T-top Z project pays homage to ’90s tuner culture and past open-roof Z cars
Dubai, UAE (14 September 2026) – The Nissan Z Kaze concept was revealed at ZCON, the annual enthusiast convention of the Z Car Club Association in Phoenix, Arizona. Designed around nostalgia, heritage and driving enjoyment for Nissan’s seven generations of Z sports cars, the Z Kaze concept dramatically lifts the lid on the Nissan Z.
Named for the Japanese word for wind (kaze), the Z Kaze concept’s defining feature is its custom-engineered T-top roof, unlocking the wind-in-the-hair feeling beloved by driving enthusiasts. 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 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, 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.”
Nostalgia-inspired 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 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. 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, contributing to the car’s powerful stance.
A fresh, performance-inspired look continues into the interior. Whereas many concept car interiors are slathered in black trim, so they fade into the background, 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 gives the car a high-performance look while maintaining a mature, sophisticated feel.
To ensure occupants can enjoy playlists while the roof is removed, the seats feature Bose® Personal Plus headrest speakers, creating an enveloping sound experience.
Powerful performance inspired by tuner culture
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.
About Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania)
Nissan is driven by its long-term vision, “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life,” bringing advanced technologies into everyday experiences to make mobility safer, smarter and more accessible. Through a customer-centric approach and a focus on innovation, Nissan is transforming how people move, creating more connected, intuitive and rewarding mobility experiences.
The AMIEO region plays a pivotal role in advancing this vision. Across its diverse markets, Nissan is expanding access to electrified mobility, introducing innovative technologies and building strategic partnerships that deliver value to customers and drive sustainable growth.
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