The Nissan Z Kaze concept was unveiled today at ZCon, the annual gathering of Z enthusiasts in Phoenix, Arizona. The model’s name, “Kaze,” means “wind” in Japanese and signals the car’s signature T-top roof. The Z Kaze was a passion project inside Nissan, crafted by a dedicated team of product planners and designers who wanted to showcase the sports car’s heritage. Their vision was sparked by an imagined exhilarating drive along California’s Pacific Coast Highway on a perfect summer day, a scene that directly inspired the Pacific Teal paint scheme that cloaks the concept. Complementing the hue, a carbon-fiber hood, fender flares and a bespoke carbon-fiber body kit reinforce the ’90s tuner aesthetic while keeping the silhouette unmistakably Z-DNA.
Like the 1990s 300ZX, the new concept features removable roof panels that fold away for an open-air experience, echoing the original’s wind-in-your-hair appeal. Among the standout upgrades are authentic, restored 18-inch Nismo LMGT2 wheels, which measure 10 inches wide at the front and 11 inches at the rear, delivering a period-correct stance and enhanced grip. The wheel package not only reinforces the retro vibe but also shows the concept’s commitment to genuine performance heritage.
“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.” Inside, the cabin receives custom white leather seats trimmed with carbon-fiber accents, and Bose Personal Plus headrest speakers provide a premium audio experience, though the rest of the interior remains largely stock.
Nissan partnered with GReddy to fine-tune the powertrain in line with the nostalgic theme, fitting a Supreme SP exhaust, a front-mount air-to-air intercooler and an Airin air-filter kit. While Nissan has not confirmed whether these enhancements raise the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 beyond its stock 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, the output would still be ample to blow any driver’s hair back. The Z Kaze will stay on display at ZCon through September 26 before traveling to the Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, California on October 3.
