deliver more predictable cornering behavior. Meanwhile, the NISMO grade benefits from a 20% reduction in steering rack internal friction. This targets smoother cornering with fewer driver corrections at speed.
A revised fuel tank design applies to all 2027 Z models. The new layout helps maintain fuel levels around the pump during high-G cornering. This supports consistent fuel delivery during sustained track driving.
NISMO Manual Transmission Adds Driver Engagement
The 2027 Z NISMO also introduces a six-speed manual option alongside its existing NISMO-tuned nine-speed automatic. The manual uses an upgraded clutch and a shorter shift stroke compared to the Z Sport and Performance manuals. Manual-specific engine tuning adjusts throttle and ignition timing for sharper response.
Marco Fioravanti, vice president of product planning for Nissan U.S. and Canada, said the manual was specifically engineered for “a pure and focused experience, while targeted handling and braking upgrades give more consistent and more capable track performance.”
The 2027 Z NISMO produces 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. The Sport and Performance grades are rated at 400 hp and 350 lb-ft.
Availability
The 2027 Nissan Z lineup is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in summer 2026. Pricing has not yet been announced.
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