Nissan Brings Datsun Restomod And SCCA Track Z To SEMA

Nissan hasn't held back at this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, unveiling a wild track-focused concept of the current Z and a wild Datsun S30 restomod. Evidently, the Japanese brand is leaning into its history of performance cars and is eager to foster its relationship with the car enthusiast community. While both these cars are one-offs, they have parts that could influence future production models.

Starting with the Z-based Project NAT2 SCCA Touring 2, it's been designed and engineered by the Nissan Acceleration Team, including members who love to go racing. As the name implies, it's been designed to meet SCCA Touring 2 specifications, ensuring it doesn't just look the part, but should easily outperform even the Z Nismo.

Key upgrades include a Nismo cold air intake, a Nismo stainless steel exhaust, a custom ECU tune, and an aluminum coolant expansion tank. The 3.0-liter V6's two turbochargers have been fitted with 38 mm restrictors to keep the car compliant with racing regulations, though it's unclear how much this limits power. Other modifications include a Nismo heat exchanger, an aluminum oil pan, an upgraded engine oil cooler, and a differential cooler. Topped off with race-ready fluids, it should be well-equipped for long stints at the racetrack.

As any track-day enthusiast will tell you, suspension and braking upgrades are just as important as engine modifications. With this in mind, the Project NAT2 includes Nismo coilovers, new front upper control arms, Nismo front and rear sway bars, and adjustable sway bar links. It also features a set of polyurethane suspension and differential bushings, aluminum subframe bushings, and new engine and transmission mounts. A Z1 Motorsports brake package has also been added, including huge six-piston calipers at the front with 380 mm, two-piece rotors. The rear calipers and discs remain stock to comply with class rules, though new Hawk DTC-60 pads have been installed. Braided, stainless steel brake lines complete these upgrades.

The Nissan Acceleration Team has also transformed the car's exterior with 18-inch forged wheels and a special white, blue, and red paint scheme. The cabin has been stripped out and includes a roll cage, Sabelt steering wheel, new paddle shifters, a custom dashboard, and Sabelt racing seats.

Joining this special Z at SEMA is the Datsun S30 Concept. It has been built in partnership with Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg and brings modern power and technology into a classic Datsun shell.

The biggest change is the engine. Sitting in place of the original powertrain is the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 as the current Z, now upgraded with Garrett turbochargers, cold air intakes, a new heat exchanger, and a six-speed manual transmission. Nissan has also equipped it with a twin-disc clutch and flywheel, a Nismo limited-slip differential, a 10-gallon fuel cell, and a new fuel pump.

A classic car with modern power also needs some serious braking, and that's what the S30 Concept has. It features Wilwood six-piston front calipers with 11.8-inch (300 mm) discs, and four-piston rear calipers with 11-inch (280 mm) discs. As for suspension, you will find aftermarket coilovers at all four corners, a new steering rack, billet tie rods, upgraded front and rear control arms, and new front and rear sway bars.

Nissan has done a good job of retaining most of the car's original, timeless design, but has made some minor tweaks, including carbon fiber front fenders and bumpers, and a new Seiran Blue paint scheme. Found in the cabin are OMP racing seats, a black aluminum shift knob, a Grip Royal steering wheel, and a harness bar.

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