Nissan confirms manual transmission for upcoming Z
Like clockwork, Nissan tweeted out another teaser video for the upcoming Z this morning. Much to our delight, the new teaser confirmed our suspicions: The next Nissan Z will get a manual transmission.
Turn your ? on and listen to the #PowerofZ! We’re unveiling the #NissanZ Proto live on Sept. 16 at 9:30 AM JST/ 12:30 AM GMT and Sept. 15 8:30 PM EDT. Tune in at https://t.co/Jb2TvO3KDY pic.twitter.com/8HR7l44QIW
— Nissan (@Nissan) September 10, 2020
In this latest teaser, we also get to hear some engine revving for the first time, and we like what we hear. As we’ve previously discussed, we expect the new Z to get some variant of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 found in the current Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400. Based on the 400Z name, we’re expecting Nissan will let all 400 horses out of the stable for this long overdue sports coupe.
Nissan is almost certain to offer an automatic transmission as well—perhaps an updated version of the dual-clutch gearbox currently found in the GT-R. Still, we’re just happy the row-your-own option appears to be sticking around in the new car. If Nissan offers two engine choices—something that the Toyota Supra wisely does—we hope it will offer the manual across the model range.
We’re just five days away from the official unveiling of the Z Proto; if the full car looks as good as the silhouettes Nissan keep trotting out, consider us on board.
