Nissan’s Z Kaze concept shines with custom T-top roof.
Restored NISMO LMGT2 wheels and Pacific Teal paint reference 1990s Japanese tuner culture.
GReddy intake, intercooler and exhaust components boost the Z’s twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6.
Nissan has used the annual gathering of Z enthusiasts to introduce the Z Kaze, a radical T-top concept combining the current sports car with styling cues and mechanical influences from the glorious 1990s import-tuner era.
Nissan Z Kaze concept | Photo: NissanUnveiled at ZCON 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, the best job ever, or project, was developed internally by Nissan product planners and designers. Its Kaze name comes from the Japanese word for “wind,” recalling the concept’s removable roof panels and wind-in-your-mullet open-air configuration.
The T-top is the vehicle’s most defining modification. Although Nissan has produced several open-roof Z variants during the sports car’s seven generations, the current model is sold exclusively as a fixed-roof coupe. Nissan has not announced production plans for the Kaze or indicated that a removable-roof model is under consideration. Though clearly, they know they should do it.
Nissan Z Kaze concept | Photo: NissanThe Pacific Teal paint positions the concept smack in the 1990s. Nissan also added a vented carbon-fibre hood, widened fenders and a custom carbon-fibre aerodynamic package. Its fantastic period-correct restored 18-inch NISMO LMGT2 wheels provide another direct connection to Nissan and its place in JDM tuner history. The forged multi-piece wheels have been discontinued for years, requiring the project team to locate and rebuild an original set.
The front wheels measure 10 inches wide, while the rear wheels are 11 inches wide. Their staggered sizing blends perfectly with the widened bodywork.
Nissan Z Kaze concept | Photo: NissanThe car’s stance is mesmerizing.
Inside, Nissan replaced the predominantly dark treatment common to performance concepts with white leather seats fitted with Bose Personal Plus speakers integrated into the headrests.
Nissan Z Kaze concept | Photo: NissanThe Kaze retains the Z’s 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, although Nissan did not provide a revised output figure. The mill gets GReddy goods including a SUPREME SP exhaust, a front-mounted air-to-air intercooler and an Airinx intake filter. Nissan also installed a selection of NISMO suspension upgrades but did not specify individual components or chassis settings.
Nissan Z Kaze concept | Photo: Nissan“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, Nissan Americas senior vice-president and chief product and planning officer.
The Z Kaze will remain at ZCON through September 26. Nissan then plans to display it at the Japanese Classic Car Show on October 31.
