New Nissan 2027 Nissan Z: Buyers Guide and Trims Reviewed for Sale in Shelbyville, TN

The 2027 Nissan Z fits the Murfreesboro weekend enthusiast extremely well: it delivers 400–420 hp from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, seats two in a focused cockpit, and carries enough cargo for a day trip to Gateway Island Park in its about 7 cu ft trunk — all at a starting price that leaves room in the budget for a weekend road trip.

Murfreesboro’s suburban geography is genuinely well-suited to this car. The gently rolling hills of Middle Tennessee reward a rear-wheel-drive platform with coil spring suspension front and rear, and the Stones River corridor offers the kind of open, winding pavement where the Z’s mechanical limited-slip differential earns its keep. The 100.4-inch wheelbase keeps the car agile on tighter suburban streets without sacrificing highway composure on longer runs.

For the professional aged 28–45 balancing a busy workweek with an active weekend, the transmission choice matters. The 6-speed manual in the Sport 6MT and Performance 6MT rewards tactile involvement — exactly what Road & Track describes when they note the Z “carries the torch for analog sports cars.” The 9-speed automatic in the Sport 9AT and Performance 9AT returns 28 mpg highway, which softens the cost of weekend drives to the Natchez Trace Parkway and back.

The car is a two-seater by design, making it ideal for couples heading out to Historic Downtown Square or solo drivers who simply want a focused commute. It is not a family hauler — the about 7 cu ft cargo area holds overnight bags or fishing gear but not strollers — and buyers who need more versatility may want to explore Newton Nissan South’s broader lineup alongside this model. If you are already considering a trade-in, getting a quick sense of your current vehicle’s value through our online vehicle appraisal tool is a practical first step before configuring your Z.

MotorTrend has noted that Nissan “modernized the car without losing its soul,” which speaks directly to what Murfreesboro enthusiasts tend to value: heritage and authenticity without sacrificing modern performance standards.

The 2027 Nissan Z wears a two-door coupe body that measures 172.4 inches long on Sport and Performance trims, and 173.2 inches on the NISMO 9AT — a difference that reflects the NISMO’s wider front and rear track dimensions. At 51.8 inches tall across all trims, the Z sits low and purposeful, with a 100.4-inch wheelbase that gives it the proportions of a genuine sports coupe rather than a bloated grand tourer.

The exterior carries a rear trunk/hatch spoiler as standard equipment on the NISMO 9AT and both Performance trims, adding visual aggression that complements the projector-beam LED headlights and full LED lighting package — daytime running lights, low beams, high beams, side indicators, rear lights, and brake lights are all LED across the lineup. The dusk sensor and auto high-beam control add practicality to the dramatic lighting signature.

Four exterior color options are available on the NISMO 9AT: Black Diamond Pearl, Stealth Gray/Super Black, Pearl White Tri-Coat/Super Black, and Solid Red/Super Black. The two-tone combinations pair a main body color with a Super Black roof, giving the car a visual presence that genuinely stands out against the brick facades and historic storefronts of Murfreesboro’s downtown district. Performance and Sport trims also offer Premium Two-tone Paint and Two-tone Paint options, along with a Premium Paint metallic choice.

Chrome bright trim frames the side windows, and the NISMO 9AT rides on 19-inch Rays alloy wheels — a forged aluminum specialist whose name carries real credibility among track enthusiasts — wearing 40-series front and 35-series rear tires. Sport trims ride on 18-inch alloys with 45-series tires all around, which offer a slightly more compliant ride character for daily suburban use.

When the time comes to keep that paint and finish looking sharp, Newton Nissan South offers service financing options that can help spread the cost of scheduled maintenance and detailing across manageable payments.

The Z’s two-seat, 2+0 configuration is a deliberate choice, not a compromise. The cockpit is built around the driver, with sport-type front seats in every trim and a full-floor center console that positions the shifter — manual or automatic — exactly where a driver’s hand naturally falls.

Seat material and adjustment differ meaningfully across the lineup. The Sport 6MT and Sport 9AT use cloth upholstery with manual seat adjustments: manual height, reach, recline, and tilt. The Performance 6MT and Performance 9AT step up to a leather and synthetic suede combination with two-way electric adjustment for both driver and passenger — electric reach and recline — plus manual height, tilt, and thigh support on the driver’s side. The NISMO 9AT takes a different approach: its standard seat upholstery combines synthetic suede (Alcantara-style) with leather bolsters, with a Graphite Alcantara/Red Leather interior option available as a trim selection that gives the cockpit a genuinely track-car atmosphere.

Door panels on Performance and NISMO trims feature suede trim inserts, reinforcing the premium feel. The steering wheel on Sport trims is leather-wrapped with alloy accents; Performance and NISMO grades add a suede-wrapped steering wheel option, which improves grip during spirited driving. All trims include a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirrors, front reading lights, and a cargo area light.

The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch TFT screen across all trims — fully reconfigurable — giving the driver clear access to performance data. The center display differs: Sport trims use an 8-inch touchscreen, while Performance and NISMO trims use a larger 9-inch touchscreen. That size difference is worth noting for buyers who rely heavily on navigation.

Headroom measures 38.2 inches, legroom 42.9 inches, hip room 54.6 inches, and shoulder room 54.2 inches — generous proportions for a sports coupe that prove the Z is livable as a daily driver, not just a weekend toy. For shoppers still deciding between new and pre-owned, Newton Nissan South maintains a selection of pre-owned vehicle specials worth reviewing alongside the new Z lineup.

The technology gap between Sport and Performance/NISMO trims is notable and worth understanding before configuring a build.

Sport 6MT and Sport 9AT include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a voice activation system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, two front USB charging ports, two 12V outlets, satellite radio with a 3-month trial, and the Nissan Intelligent Key with keyless entry and push-button start. Both Sport trims also include Intelligent Cruise Control with adaptive function and a rear-view camera with parking guidance. What Sport trims do not include: wireless CarPlay, a built-in navigation system, the NissanConnect Services Premium Plus telematics suite, an embedded Wi-Fi hotspot, or a wireless charging pad.

Performance and NISMO trims add all of the above. The 9-inch touchscreen gains built-in navigation with satellite view, internet-fed traffic data, a 60-month traffic subscription, and a 60-month map update subscription. The NissanConnect Services Premium Plus telematics package provides 12 months of connected services including remote lock/unlock, find-my-car, speed alerts, geo-fencing, theft alert, vehicle diagnostics, driving history analysis, location sharing, and send-destination-to-car. An embedded SIM card delivers a Wi-Fi hotspot with 2 GB per month for 12 months. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard on Performance and NISMO. Amazon Alexa voice assistant integration is also included on these trims.

Over-the-air OS updates are supported on Performance and NISMO grades, meaning the infotainment system can be updated without a dealer visit. The system also supports features on-demand preparation, allowing future capability unlocks. A wireless charging pad is standard on Performance and NISMO trims — a small but appreciated addition for daily commuters.

The audio system also differs: Sport trims carry a 6-speaker setup, while Performance and NISMO trims upgrade to an 8-speaker Bose system with a subwoofer and internet radio capability. For anyone who spends meaningful time in the car, that Bose upgrade alone is a compelling reason to step up from Sport.

The 2027 Nissan Z is backed by Nissan’s standard warranty structure across all five trims, with no variation between Sport, Performance, and NISMO grades.

The basic vehicle warranty covers 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty extends to 60 months or 60,000 miles — a meaningful backstop for a twin-turbocharged engine that buyers will want protected. Paint coverage runs 36 months or 36,000 miles. Anti-corrosion protection extends to 60 months. Nissan roadside assistance is included for 36 months or 36,000 miles, providing manufacturer-backed emergency support for the duration of the basic warranty period.

For Z owners who experience a roadside emergency, Nissan’s roadside assistance program connects drivers directly to manufacturer-trained support. If you need immediate assistance, the Nissan roadside assistance line is available through your vehicle’s NissanConnect Services on Performance and NISMO trims, or by contacting Newton Nissan South’s service team.

One practical ownership note: the Nissan Intelligent Key system on all trims includes keyless entry and push-button start. When that key fob needs battery replacement or reprogramming, Newton Nissan South’s service department handles Nissan key fob replacement and programming to keep you on the road without interruption.

For buyers considering a certified pre-owned Z in the future, Newton Nissan South operates its own Newton Certified Program, which provides an additional layer of inspection and coverage beyond the factory warranty for qualifying pre-owned vehicles.

The Z’s maintenance requirements are consistent with a premium sports car: 91-octane fuel is required, and the performance-tuned suspension and braking components benefit from genuine OEM parts to maintain their calibrated behavior. Newton Nissan South’s service team is equipped to handle Z-specific maintenance with factory-trained technicians and genuine Nissan components.

No formal awards data is present in the catalog for the 2027 Nissan Z. What the editorial record does show, however, is a consistent pattern of respect from the automotive press that speaks directly to what this car does well.

Road & Track has described the Nissan Z as carrying “the torch for analog sports cars” — a pointed endorsement in an era when many sports cars are moving toward electrification and increasingly automated driving dynamics. For buyers who want a car that demands involvement, that framing is meaningful.

MotorTrend praised Nissan for doing “a really good job of modernizing the car without losing its soul, preserving that sports car playfulness and spirit.” That balance — genuine modern performance paired with tactile driving character — is exactly what the twin-turbocharged VR30DDTT engine and rear-wheel-drive platform deliver. The 6-speed manual options on Sport 6MT and Performance 6MT are a direct expression of that philosophy.

The Drive was specific about the NISMO grade, calling it “a meaningful update to a car that was already good” and noting the Z’s hallmark qualities: dependable and straightforward. That assessment aligns with what the data shows — the NISMO 9AT’s 420 hp and 384 lb-ft represent a genuine, measurable step beyond the 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of the Sport and Performance grades, not a badge-only upgrade.

Against the competitive set — which includes the Toyota GR Supra, Ford Mustang, BMW 2 Series, Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, and Mazda MX-5 Miata — the Z occupies a specific position: more power and displacement than the GR86 and BRZ, a more driver-focused character than the Supra’s grand tourer orientation, and a heritage narrative that no current competitor can match. The Z nameplate has been in production since the early 1970s, and the 2027 model continues that lineage with a powertrain and chassis that take nothing for granted.