The Nissan Z Kaze Concept Is Full-Blown 1990s Nostalgia, All the Way Up to Its T-TopRoad & TrackEmmet WhiteWed, September 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleThe Nissan Z Kaze Concept Is Pure 1990s NostalgiaNissanThe return of the Nissan Z a few years back was met with much fanfare, particularly among its many longtime fans who started following along with the sports car back in the previous century. Now, the automaker's latest concept is paying homage to its predecessors in some retro-tastic ways.Officially known as the Nissan Z Kaze, the concept model was revealed today at ZCon, the annual Z enthusiast gathering held in Phoenix, Arizona. The Kaze moniker, which means "wind" in Japanese, hints at the defining detail of the concept car: its custom-engineered T-top roof.NissanLike both generations of Nissan 300ZX, the modern Z concept features removable roof sections for maximum wind-in-the-hair feeling. "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, senior vice president, chief product and planning officer, Nissan Americas. "This passion project combines Nissan's engineering excellence, creativity and celebration of the brand's heritage."NissanThe Z Kaze was a passion project inside Nissan, developed by a team of product planners and designers dedicated to showing off the roots of the sports car. Nissan says the team was inspired by a vision of an "exhilarating drive along California's Pacific Coast Highway on a perfect summer day." That view of the Pacific Ocean directly influenced the Pacific Teal paint scheme found on the concept car, while carbon fiber hood, fender flares, and a custom carbon fiber body kit drive the '90s tuner vibe home. Other notable additions include authentic, restored 18-inch Nismo LMGT2 wheels, measuring 10 inches wide up front and 11 inches in the back.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the Z Kaze concept features custom white leather seats and carbon fiber accent trim. Bose Personal Plus headrest speakers are also part of the package. Otherwise, the Z Kaze's cabin appears to be fairly stock.NissanMechanically, Nissan worked with GReddy to tune the Z Kaze in line with its 1990s nostalgia mission, and a new Supreme SP exhaust system, front-mount air-to-air intercooler, and Airin air filter kit come with the concept. Nissan did not specify whether these upgrades push the Z Kaze's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine beyond its stock 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque peak, but that would still be plenty to blow your hair back.This concept model will be on display at ZCon through September 26 before heading to the Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, California on October 3.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
