Automotive
Nissan rolled into the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon with what looks like a light-weight touch update for the Z, the sort you would possibly miss in the event you only glance at it walking by. But that’s form of the purpose. The Z already nails the retro-modern vibe, so Nissan focused on sharpening the main points as an alternative of rewriting the entire design. The brand new highlight color is Unryu Green, a fresh tackle the classic Grand Prix Green from early Z history, and it suits the automotive in a way that makes you wonder why it took this long to bring a correct green back.
Up front, the changes are doing greater than just looking pretty. Nissan’s revised bumper takes inspiration from the old S30-era G-nose look and is alleged to assist reduce front lift and cut drag, even when the gains are modest. The updated 19-inch wheels lean into the heritage theme without going full costume, and the simplified “Z” emblem on the nose is a pleasant nod for anyone who likes the brand’s quieter design cues. Around back, it is basically the identical Z you already know, which should make current owners feel like their automotive didn’t get immediately dated overnight.
The more interesting bits are under the skin. Nissan says the suspension has been updated with changes like larger piston dampers, geared toward higher control over rough pavement and quicker responses when the road gets choppy. Brakes have been upgraded as well, and depending on trim, the improvements are the sort of thing you really notice in real driving, especially when you find yourself leaning on the automotive somewhat harder. Inside, the brand new tan interior option adds warmth to the cockpit, and small quality-of-life touches like an auto-dimming mirror help modernize the experience without messing with the Z’s focused, driver-first layout.
Then there may be the detail everyone seems to be going to speak about: some official interior photos appear to point out a six-speed manual paired with paddle shifters, which obviously is senseless at first glance. The most probably explanation is that the paddles are tied to a feature like rev-matching controls, or it is just a visible mix-up, however it definitely got people squinting at the pictures. Either way, the true enthusiast headline is that the Z Nismo is finally lining up with a manual option, and Nissan has already confirmed a manual Nismo for the U.S. With Nissan reporting 5,487 Z sales within the U.S. last yr, up about 73% yr over yr, a gentle refresh and a three-pedal Nismo may very well be exactly what keeps the automotive’s momentum going.
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Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a automotive enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that transcend the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design along with his skilled precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the location each sharp and forward-thinking.
This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
