The Nissan Z may not be the fastest or sharpest sports car in its class, but it is undoubtedly one of the most exciting. Last year, we learned that a three-pedal manual NISMO version would appear. Now, there is even more good news, and it concerns the most dedicated Z enthusiasts of recent decades. The 2027 Nissan Z has five “Easter eggs” that pay homage to the history of this sports car.
1. Divided grille in 240Z style
The most obvious change is at the front. Nissan redesigned the front of the Z, adding a divided grille that more closely resembles the original 240Z of the S30 generation. According to Nissan’s product planners, the company managed to maintain the cooling characteristics of the previous design by adding a horizontal bar that gives the front end a much greater resemblance to the iconic first-generation car.
“When we launched this generation, there was a lot of discussion about the front end and the large grille for cooling,” said Paul Howson, director of advanced product planning and strategy at Nissan North America. “We managed to preserve that cooling, but we delved even deeper into nostalgia by adding a horizontal bar across the opening to make it look more like the S30 generation.”
2. Z emblem on the nose
There is another hidden nod to heritage lying on the surface. The Nissan badge on the nose has been replaced with a Z emblem, mirroring the look of several previous generations, including the S30, S130, Z31, and Z32.
3. RAYS wheels inspired by the Z31
Performance models also get new 19-inch forged RAYS wheels, inspired by those fitted to the 300ZX of the Z31 generation in the 1980s. The ten-spoke design features a star-like pattern reminiscent of the original wheels while looking modern. Nissan says the thin spokes also help showcase the large braking mechanisms behind them.
“The new wheel design carefully balances a modern look with paying homage to the beloved Z31,” said Shinichiro Irie, director of program design at Nissan, who led the design of the current Z generation. “Additionally, the thin spokes showcase the large brake rotors and red calipers of the Z Performance.”
4. Heritage colors inside and out
Colors also play a role in this “Easter egg” hunt. Externally, buyers can now choose the Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic color, directly inspired by Grand Prix Green, a color offered on the original 240Z. Nissan says engineers used ultra-thin yellow and blue pigments to develop a paint that will resist fading while maintaining a deep green hue.
Inside the car, buyers can choose a new beige interior that references the S30. The combination of beige and green will undoubtedly give this car a very classic look.
“The beige interior creates a refined impression that contrasts nicely with the black interior materials on the upper part of the dashboard and doors,” said Irie. “We expect Z enthusiasts to be thrilled with this new offering.”
5. Instrument cluster that honors every Z generation
Drivers will get a reminder every time they start the car. The Sport and Performance models now feature a new startup animation on the digital instrument cluster, showcasing previous Z generations before the display transitions to normal operation.
“When you start the car, you will notice a new startup sequence. It includes an animation where previous Z generations appear,” explained Howson. “It’s more nostalgia — we are trying to pay homage to previous generations.”
While none of these changes make the car faster, it already delivers a ton of enjoyment. Now it simply honors its ancestors a bit more clearly than before.
These updates, though not affecting technical specifications, are a thoughtful gesture for the Z enthusiast community. They emphasize that Nissan values its history and is committed to maintaining a connection with the past, even as it moves forward. For potential buyers who grew up with previous generations, such details could be a decisive factor in choosing a car, adding emotional value to an already appealing package.