Revving Up the Excitement: Nissan Unleashes the Z Sports Car in a Thrilling SEMA Rally Build

Nissan

Prepare to be amazed by the captivating tale of the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute, a homage to the iconic Datsun 240Z that victoriously conquered the treacherous terrain of the 1971 East African Safari Rally. Crafted with sheer passion and precision by the magicians at Tommy Pike Customs, this Z boasts a jaw-dropping transformation that's set to set the automotive world on fire.

Picture this: A dazzling two-inch lift that propels the Z to new heights, all thanks to a meticulously enhanced suspension system and robust Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires. As you step closer, you'll discover a V-6 engine fine-tuned to roar with over 400 horsepower. But that's not all; the modified Z also roars with a cat-back exhaust, a cool-as-ice cold air intake, and a twin-disc clutch and flywheel that will leave you breathless.

Nissan

The thrill of off-roading has captured the hearts of many, as trucks and SUVs continue to reign supreme in the automotive realm. With Subaru's Wilderness and Honda's TrailSport sub-brands making waves in the crossover world, the off-road excitement has spread its wings to sports cars. Porsche's 911 Dakar and Lamborghini's Huracán Sterrato are just a couple of examples that demonstrate the sheer audacity of the trend. And now, at the 2023 SEMA show, Las Vegas is set to witness Nissan's bold entry into this exhilarating movement with the Safari Rally Z Tribute, courtesy of the masterminds at Tommy Pike Customs.

This Tribute is a tip of the hat to the rally-ready Datsun 240Z that dominated the grueling 3800-mile 1971 East African Safari Rally. Nissan had previously paid its respects with a Juke-based concept, but now, it's Tommy Pike Customs who has been entrusted with bringing this iconic Z to life. And what a splendid job they've done! This modified sports car will proudly share the stage with a replica of the legendary Datsun 240Z Safari.

Nissan

Nissan

Tommy Pike Customs has decked out this sharp-looking sports car with some serious upgrades. The Tribute now sits a majestic 2.0 inches higher, all thanks to a custom KW safari suspension that comes with adjustable upper control arms, a strut tower brace, and other exquisite components from Nissan's in-house tuner NISMO. The sleek black 17.0-inch wheels are elegantly embraced by chunky Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 225/65 tires, ready to tackle any terrain with confidence.

Nissan

Safety and performance intertwine seamlessly with a front bumper guard, skid plate, and a plethora of auxiliary LED lights that sprout from the front end, ensuring that visibility is never compromised, even in the darkest or dustiest conditions. Inside, the Z exudes a racing vibe, complete with a roll bar that's perfectly paired with four-point harnesses, ensuring the driver stays firmly planted in those comfortable Recaro bucket seats.

Nissan

Nissan

And let's not forget the heart of this beast—the V-6 engine—given a thrilling performance boost by the skilled hands of AMS Performance, though the exact horsepower figure remains a tantalizing secret. Additional under-the-hood treats include a cold air intake, a sleek carbon-fiber engine cover, a heat exchange, and a twin-disc clutch and flywheel.

As if all that weren't enough, Tommy Pike Customs has thrown in a cat-back exhaust featuring laser-etched NISMO branding. The finishing touch? A striking livery that mirrors the original rally car's, proudly sporting the number "23" on the doors instead of the "11" from the 1971 classic.

Nissan

Nissan

Now, while the prospect of this off-road marvel hitting production remains a dream, there's hope that Nissan might offer some of these extraordinary parts to enthusiastic DIYers, enabling them to craft their own rally-ready masterpiece. Get ready to embark on a journey of adrenaline-pumping excitement with Nissan's Safari Rally Z Tribute – a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of speed and style.

Nissan