Nissan Z One-Off Concept to be Showcased at SEMA Show, is a Tribute to Safari Rally-Winning Datsun 240Z

Nissan will take the wraps off the Safari Rally Z Tribute, a modified version of Nissan's Datsun 240Z, at the upcoming 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada (US), scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 3. Paying homage to Nissan's victory in the 1971 East African Safari Rally, the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute is a one-off concept built by South Carolina-based Tommy Pike Customs, which also designed the Nissan Leaf-powered 1987 Datsun Sunny Truck and the 2023 Nissan Ariya Surfwagon concept for last year's SEMA Show. This modified Nissan Z sports car will be showcased alongside a replica of the original Datsun 240Z rally car. 

The retro-styled Nissan Z concept takes the form of a sports car and previews a modern take that is based on the current-generation Z sports car. However, it features several nods to the original design. The visual highlights of the Nissan Z include a red and black livery, a long bonnet, and auxiliary LED lights for extra visibility, along with a front bumper guard and skid plate attached to the nose. 

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Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute: Interior

Inside, the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute gets Recaro bucket seats, a roll bar, and a 4-point racing harness. Besides, the car features a map of the East African Safari Rally course and some retro timing equipment on the passenger-side dashboard. 

Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute: Hardware

The Z comes fitted with a custom KW Safari suspension and a slew of NISMO parts to achieve a 2.0-inch lift over the factory ride height. The suspension setup consists of adjustable upper control arms, outer tie rod ends, rear mid-links, front and rear end-links, rear traction arms, and other components from NISMO. The vehicle rides on 17-inch Nismo Safari wheels wrapped in chunky Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 tyres.

Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute: Powertrain, Performance

Under the bonnet, the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute is equipped with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine. While the automaker has yet to reveal the power output, Illinois-based AMS Performance has ratcheted up the stock Z Tribute, delivering more than 395bhp (or 400hp). Other under-the-bonnet bits include a twin-disc clutch, cold-air intake, carbon-fiber engine cover, heat exchanger, flywheel, coolant expansion tank, as well as a cat-back exhaust with laser-etched NISMO branding.

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However, it remains to be seen whether the Nissan Z will ever enter production. It will be put on display at the 2023 SEMA Show alongside a replica of the Datsun 240Z that won the 1971 East African Safari Rally. The show will be held from October 31 to November 3.