A Facelift Hiding in Plain Sight
The Nissan Z’s facelift has been on the cards for some time, and now it’s finally stepped into the spotlight at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. First impression? It’s so familiar, you could almost miss it in a crowded parking lot.
The most obvious change is the return of green, specifically a new shade called Unryu Green. It’s a modern interpretation of the classic Grand Prix Green seen on early Z cars. The updated front end also plays into that theme, with a revised bumper inspired by the old S30’s aerodynamic G-nose and a simplified “Z” emblem replacing the full Nissan logo. The rear, by contrast, remains largely untouched.
Nissan
Small Changes, Real Substance
Take a closer look, and the changes start to add up. Nissan says the new front bumper isn’t just for show – it’s meant to cut front lift and trim drag, even if only slightly. The 19-inch wheels are a throwback to earlier Zs, and the suspension tweaks hint that this isn’t just a surface-level refresh.
Under the skin, the shocks now use bigger pistons, which means they can handle more pressure and react faster to rough roads. Brakes have been beefed up, too, especially on the higher-trim Nissan models that were brought to the show.
Inside, there’s a new tan interior that brings a bit of warmth and old-school charm. Practical touches like an auto-dimming rearview mirror make their way in, but the overall layout stays the same – good news for anyone who already likes the Z’s focused cockpit.
One odd detail, though: interior images show a six-speed manual paired with paddle shifters, which doesn’t make sense. Most likely, it’s just a mix-up in the visuals, but let’s see what Nissan has to say about this “hybrid” setup.
Nissan
When Will It Arrive in America
The real headline is the Z Nismo. A manual gearbox for the Nismo isn’t a shock – it’s more like Nissan finally listening to what fans have been asking for. The company has already confirmed a manual Nismo for the US, which shows it’s actually paying attention to the enthusiast crowd this time.
As for when you’ll see it, Japan gets the facelifted Z around summer 2026, with other markets to follow. Since the US already has the 2026 Z updates, expect these tweaks to show up as 2027 models elsewhere. Whether every styling and suspension change makes it across the Pacific is still up in the air, but the timing checks out.
Nissan sold 5,487 Zs in the US last year – a 73 percent jump from the previous year. A mild refresh and a manual Nismo should help keep that momentum going, without messing with the formula that’s finally starting to work.
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