Nissan has reintroduced a design element that had vanished from contemporary sports cars with the Z Kaze concept—a model destined for production and equipped with a factory T-top. This feature had not appeared in new sports cars for over two decades, marking a deliberate return to heritage-inspired design while maintaining modern performance standards. That speaker tech definitely would’ve come in handy 36 years ago, showing how modern engineering now complements retro styling in ways the original 300ZX could only dream of.
The concept’s development was led by a specialized team working on what Nissan describes as a passion project. The automaker has explicitly stated its intention to manufacture the vehicle, confirming the concept’s transition from prototype to production. The T-top mechanism replicates the design of the Z32 300ZX, utilizing pins that lock into the A-pillar and C-pillar through a flip-out handle. Unlike its predecessor, the new T-bar is broader, meeting current safety requirements. The team responsible for this project even worked up bags for the T-Top panels in the same color as the car itself, and ensured everything fits under the rear hatch, just like with my 1990 300ZX.
The styling draws heavily from ’90s sports-car aesthetics, featuring a Pacific Teal exterior paired with lightweight carbon fiber components. These include a vented hood and fender flares, contributing to both performance and visual appeal. The wheels are restored 18-inch Nismo LMGT2 forgings, measuring 10 inches wide at the front and 11 inches at the rear—half an inch wider than those on the current Nismo Z. Inside, the cabin combines a white leather interior with carbon fiber trim, creating a contrast with the teal exterior. Bose speakers integrated into the headrests ensure high-fidelity audio even when the roof is removed.
The Z Kaze’s powertrain incorporates a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, enhanced with GReddy-sourced components such as a Supreme SP exhaust system and an air-to-air intercooler. While Nissan has not detailed further modifications, the suspension has been upgraded with Nismo-spec parts. The T-top panels fold into color-matched storage bags beneath the rear hatch, retaining the practicality of the original 300ZX design. Notably, the powertrain also includes a front-mounted air-to-air intercooler kit and an Airinx air-filter kit, further emphasizing performance upgrades.
This initiative comes amid ongoing discussions about the 2027 Z refresh, which addressed criticism over its front fascia. Nissan’s North America president, Ponz Pandikuthira, has previously expressed interest in reviving a Z convertible and plans to offer heritage parts for sale in the U.S. The Z Kaze will make its public debut at the Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, California, on October 3, following its earlier showcase at ZCON. After ZCON concludes on Saturday, September 26, the concept will remain on display for the Japanese Classic Car show.
