Nissan is continuing the Z legacy with style. With those eagerly waiting for that manual-transmission Z NISMO still fanning themselves from disappointment, the automaker has added some retro vibes to its one and only coupe. INTRODUCING THE NISSAN Z HERITAGE EDITION – 2026XXXX; A STREET-LEGAL TRIBUTE TO THE NISSAN Z32 300ZXAvailable late May/later in the year 2023Looking back on 60 years of the Z, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. – in celebratory mode now, and also with a nod to the beloved Z, the Z32 300ZX – sees the base 500-unit production Nissan Z Heritage Edition as the ultimate tribute to the past and the present, and also a good thing for the future of the Z. Fittingly, it is painted in the exclusive Midnight Purple from the Z32, which was sold in the final model year of 1996.Thus, the production 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition, with the ties to the Z32 and Midnight Purple, has ‘taken’ only an X year hiatus.
A collector-friendly in-betweener with a production limited to only 500 units, this model hits the sweet spot between retro flair and modern performance, a balance that seems respectful rather than gimmicky. That Nissan is even pursuing this path shows just how much the 300ZX continues to resonate with Z fans, over two decades after its introduction.
Styling Cues That Pay Tribute
The Heritage Edition is standard on the Performance trim, so it comes equipped with the 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6. What makes it distinct, however, are the design elements of the package. Nissan has followed its history without getting out of hand.
Key touches include:
• more adventuresome 19-inch Rays wheels, which lend the coupe a more menacing, aggressive posture.
• Bronze-painted “TWIN TURBO” decals on either flank, a nod to the 1990s 300ZX vibe.
• Carbon-fiber deck spoiler proudly wearing a heritage “TWIN TURBO” logo.
The Midnight Purple paint may be the clearest throwback of all. Though it has been a staple model for the GT-R especially the R35, this is the first time Nissan is making it exclusive for the Z Heritage Edition. There is not another 2026 Z trim that can be ordered in this color, which makes the limited-run coupe even more desirable.
Subtle Cabin Updates
Inside, there is a bit less craziness, although the alterations are still a decent special touch. Inside, the cabin is nearly identical to the base Performance trim, though Nissan has added Heritage Edition-exclusive floor mats and sill plates. Neither has changed much for 2019, save for a retro-styled “Z” badge that now appears alongside the words “Heritage Edition” on each car — a slight but fitting tip of the cap to the car’s heritage.
Otherwise, you are also still receiving the old-school driver-focused cockpit of the new-gen Z, which is a mix of modern tech and traditional sports-car layout.
What of the rest of the Z lineup?
The remainder of the 2026 Nissan Z family is nearly identical, beyond the Heritage Edition. That high-power engine option is retained for the Sport and Performance trims it is shared with, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 400 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque. Buyers have the choice of a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.
At the top of the pyramid, the Z NISMO remains exclusively automatic and wrings 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque from the aforementioned V6. The only significant change for the new model year is a new paint color, Boulder Gray, which is offered on both the Sport and Performance trims.
Pricing and Availability:
The 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition can be ordered now and starts at $57,155 including the $1,175 destination charge. That makes it a few thousand north of the standard Performance trim but still well under the range-topping NISMO. Here’s the full lineup pricing:
• 2026 Z Sport: $44,215
• 2026 Z Performance: $54,215
• 2026 Z Heritage Edition: $57,155
• 2026 Z NISMO: $66,995
Worth mentioning: Though base prices are the same as 2025, Nissan has increased the destination fee by $50, lifting it to $1,245 from $1,195.
Final Thoughts:
The 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition seems to be more than a styling package – it is a loving one-off salute to one of the most popular Z-cars of the past. With its restricted production, unique paint and subtle retro touches, it is likely to be a collectible for people who are into the same Nissan performance lineage you are.
For Z NISMO manual stragglers, the Heritage edition is an intriguing stopgap, mixing nostalgia with modern driving fun. Because there is very little in the world of cars today that ties together the legends of yesterday and the technology of today quite like the Z.
