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2025 Nissan Z NISMO Review: Does the Automatic Make the Cut?

The U.S.-market 2025 Nissan Z NISMO is automatic-only, with 420 hp and NISMO-specific chassis hardware. Here’s how it compares with the manual-equipped Sport and Performance trims.
Entry942 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The U.S.-market 2025 Nissan Z NISMO comes only with a NISMO-tuned nine-speed automatic; Nissan lists a six-speed manual for the Sport and Performance trims, not NISMO. That limits the choice for drivers who consider a manual essential, but it does not by itself settle whether the NISMO is an appealing performance car. Nissan’s specifications show more power and distinct chassis hardware, while MotorWeek reports that the automatic shifted quickly and responsively in its test.

Does the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO come with a manual?

No. Nissan’s U.S. 2025 Z press kit lists the NISMO with a NISMO-tuned nine-speed automatic. The six-speed manual is listed for the Sport and Performance grades, not NISMO. This is the published U.S. model-year lineup, not a statement about every Z sold worldwide or later model years. Nissan’s 2025 Z Press Kit

What does NISMO add over the regular Z?

The NISMO combines a higher-output version of the twin-turbo V6 with suspension, tire and differential changes. Nissan’s specifications distinguish the power ratings as follows:

2025 U.S. grade Engine output Transmission listed by Nissan
Regular Z 400 hp and 350 lb-ft Six-speed manual on Sport and Performance; nine-speed automatic also offered
Z NISMO 420 hp at 6,400 rpm and 384 lb-ft at 2,000–5,200 rpm NISMO-tuned nine-speed automatic

These are Nissan’s manufacturer ratings, not independent measurements. Nissan gives the regular Z’s torque range as 1,600–5,600 rpm. Both the regular Z and NISMO are listed with rear-wheel drive. Nissan USA’s 2025 Z specifications brochure Nissan’s 2025 Z Press Kit

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Chassis and traction hardware

Nissan describes the NISMO as having NISMO-tuned suspension, unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger retuned dampers. It also specifies wider rear wheels, Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Nissan’s press kit lists launch control with the automatic transmission. Those features explain why the NISMO is more than a power increase, but equipment specifications alone cannot establish lap times, ride comfort or how much grip a driver will feel on a particular road. Nissan’s 2025 Z Press Kit

Is the nine-speed automatic satisfying in an enthusiast car?

MotorWeek’s September 8, 2025 report says that in its testing the nine-speed shifted quickly and responsively. It also describes the NISMO’s suspension as stiff and the car as an “always on” enthusiast experience. These are MotorWeek’s impressions, not a universal verdict: a driver who wants frequent gear changes by hand may still prefer the manual-equipped Performance grade, while someone comfortable with an automatic may find the NISMO’s transmission a suitable match for its performance-focused setup. MotorWeek, “Nissan Z NISMO to Gain Three-Pedal Gearbox,” September 8, 2025

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The available evidence does not establish a measured acceleration time, lap time, fuel-consumption result or a firsthand verdict from the review named in the assigned headline. The NISMO’s hardware and published ratings are documented; claims about how it feels in a particular test should remain attached to the publication that conducted that test.

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How should later manual news affect a 2025 U.S. buyer?

It should be treated as context, not as a change to the 2025 U.S. specification. In September 2025, MotorWeek reported that Nissan Americas chairperson Christian Meunier described a manual NISMO as “in the pipeline,” while noting that details were not known. That report did not establish a U.S. launch date or final configuration. MotorWeek, September 8, 2025

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Nissan later announced a refreshed Fairlady Z NISMO with a six-speed manual for Japan. That is a distinct market and refreshed product; the announcement does not make a manual available on the 2025 U.S. NISMO. Nissan Global Newsroom: refreshed Fairlady Z and Fairlady Z NISMO in Japan

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Who should consider the 2025 Z NISMO?

  • Consider NISMO if you want the higher Nissan-rated output, the NISMO-specific chassis and tire equipment, and are willing to drive an automatic.
  • Look at Sport or Performance if a factory six-speed manual is a requirement; Nissan lists the manual on those grades, not NISMO.
  • Decide by preference, not equipment claims alone if ride firmness or transmission character is central to your choice. MotorWeek’s reported impressions can inform a test drive, but they are one publication’s experience rather than a guarantee of yours.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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