In recent times, Porsche 911 models inspired by rally vehicles that participated in the East African Safari Rally during the 1970s and 1980s have gained considerable attention. Last year, Porsche even introduced a limited-edition variant, known as the 911 Dakar.
Nonetheless, Porsche was not the sole manufacturer to achieve prominence in the Kenyan rally circuit. Nissan also made its mark, first in 1970 with the Datsun Bluebird 1600SSS and subsequently with multiple wins, one of which came in 1971 with the Datsun 240Z.
Table of Contents
Overview of Porsche 911
At the forthcoming 2023 SEMA aftermarket exhibition, Nissan intends to honor its rally-victorious 240Z through a contemporary interpretation based on its current-generation Z sports car. Dubbed the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute, this unique concept is the work of Tommy Pike Customs in South Carolina, the very firm that engineered last year’s Datsun Sunny Truck with a Nissan Leaf electric powertrain for the SEMA show.
The vehicle incorporates a bespoke suspension system that features components from both Nismo and KW. This system elevates the car’s ride height by two inches and allows for the installation of prototype 17-inch Nismo Safari wheels, which are fitted with robust Yokohama Geolandar M/T (G003) tires.
Re-creation of the 1971 East African Safari Rally-Winning Datsun 240Z
Additional features designed to protect the vehicle’s underbody, such as a front guard and a skid plate, have been included. The vehicle also boasts supplemental lighting elements sourced from the Nismo Off-Road catalog. Inside, the car is equipped with a specially designed roll bar, harnesses, and Recaro Pole Position bucket seats adorned with custom upholstery.
Moreover, enhancements have been made to the car’s powertrain. Although specific figures were not disclosed, it is known that Illinois-based AMS Performance has tuned the vehicle’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine to exceed the standard 400 horsepower.
Nissan plans to unveil the Safari Rally Z Tribute at the SEMA exhibition alongside a replica of the 1971 East African Safari Rally-winning 240Z. As of now, there is no confirmation as to whether Nissan intends to release a commercial version of this Z model that echoes the SEMA concept.
The SEMA show is scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 3 in Las Vegas. Nissan will also display the recently announced Sentra DET concept at the event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute
What is the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute?
The Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute is a one-off concept car that pays homage to Nissan’s 1971 East African Safari Rally-winning 240Z. It will be unveiled at the 2023 SEMA aftermarket show and is designed with a variety of custom features, including a specialized suspension system and underbody protection.
Who built the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute?
The concept car is built by Tommy Pike Customs in South Carolina, the same firm that produced last year’s Datsun Sunny Truck powered by a Nissan Leaf electric powertrain for the SEMA show.
What are the key features of the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute?
The vehicle includes a custom suspension system with parts from Nismo and KW, which raises the ride height by two inches. It also features prototype 17-inch Nismo Safari wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar M/T (G003) tires. Additional underbody protection, such as a front guard and skid plate, has been included, along with interior upgrades like a custom roll bar and Recaro Pole Position bucket seats.
What engine does the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute use?
The Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute utilizes a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Although exact specifications have not been disclosed, the engine has been tuned by AMS Performance to exceed its standard 400 horsepower.
Will Nissan offer a commercial version of the Safari Rally Z Tribute?
As of now, there is no official statement from Nissan regarding the commercial availability of a model based on the Safari Rally Z Tribute concept.
When and where will the Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute be unveiled?
The concept car will be presented at the 2023 SEMA aftermarket show, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 3 in Las Vegas.
What other vehicles will Nissan display at the 2023 SEMA show?
Alongside the Safari Rally Z Tribute, Nissan will also showcase the recently announced Sentra DET concept at the event.
More about Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute
- Official SEMA Show Website
- Nissan’s Press Release on the Safari Rally Z Tribute
- Tommy Pike Customs Portfolio
- History of the East African Safari Rally
- AMS Performance Official Website
- Nismo Official Website
- Recaro Automotive Seating Information
8 comments
Finally some good news in the car world. been waiting for Nissan to do something exciting and this could be it. But yea, specs plz?
Back in 71, that Datsun 240Z was the real deal. this tribute is a cool nod to the past. Wonder how it would actually perform in a rally setting tho?
Love that the same company that made an electric Datsun Sunny Truck is working on this. kinda makes you think about how far we’ve come in terms of automotive tech.
Wow, really stoked about this new Nissan concept. Brings back some good old memories from the Safari Rally days. Anyone knows if they plan to take it to production?
The 240Z was a beast back in the day. Good to see Nissan hasn’t forgotten its roots. Hope this concept makes it to the streets, even if its a limited run.
Very detailed article, covers everything. but why no commercial version, Nissan? You’re sitting on a gold mine here.
This is like a blast from the past but in the best way possible. A twin-turbo V6 tuned by AMS? Sign me up!
Sounds like a collectors dream. Custom suspension from Nismo and KW is intriguing. but gotta say, im more interested in the engine tune. Any numbers on that?