In preparation for this year’s SEMA Show, the American arm of Nissan has unveiled its take on a rallying legend – the Safari Rally Z Tribute.
Based on a current-generation Z, the modified sports car draws direct inspiration from the 1971 East African Safari Rally-winning Datsun 240Z with the likes of its high riding stance, various spotlights, and iconic paint scheme.
The concept was built by Tommy Pike Customs in the United States, which fitted it with custom KW Safari suspension and Nismo parts to achieve a 2-inch lift over the factory ride height.
In addition, a set of 17-inch prototype Safari wheels from Nismo were also fitted and wrapped in knobbly Yokohama Geolandar mud-terrain tyres.
Upgrades were also made to the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, including an AMS tune, Nismo cat-back exhaust system, cold air intake, carbon fibre engine cover, a twin-disc clutch, and more. All up, the motor produces upwards of 298kW.
To protect the engine and chassis when traversing rough terrain at speed, Nissan fitted a front bumper guard and skid plate. As previously mentioned, the Safari Rally Z also features an array of LED spotlights on the bonnet and lower grille that can light up the stage ahead in low-light conditions.
Topping the exterior off is the car’s red bodywork and matte black bonnet, just like the ’70s 240Z rally car. Nissan also clad the car in a livery faithful to the original.
The interior has been left alone for the most part but was fitted with a custom roll bar, four-point harnesses, custom-trimmed Recaro bucket seats, and a set of all-important stopwatches for the co-driver to keep track of stage times.
Nissan will display the Safari Rally Z Tribute at the 2023 SEMA Show, held from October 31 to November 3. Now, where do we put our name down for one?
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