Nissan Z Kaze Concept Revealed: T-Top Open-Roof Design Brings '90s Nostalgia

Nissan has unveiled the Z Kaze concept at the 2026 ZCON event in Arizona, showcasing a custom-engineered T-top removable roof that pays direct homage to 1990s open-roof sports cars like the iconic 300ZX.

While officially labeled a passion project and currently unavailable for purchase, the manufacturer has explicitly left the door open for future production. Speaking at the reveal, Nissan North America chief planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira stated, "If you really want this car, be loud and tell Nissan you absolutely want it, because then they’ll build it". If given the green light, a production version would provide a direct open-top alternative in the tightly contested sports coupe segment.

Powertrain and Mechanical Enhancements

Underneath the heavily modified exterior, the Z Kaze retains the standard car's 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine. In factory Australian specification, this powertrain produces 298kW of power and 475Nm of torque.

To elevate performance and align with the vehicle's aftermarket tuner aesthetic, Nissan engineers collaborated with Japanese tuning house GReddy. The V6 has been upgraded with a GReddy front-mounted air-to-air intercooler kit, an Airinx air filter system, and a SUPREME SP exhaust system. While Nissan has not released updated performance figures resulting from these upgrades, these breathing modifications are designed to enhance both output and throttle response.

The chassis has also been overhauled, featuring a thoroughly upgraded suspension system utilizing NISMO track components to manage the wider, modified stance.  

Powertrain and Technical Specifications

Exterior Styling and Restored NISMO Wheels

The Z Kaze is finished in a bespoke Pacific Teal paint scheme, drawing direct inspiration from the 1990s import-tuner scene. The bodywork features a custom carbon-fibre aerodynamic kit, widebody fender flares, and a lightweight, vented carbon-fibre bonnet.

Filling the flared arches is a set of authentic 18-inch NISMO LMGT2 multi-piece forged alloy wheels. Because the original LMGT2 wheels have been out of production for years, Nissan sourced an original set and had them painstakingly rebuilt and restored specifically for this project. The staggered wheels measure 10 inches wide at the front and 11 inches at the rear, expanding the track by half an inch and one inch respectively compared to the standard Z alloys.

Interior Packaging and Open-Air Tech

Moving inside, the design team replaced the standard dark factory upholstery with custom white leather-appointed seats. The lighter materials are paired with carbon-fibre interior accents to maintain a high-performance aesthetic while visually opening up the cabin when the T-top roof panels are removed. To counteract ambient noise during open-top driving, the custom seats feature integrated Bose Personal Plus headrest speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Standard Nissan Z Coupe (Base Equipment Reference):

• 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (298kW/475Nm)
• Dark interior upholstery
• Fixed hardtop roof
• Standard factory suspension and exhaust

Nissan Z Kaze Concept (Bespoke Additions):

• Custom T-Top open-roof configuration
• Pacific Teal exterior paint
• Vented carbon-fibre hood and custom carbon-fibre aerodynamic body kit
• Widebody fender flares
• Restored 18-inch NISMO LMGT2 multi-piece forged wheels
• Custom white leather-appointed seats
• Bose Personal Plus headrest speakers
• GReddy SUPREME SP exhaust system, front-mount intercooler, and Airinx air filter
• Upgraded NISMO suspension components

Current 2026 Nissan Z Australian Pricing

As the Z Kaze remains a one-off concept, it does not have an associated retail price. Following its debut in Arizona, the vehicle will be displayed at the Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, California on October 3, 2026.

For Australian buyers looking for the standard fixed-roof model, the 2026 Nissan Z coupe range is currently priced as follows (excluding on-road costs):

• 2026 Nissan Z Coupe (Manual or Automatic): $76,800
• 2026 Nissan Z NISMO (Manual or Automatic): $95,000