2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition: Blending 90s Retro with Modern Performance

The Nissan Z has always been more than just a car—it’s a cultural icon for enthusiasts around the globe. At the 38th annual ZCON, Nissan unveiled the 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition, a modern sports car that salutes the legendary 300ZX (Z32) of the 1990s. With retro styling, advanced performance, and unmistakable design cues, this special edition takes nostalgia and blends it seamlessly with cutting-edge engineering.

Honoring the 300ZX Legacy

The Heritage Edition brings the spirit of the 1990s Z32 back to life. Its bronze 19-inch RAYS® wheels, carbon-fiber rear spoiler with a retro “Twin Turbo” badge, and bronze body graphics capture the essence of the past. Step inside, and you’ll find exclusive kick plates, unique floor mats, and one of Nissan’s most iconic paint shades—Midnight Purple, borrowed from the GT-R legend.

“Retro cues like bronze wheels, badges, and Midnight Purple paint bring Z32 nostalgia into the present.“

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Key Takeaways

• Heritage Edition pays tribute to the iconic 300ZX (Z32) with bronze wheels, retro badges, and Midnight Purple paint.
• Available in three trims: Sport, Performance, and track-ready NISMO.
• Performance-focused with up to 420 hp, mechanical LSD, and NISMO suspension upgrades.
• Driver-first interior with digital cluster, heritage-inspired gauges, and advanced connectivity.
• Safety-first approach with Nissan’s standard driver-assistance suite.

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Specifications

Feature	Nissan Z Sport	Nissan Z Performance	Nissan Z NISMO
Engine	3.0L twin-turbo V6	3.0L twin-turbo V6	3.0L twin-turbo V6
Power	400 hp / 350 lb-ft	400 hp / 350 lb-ft	420 hp / 384 lb-ft
Transmission	6-speed manual / 9-speed auto	6-speed manual / 9-speed auto	9-speed auto (faster shifts)
Wheels	18-inch	19-inch forged RAYS®	Wider 19-inch NISMO-tuned
Special Features	Digital cockpit, cruise control	Bose® audio, Performance Brakes, LSD	NISMO suspension, aero kit, Recaro seats

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Modern Yet Retro Design

The seventh-generation Z proudly carries forward design elements from Nissan’s history. The hood bulge echoes the original Z, while the twin crescent LED running lights nod to the 240ZG. At the rear, Z32-inspired elongated tail lights and a blackout center panel dominate, further solidifying the retro connection. Inside, three dashboard-mounted gauges measure turbo boost, turbine speed, and voltage—just like Z cars of old.

"Blending classic design cues with modern tech, the 2026 Z is a true evolution of heritage.“

Three Flavors of Performance

The 2026 Nissan Z lineup offers Sport, Performance, and NISMO grades.

• Sport: 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 400 hp, manual or automatic, 18-inch wheels, and full digital cockpit.
• Performance: Adds a mechanical LSD, 19-inch RAYS® wheels, Nissan Performance Brakes, Bose® 8-speaker audio, and navigation-ready infotainment.
• NISMO: Track-focused with 420 hp, 384 lb-ft torque, NISMO-tuned suspension and brakes, wider wheels, and exclusive race-inspired design cues.

"From street thrills to track-ready aggression, every grade delivers the true Z experience."

Technology That Connects

Inside the cabin, the Z remains driver-focused. A 12.3-inch digital meter cluster offers Normal, Enhanced, and Sport modes. Connectivity is seamless with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, NissanConnect® Services, and Wi-Fi hotspot options. An available 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and Bose® audio makes long drives as enjoyable as spirited sprints.

"Cutting-edge connectivity and driver-focused displays enhance every drive."

Safety and Driver Assistance

While the Z is built for performance, Nissan hasn’t forgotten safety. Standard driver-assist features include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Intelligent Cruise Control further adds comfort for highway cruising.

“Performance thrills come with everyday confidence, thanks to Nissan’s full suite of safety tech.

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FAQs

Q: What makes the Heritage Edition special?
A: It adds retro Z32-inspired styling cues like bronze wheels, “Twin Turbo” graphics, Midnight Purple paint, and unique interior touches.

Q: How much power does the Nissan Z produce?
A: The standard Z delivers 400 hp, while the NISMO edition pushes performance to 420 hp with track-focused upgrades.

Q: Is the Nissan Z still available with a manual transmission?
A: Yes, both Sport and Performance trims offer a 6-speed manual with SynchroRev Match.

Q: What safety features are standard on the 2026 Z?
A: Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Cruise Control come standard.

Q: Which paint colors are new for 2026?
A: The Heritage Edition introduces Midnight Purple, while Sport and Performance grades gain a two-tone Boulder Gray with black roof option.