Key highlights:
- Nissan Z Project NAT2 targets SCCA Touring 2 racing specifications
- Datsun S30 Concept pairs classic styling with a twin-turbo V6
- Both SEMA concepts showcase Nissan’s performance heritage and enthusiast focus
Nissan is celebrating 60 years of its Z sports car family at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas with two very different performance builds: a track-focused version of the current Nissan Z and a modernised Datsun S30 restomod.
Both are one-off concepts, but they also showcase parts and ideas that could influence future production models. The pair underline Nissan’s commitment to its performance heritage and its relationship with car enthusiasts.
Nissan Z Project NAT2: built for the racetrack
The Project NAT2 SCCA Touring 2 Z is a race-focused version of the current Nissan Z, developed by Nissan’s Acceleration Team, which includes team members who enjoy racing. As its name suggests, the car has been engineered to meet Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Touring 2 specifications.
Nissan has focused on making it a genuine track machine, not simply a road car with racing-inspired styling. It is expected to outperform even the Z Nismo, although no comparative performance figures have been provided.
| Component | Upgrade |
|---|---|
| Air intake | Nismo cold air intake |
| Exhaust | Nismo stainless steel exhaust |
| Engine management | Custom ECU tune |
| Turbochargers | 38mm restrictors on both turbos |
| Cooling | Nismo heat exchanger and upgraded engine oil cooler |
| Lubrication | Aluminium oil pan |
| Coolant system | Aluminium expansion tank |
| Differential | Differential cooler |
| Fluids | Race-ready fluids |
The concept retains the current Z’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, but Nissan has made several changes to improve its track readiness. The 38mm turbocharger restrictors help the Z comply with racing regulations, although Nissan has not disclosed how much they limit engine output.
The additional cooling and lubrication upgrades aim to help the car handle extended periods on the racetrack.
Nissan has also reworked the Z’s suspension and braking systems to suit circuit driving, and the suspension package includes:
- Nismo coilovers
- New front upper control arms
- Nismo front and rear anti-roll bars
- Adjustable anti-roll bar links
- Polyurethane suspension and differential bushings
- Aluminium subframe bushings
- New engine and transmission mounts
For braking, Nissan has fitted a Z1 Motorsports package with six-piston front callipers and 380mm two-piece brake rotors. The rear callipers and discs remain standard to comply with Touring 2 class rules, but Nissan has upgraded the rear brake pads to Hawk DTC-60 units and added braided stainless-steel brake lines.
The Acceleration Team has given the Z an 18-inch forged wheel package and a special white, blue and red paint scheme. Inside, Nissan has stripped out the cabin and installed a roll cage, Sabelt steering wheel, new paddle shifters, a custom dashboard and Sabelt racing seats.
The result is a Z designed around circuit use, with changes to the engine, cooling, suspension, brakes and interior.
Also read: Nissan Sentra Spec-V Concept revealed before SEMA Show debut
Datsun S30 Concept: classic looks, modern Z power
The second build takes a different approach. The Datsun S30 Concept, developed with Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg, combines the classic Datsun S30 body with modern Nissan Z powertrain technology. Nissan has retained most of the original car’s timeless styling while substantially upgrading its mechanical components.
The S30 Concept swaps its original powertrain for the current Nissan Z’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, but the engine receives further upgrades, including Garrett turbochargers, cold air intakes and a new heat exchanger.
| Component | Nissan Datsun S30 Concept |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 |
| Turbochargers | Garrett units |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Clutch | Twin-disc clutch |
| Flywheel | Upgraded unit |
| Differential | Nismo limited-slip differential |
| Fuel system | 10-gallon fuel cell and new fuel pump |
| Cooling | New heat exchanger |
Nissan has paired the engine with a six-speed manual transmission, giving the classic coupe a modern performance drivetrain while retaining a traditional gear-changing experience.
| Component | Nissan Datsun S30 Concept |
|---|---|
| Front brakes | Six-piston Wilwood callipers |
| Front discs | 300mm |
| Rear brakes | Four-piston Wilwood callipers |
| Rear discs | 280mm |
| Suspension | Aftermarket coilovers at all four corners |
| Steering | New steering rack and billet tie rods |
| Control arms | Upgraded front and rear units |
| Anti-roll bars | New front and rear units |
Nissan has equipped the S30 Concept with Wilwood brakes and aftermarket suspension components. These changes bring the S30’s braking, steering and suspension hardware closer to the demands of its modern turbocharged powertrain.
Nissan has avoided a radical redesign, preserving most of the S30’s original appearance, and the key exterior changes include carbon-fibre front fenders and bumpers, along with a new Seiran Blue paint finish. Inside, the car features:
- OMP racing seats
- A black aluminium gearshift knob
- A Grip Royal steering wheel
- A harness bar
The cabin blends modern motorsport equipment with the classic car’s character.
Two concepts, one Nissan performance heritage
The Project NAT2 and Datsun S30 Concept take different routes to performance. The current Z focuses on meeting racing-class requirements, with extensive cooling, suspension and braking upgrades. The S30, meanwhile, combines the original Datsun’s styling with the current Z’s twin-turbo V6 and modern running gear.
Both builds are one-offs revealed at the 2026 SEMA Show. Nissan has not confirmed production plans for either car, but says the concepts showcase possibilities for future models and reflect the enthusiasm of its performance-car community.
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