Nissan modified a Z for… rallying!
Nissan has already been a successful company in the car rally. Even if, for several years, Nissan has no longer been in this automobile racing division, the manufacturer has still left its mark with one of its emblematic cars from the 70s, the Datsun 240Z. The latter won the East African Safari Rally 3 times between 1971 and 1973. To pay homage to its rally history, Nissan has stylized a new generation Z in the colors of the legendary 240 Z. Moreover at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) 2023, the manufacturer will present this special version and a replica of the original side by side.
A unique edition
It was the automotive customization company, Tommy Pike Customs, which built the Nissan Z Safari Rally Tribute. The preparer does not hide it, his inspiration is completely based on the 240 Z from 1971, winner of the East African Safari Rally. This therefore means that the car was painted the iconic dark red of the racing car and a black hood.
Up front, Tommy Pike Customs integrated high-efficiency precision lights on the lower bumper, hood and base of the A-pillars. A skid plate was also added under the front of the vehicle.
Inside, the Safari Rally Z Tribute features performance seats and a bar for assembling a 4-point harness. The passenger side dashboard features a map of the East African Safari Rally route and retro timing equipment.
Exclusive technical characteristics
The Nissan Z has been reworked in terms of mechanics. The car is based on a KW safari suspension adapted for sporty driving. The suspension increases the height of the body by 2 inches, which makes it possible to tackle larger obstacles. The upper control arms, outer tie rod ends, front and rear end links, rear intermediate links and rear arms are all adjustable to fine-tune handling depending on conditions.
In addition to the suspension elements, NISMO Safari prototype wheels were added to the Z. With a diameter of 17 inches and a width of 7.5 inches, these wheels are shod with Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires designed for off-road.
The engine has also been modified. The car was treated to electronic tuning which further pushes the 3-liter twin-turbo V6. Unfortunately, Nissan does not specify the exact power of this Z safari, but the manufacturer claims that it is more vigorous.
Many pieces NISMO Also installed are a double-disc clutch, a heat exchanger, a cold air intake, a carbon fiber engine cover and a cat-back type exhaust, among others.
This Z will be present at the 2023 SEMA show in Las Vegas, alongside a replica of the Datsun 240 Z East Africa Safari Rally. The latter was loaned by a collector who reconstructed the model in 2013.
