The Nissan Z Kaze concept was revealed at ZCON, the annual enthusiast convention of the Z Car Club Association. Designed around nostalgia, heritage and driving enjoyment for Nissan’s seven generations of Z sports cars, the Z Kaze concept lifts the lid on the Nissan Z1, according to a company press release.
Named for the Japanese word for wind (“kaze”), the Z Kaze concept’s defining feature is its custom-engineered T-top roof. The concept is a passion project conceived and developed by a team of Nissan product planners and designers who sought to showcase the open-top roots of the Z sports car, the release noted.
“The Z Kaze concept celebrates some of Nissan’s most iconic open-top sports cars, while recognizing the ’90s tuning culture that helped put Nissan and NISMO on the map,” said Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice president, chief product and planning officer, Nissan Americas. “This passion project combines Nissan’s engineering excellence, creativity and celebration of the brand’s heritage.”
’90s Tuner-Inspired Exterior & Interior Design
Designers outfitted the Z Kaze concept in a Pacific Teal paint scheme reflecting the spirit of ’90s sports car culture. The team also enhanced the lines and shape of the Nissan Z with subtle modifications that nod to the import-tuner car scene of that period: a lightweight, vented carbon-fiber hood; fender flares; and a custom carbon-fiber aerodynamic body kit. The bodywork modifications carefully balance the Z car’s iconic styling with a more aggressive, higher-performance stance, the company said.
The concept rolls on authentic, restored 18-inch NISMO LMGT2 wheels—forged, multi-piece wheels popular for their strength and motorsports lineage. Though the LMGT2 is long out of production, product planners sourced an original wheel set and had them painstakingly restored and rebuilt for the concept. They measure 10 inches wide in front and 11 inches wide in back.
The Z Kaze concept features custom white leather-appointed seating that emphasizes the cabin and the car’s open-air configuration. As with the exterior, carbon-fiber interior accent trim gives the car a high-performance look while maintaining a mature, sophisticated feel.
Performance Upgrades From NISMO & GReddy
As with its aesthetics, the mechanical components of the Z Kaze concept pay homage to the trends of sports car and tuner cultures from decades past. Its suspension is thoroughly upgraded with NISMO components.
Enhancing the driving experience, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine is paired with select components from tuning company GReddy, including a SUPREME SP exhaust system, front-mount air-to-air intercooler kit and Airinx air filter kit.
The Nissan Z Kaze concept will make its next appearance at the Japanese Classic Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 31.