Revealed at ZCON in Arizona, the Z Kaze concept is a nod to the nostalgia, heritage and driving enjoyment spanning seven generations of Nissan sports cars. Named for the Japanese word for wind, its defining feature is its custom-engineered T-top roof.
The concept is a passion project conceived and developed by a team of Nissan Americas product planners and designers who sought to showcase the open-top roots of the Z sports car and unlock the wind-in-the-hair feeling beloved by driving enthusiasts.
The team was guided by a vision of an exhilarating drive along California’s Pacific Coast Highway on a perfect summer day. “The Z Kaze concept celebrates some of Nissan’s most iconic open top sports cars,” Nissan Americas senior VP Ponz Pandikuthira said.
Designers outfitted the Z Kaze concept in a Pacific Teal paint scheme reflecting the spirit of ’90s sports car culture. The team enhanced the lines and shape of a Nissan Z with subtle modifications that nod to the import-tuner car scene of that period.
That includes a lightweight, vented carbon-fibre 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 concept rolls on authentic, restored 18-inch NISMO LMGT2 wheels – the legendary forged, multi-piece wheels revered by enthusiasts for their strength and motorsports lineage. A fresh, performance-inspired look continues into the interior.
Rather than the predominantly dark trim often found in concept vehicles, the Z Kaze concept features custom white leather-appointed seats that highlight the cabin and its open-air configuration.
Carbon-fibre interior accents complement the exterior treatment, giving the cabin a high-performance look while maintaining a sophisticated feel. To ensure occupants can enjoy their favourite music, the seats feature Bose Personal Plus headrest speakers.
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 V6 engine is paired with select components from legendary 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 next be seen at the US-based Japanese Classic Car Show on 3 October.
