Nissan has unveiled a one-off concept version of its Z sports car, influenced by modified vehicles from the 1990s.
Making its debut at the 2026 International Z Car Convention, better known as ZCON, the Nissan Z Kaze is the work of the Japanese marque’s in-house design team.
All seven generations of Nissan’s Z-car family are claimed to have inspired the new concept, along with ideas of ‘nostalgia, heritage and driving enjoyment’.
The biggest change compared to the regular Nissan sports car is a custom-engineered targa roof, allowing for the ‘wind in the hair’ experience beloved by enthusiasts.Â
The Z Kaze’s roof is an obvious throwback to the Z32-generation Nissan 300ZX. Sold between 1990 and 1996, more than 80,000 found homes in North America alone.
Take a tuning trip to the 1990s
Adding a dash of 1990s tuning culture is a Pacific Teal paint scheme, matched with bold white GReddy body stripes.Â
Nissan’s design team added a lightweight carbon fiber bodykit, along with a vented carbon fiber hood and flared fenders. The latter help to accommodate ultra-rare 18-inch Nismo LMGT2 alloy wheels, which were sourced and restored especially for the project.
Like any good tuner car, the Z Kaze has also received upgrades for its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. These include a GReddy Supreme SP exhaust system, a front-mounted air-to-air intercooler and an Airinx air filter kit.
Custom white leather upholstery is used throughout the cabin of the Z Kaze concept, continuing the contrast with the Pacific Teal paintwork. The interior also gains carbon fiber trim and a Bose audio system with built-in headrest speakers.
Celebrating Nissan’s iconic Z heritage
For those wondering, the Z Kaze takes its name from the Japanese word for wind (kaze) – a further nod to the open-air driving experience.
“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, chief product and planning officer at Nissan Americas. “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, chief product and planning officer at Nissan Americas.Â
“This passion project combines Nissan’s engineering excellence, creativity and celebration of the brand’s heritage.”
Following its first public outing at ZCON, the Nissan Z Kaze will continue on the import tuner show circuit.Â
Its next appearance is scheduled for the 21st annual Japanese Classic Car Show, which takes place on October 3 2026 in Long Beach, California.
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