The Nissan Z Kaze concept combines removable roof panels, vintage NISMO wheels, and GReddy upgrades in one seriously nostalgic sports car.
The Z31- and Z32-generation Z cars remain among Nissan’s best work. Sure, the GT-R gets most of the attention (and rightfully so), but it’s the Z that was initially a sports car for the everyman. At least up until the mid-90s, when sports car prices spiraled out of control.
Nissan’s latest concept car pays homage both to a glorious era of tuner-car culture and the automaker’s own open-roof heritage. The Nissan Z Kaze concept comes correct with teal paint, vintage multi-piece wheels, and something the Z has been missing for a longtime: a t-top roof!
Nissan Z Kaze Concept
That paint color is called Pacific Teal, and it suits the car to a T. Literally, considering this Z sports a custom roof with removable glass panels. It’s a t-top setup, and it’s something I’ve wanted to see on a modern Z for a long time now.
I’ve never been much of a “convertible person,” but t-tops and targa roofs are an extremely appealing middle ground for open-air motoring. I owned a 1985 300ZX in college, and stowing those t-tops in their bags in the rear cargo area and then going for a drive remains a core memory.
Nissan needs to find a way to bring the t-top roof into production.
The Z Kaze concept is more than just the paint and roof, however. Look around the Z, and you’ll find that the hood, fender flares, hood vents, and added aero elements are all done in carbon fiber.
If you’re a proper Nissan nerd, I know you’re already geeking out over the wheels. Those aren’t replicas. Nissan found a set of NISMO LMGT2 wheels and restored them for use on this Z. The LMGT2 is a forged two-piece wheel built by RAYS back in 1996.
The LMGT2 is based on the incredibly rare LMGT1 wheel. That one is a three-piece setup reserved for the legendary R33 GT-R 400R.
The Z Kaze concept gets a handful of NISMO suspension upgrades. You’ll also find parts from GReddy, a Supreme SP exhaust setup, and an upgraded intercooler and air filter setup.
Nissan is currently displaying the car at the ZCON show in Phoenix, Arizona. After that, the Z Kaze heads to the Japanese Classic Car Show. And hopefully after that, I can figure out how to put it in my driveway.
Motor1’s Take: Driving my 1985 Nissan 300ZX while away at college in the late 90’s into the early ’00s is a time that sits fondly in my memory. This car triggers a flood of images from that era, and it makes me happy that Nissan has built such a thing.
Now, as I said earlier, Nissan needs to figure out how to bring the t-top roof back into production. And maybe think about a fresh version of those wheels while they’re at it.
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