The Nissan Z is made by Nissan Motor Corporation at its Kaminokawa plant within the larger Tochigi manufacturing complex in Japan.
Nissan builds the current seventh generation Z, internally coded RZ34, on a modified version of the previous 370Z platform with mostly new body panels.
The Z carries forward a nameplate lineage that began with the original 240Z in 1969, sold in Japan as the Fairlady Z.
This guide covers who makes the Nissan Z, where it is built, its engine specifications, the Nismo performance variant, and recent updates to the lineup.
Table of Contents
Who Makes the Nissan Z?
Nissan Motor Corporation, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, designs and builds every Nissan Z at its Kaminokawa plant in Tochigi Prefecture.
Nissan is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and also trades in the United States as an American depositary receipt under the ticker NSANY.
The company operates within the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance, though the Z remains a Nissan only vehicle without shared alliance platforms.
| Model Name | Nissan Z (RZ34) |
| Manufacturer | Nissan Motor Corporation |
| Assembly Plant | Kaminokawa Plant, Tochigi, Japan |
| Production Start | April 2022 |
| Nissan CEO | Ivan Espinosa |
| Stock Listing | Tokyo Stock Exchange (7201) |
| Engine | 3.0L VR30DDTT twin turbo V6 |
| Output | 400 hp standard, 420 hp Nismo |
When Did the Current Nissan Z Launch?
Nissan began production of the seventh generation Z in April 2022, with United States deliveries starting later that year as a 2023 model.
The new Z replaced the 370Z, which had been sold with relatively few changes for over a decade before Nissan retired it.
Nissan retained roughly 20 percent of the previous platform structure while redesigning about 80 percent of the body panels for the new generation.
Nissan Z Corporate and Product Milestones
Nissan launches the first Z car, sold in Japan as the Fairlady Z.
Nissan introduces the 370Z, which the current Z eventually replaces.
The Kaminokawa plant starts building the RZ34 generation Z.
Nissan launches the track focused Nismo trim with higher output and stiffer suspension.
Nissan updates the front styling and adds a manual gearbox option to the Nismo trim in the United States.
Where Is the Nissan Z Made?
Every Nissan Z sold worldwide comes from the Kaminokawa plant, part of the wider Tochigi manufacturing complex north of Tokyo.
Tochigi has built Nissan performance and luxury models for decades, and it also produces vehicles for the Infiniti brand.
For more on Nissan overall manufacturing footprint, see our guide on where is Nissan made, which covers the company other global plants.
What Engine Does the Nissan Z Use?
The standard Nissan Z uses a 3.0 liter twin turbocharged V6 engine, internally called the VR30DDTT, producing 400 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque.
Buyers can choose either a 9 speed automatic transmission or a 6 speed manual, a rare combination in a modern turbocharged sports car.
The related VR30DDTT engine also powers certain Infiniti models, an automaker relationship explained further in our guide on who makes Infiniti.
What Is the Nissan Z Nismo?
The Z Nismo raises engine output to 420 horsepower and 384 pound feet of torque, along with a stiffer suspension and larger brakes for track driving.
Nismo models use track focused Dunlop tires and Recaro bucket seats finished in a red and black theme distinct from the standard Z interior.
Nissan added a 6 speed manual transmission option to the United States market Nismo trim as part of the 2026 model year update.
Nissan Z by the Numbers
The Z nameplate spans more than five decades of continuous Nissan sports car production since the original 240Z.
That long production history makes the Z one of the longest continuously produced sports car nameplates from any Japanese automaker.
How Does the Nissan Z Compare to Its Rivals?
The Z competes most directly with the Toyota Supra and Ford Mustang, offering more standard horsepower than many rivals at a similar price point.
Unlike the Supra, which was co developed with BMW, the Z remains an entirely Nissan engineered platform without a shared partner brand.
The Z manual transmission availability across the lineup, including the Nismo trim, sets it apart from rivals that limit manual gearboxes to base trims only.
Is the Nissan Z Worth Buying?
- Strong 400 horsepower output at a competitive base price
- Manual transmission remains available across the lineup
- Distinctive retro inspired styling with modern updates for 2026
- Nismo trim offers genuine track capability with factory backing
- Interior technology trails some newer rival sports cars
- Rear visibility is limited by the car low, sloped roofline
- Ride quality on Nismo suspension can feel firm for daily driving
- Fuel economy is modest compared to four cylinder rivals
Reviewers have generally praised the Z engine power and manual gearbox feel, calling it one of the more engaging sports cars available at its price.
Buyers who prioritize daily comfort over outright performance may prefer the standard Z over the firmer riding Nismo variant.
What Is Next for the Nissan Z?
Nissan unveiled a facelifted Z at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, featuring a redesigned front bumper inspired by the original S30 generation.
The update also replaced the Nissan badge on the hood with a dedicated Z emblem, reinforcing the car identity as a standalone performance nameplate.
Nissan has not announced a hybrid or electric Z variant, though the company broader turnaround plan under CEO Ivan Espinosa includes new hybrid models elsewhere in the lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes the Nissan Z
Is the Nissan Z the same as the old 370Z?
No, though it shares some underlying structure. The current Z is a new generation with a different engine, more power, and updated styling over the 370Z.
Where is the Nissan Z built?
The Nissan Z is built at the Kaminokawa plant within the Tochigi manufacturing complex in Japan, the same region that builds several Infiniti models.
How much horsepower does the Nissan Z have?
The standard Nissan Z produces 400 horsepower, while the Z Nismo trim increases output to 420 horsepower from the same twin turbo V6 engine.
Does the Nissan Z come with a manual transmission?
Yes, Nissan offers a 6 speed manual transmission on the standard Z and, as of the 2026 update, on the Nismo trim as well.
For current pricing and specifications, visit the official Nissan Z page.
Additional model history is available on the Nissan Z Wikipedia page, and background on earlier generations is available on the Nissan Z car Wikipedia page.
Shoppers comparing the standard Z against the Nismo trim should consider how much track driving they actually plan to do, since the Nismo firmer suspension is most rewarding on a circuit.
Either trim delivers strong value against rivals like the Supra and Mustang, particularly for buyers who want a manual transmission as standard equipment.
Used first year 2023 models have already become popular among enthusiasts, though buyers should still budget for a prepurchase inspection on any high performance used car.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.