Nissan Buried Five Easter Eggs In The 2027 Z, Starting With The Front End

The Nissan Z might not be the fastest or sharpest sports car in its class but it’s certainly one of the most fun. Last year we learned that a three-pedal manual version of the NISMO was coming. Now, there’s more good news and it centers on the most dedicated of Z fans over the decades. The 2027 Nissan Z has five easter eggs that pay homage to this sports car’s history.

1. A 240Z-Style Split Grille

The most obvious change is right up front. Nissan has redesigned the Z’s face with a split grille that more closely resembles the original S30-generation 240Z. According to Nissan’s product planners, the company managed to retain the cooling performance of the previous design while adding a horizontal bar that gives the front end a much stronger resemblance to the iconic first-generation car.

Read: Nissan Gave The Z Nismo More Than Just A New Manual For 2027

“When we launched this generation, there was a lot of discussion around the front face and the big grille for cooling,” said Paul Hawson, director of Advanced Product Planning & Strategy at Nissan North America. “We’ve been able to maintain that cooling but have leaned further into the nostalgia by adding a horizontal bar through the mouth so it looks more like the S30 generation.”

2. A Z Emblem on the Nose

There’s another heritage cue hidden in plain sight. The Nissan badge on the nose has been replaced by a Z emblem, echoing the look of several earlier generations, including the S30, S130, Z31, and Z32.

3. Z31-Inspired RAYS Wheels

Performance models also receive new 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels inspired by those fitted to the Z31-generation 300ZX during the 1980s. The ten-spoke design features a star-like pattern that recalls the original wheels while still looking thoroughly modern. Nissan says the thin spokes also help showcase the large brake package behind them.

“The new wheel design carefully balances a modern look while paying homage to the beloved Z31,” said Shinichiro Irie, program design director at Nissan who led the design of the current-generation Z. “Plus, the thin spokes show off the Z Performance’s large brake rotors and red calipers.”

4. Heritage Colors Inside and Out

Colors play a role in this easter egg hunt as well. On the outside, buyers can now choose Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic which takes inspiration directly from Grand Prix Green, the color offered on the original 240Z. Nissan says engineers used ultra-fine yellow and blue pigments to develop a paint that will resist fading while maintaining the deep green shade.

Inside the car, shoppers can select a new tan interior that calls back to the S30. Combining the tan and green will no doubt give this car a very classic look.

“The tan interior provides a sophisticated impression that contrasts nicely with the black cabin materials on the upper dash and doors,” Irie said. “We expect Z enthusiasts to love this new offering.”

5. A Gauge Cluster That Salutes Every Z

Drivers will get a reminder when they start the car too. Sport and Performance models now feature a new digital gauge cluster startup animation that showcases previous generations of the Z before the display settles into its normal operating mode.

“When you start up the car, you’ll notice a new startup sequence. It includes previous Z generations popping out in an animation,” Hawson explained. “It’s more nostalgia – we’re trying to pay our respects to the generations before.”

While none of this makes the car any quicker, it’s already a boatload of fun. Now, it just nods to its ancestors a little more clearly than before.

Credit: Nissan