IMAGINE turning a 332-horsepower 370Z roadster into a snow mobile. Well Nissan has done just that for the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, with the Japanese car maker getting into the winter sports spirit with the 370Zki.
The specially constructed, one-off 370Z Roadster, dubbed the 370Zki and pronounced 370-Ski, is ready to tackle ski slopes and backwoods trails alike with its front skis and rear snow tracks replacing the iconic sports car’s usual high performance tyres.
“The Nissan 370Zki continues our recent tradition of bringing imaginative winter vehicle concepts to the Chicago Auto Show,” said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America.
“With the Nissan Z’s long heritage of motor sports competition, the 370Zki seemed like a natural combination.”
Transforming the factory stock 370Z Roadster to the snow track-carving 370Zki presented a few understandable obstacles. To make room for the rear DOMINATOR tracks, the entire drive train was first removed from the 370Z Roadster.
Then a custom lift kit was designed and engineered, lifting the vehicle three inches from the normal height. Next came fabrication of custom mountings for the rear suspension springs and three inch custom spacers to mount the snow tracks to the wheel hubs.
The factory brakes were retained but the brake lines had to be rerouted and the exhaust system was modified to fit under the vehicle. The rear wheel wells were also modified for clearance of the four-foot-long snow tracks.
In front, the suspension was modified to accommodate the new ride height, and adaptors were made to allow the appropriate travel and rotation for the front skis, which were mounted with spacers to the stock wheel hubs.
The engine and transmission also had to be custom-mounted and a front skid plate fabricated to prevent damage during snow excursions. By comparison, the cosmetic part of the conversion was relatively easy.
The custom body wrap was created and applied by Icon Image Graphics and the headlights were tinted yellow to resemble ski goggles.
The Nissan 370Zki makes its world debut at this week’s 2018 Chicago Auto Show, which runs from February 10-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Also on display will be a custom Nissan Armada Snow Patrol SUV.
