The 2027 Nissan Z continues to offer a traditional six-speed manual transmission, but recent reports indicate that relatively few buyers are selecting it. Despite ongoing enthusiasm within the automotive community for three-pedal sports cars, sales data suggests most customers are opting for the automatic version instead.

The current-generation Z is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering strong performance regardless of transmission choice. However, the automatic variant offers quicker acceleration times and greater day-to-day convenience, factors that likely contribute to its stronger demand. For many buyers, ease of use and outright speed appear to outweigh the engagement of a manual gearbox.

Manual transmissions have steadily disappeared from the performance car landscape due to tightening emissions standards, efficiency targets and evolving consumer preferences. The Nissan Z remains one of the few relatively attainable rear-wheel-drive sports cars that still provides a genuine manual option, making its declining take rate particularly notable.

Nissan has not indicated any immediate plans to discontinue the six-speed, but if interest continues to wane, its long-term future could become uncertain. The situation reflects a broader industry trend in which vocal support for manual transmissions does not always translate into purchase decisions.

For now, the manual Nissan Z survives — but its rarity serves as a reminder that sustaining enthusiast-focused options ultimately depends on real-world demand rather than online sentiment.