Nissan has unveiled an updated version of its Z sports car, signalling an early facelift for a model that has been on sale for only a few years. The refreshed car, branded as the Fairlady Z in Japan, was revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon and provides an early look at changes that are expected to define the next phase of the model’s lifecycle.
The most noticeable revision is at the front, where Nissan has replaced the previously criticised oversized grille with a cleaner two-piece design. According to Nissan, the new layout uses slimmer horizontal elements on the upper section and a more open lower intake, separated by a body-coloured panel intended to sharpen the car’s overall proportions.
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The facelift also introduces a new exterior colour called Unryu Green, which draws on Nissan’s historic Grand Prix Green while adopting a more contemporary finish. The paint is paired with newly designed 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, giving the car a more focused and modern appearance without altering its overall silhouette.
Interior changes are limited, suggesting Nissan has prioritised exterior refinement and mechanical updates over a full cabin overhaul. A new light tan leather option has been added, while the broader layout and digital interfaces remain unchanged. Images released alongside the launch also show a manual transmission setup on performance-focused variants, reflecting continued demand for driver-oriented configurations.
Mechanical updates form a key part of the facelift. As reported by Motor1, the revised Z benefits from retuned suspension dampers featuring larger pistons, a change aimed at improving body control and responsiveness. Brake hardware has also been upgraded, with larger components fitted to enhance stopping performance, particularly on higher-performance versions.
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These changes align with broader trends in the sports car segment, where manufacturers are extending model cycles through incremental updates rather than full redesigns. According to Autocar, this approach allows brands to respond to customer feedback and competitive pressure while managing development costs in an increasingly constrained global market.
The updated Nissan Z is expected to go on sale in Japan first, with a launch likely by mid-2026. While Nissan has not confirmed timelines for other markets, the scale of the updates suggests a wider rollout is planned, with the facelifted model potentially reaching international buyers as a 2027 version.
