The 2027 Nissan Z arrives this summer with a redesigned front end that leans harder into the model’s lineage. The most visible change is a split grille that references the original 240Z, also known as the S30. Nissan pairs the new face with four other design updates tied to prior Z generations, each chosen to reward buyers who know the story.
The split grille required careful engineering. Nissan maintained the cooling capacity of the outgoing single-mouth design while adding a horizontal bar that divides the opening. Paul Hawson, director of Advanced Product Planning & Strategy at Nissan North America, said the brand leaned further into nostalgia after initial discussion around the current generation’s large single grille for cooling. Designers reshaped the grille opening while engineers adjusted front parking sensor packaging to make the horizontal bar work. A Z emblem replaces the Nissan badge, aligning the design with the S30, S130, Z31, and Z32 generations.
Z Performance models get new 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels inspired by the 300ZX, also known as the Z31. The ten-spoke design is arranged in a star-like layout that evokes the machined wheels available on the Z31 in the mid-1980s. Shinichiro Irie, program design director at Nissan who led the current Z’s design, said the thin spokes show off the Performance grade’s large brake rotors and red calipers. The wheels are wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires, with rear wheels 0.5 inches wider than the fronts for enhanced grip.
The 2027 Z debuts in Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic, an all-new color. Shinkai translates to deep sea in Japanese, and the paint references Grand Prix Green, which was offered on the S30. Developing the color required mixing ultra-fine yellow and blue pigments that appear green but resist fading after prolonged sun exposure. Nissan added a mild metallic flake to enhance depth and emphasize the Z’s character lines. Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic is available on Sport and Performance grades.
Z Performance grades are available with a tan interior, another S30 reference. The tan provides a sophisticated contrast with the black cabin materials on the upper dash and doors. When paired with Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic, the green-and-tan combination is a classic sports car palette. The tan interior can also be paired with Black Diamond Pearl, Bayside Blue Quad Coat, Pearl White TriCoat, and Solid Red exterior colors.
Sport and Performance grades receive a new startup animation on the standard digital meter display. The animation shows previous Z generations in sequence when the car starts. NISMO models feature a unique startup animation, as before.
The substantive updates are less about nostalgia. Performance models get larger-diameter shock absorbers, and the Z NISMO now offers a manual transmission option. Nissan has not disclosed pricing or detailed specifications for the manual NISMO.
The current Z has been on sale since the 2023 model year. Nissan sold 3,164 units in 2024, outselling the Toyota Supra, which moved 2,615 units. Since the current Z’s introduction, the Supra has retired once more and the Camaro is gone. The segment is small and getting smaller.
Whether buyers who skipped the 2023 and 2024 models will return for a split grille and a new green paint option is the question Nissan is betting on. The 2027 Z is expected to reach dealers this summer.
Source: Nissan. Images courtesy of Nissan.
