Isn’t it good once we get a brand new platform to play with? It doesn’t occur that always, particularly relating to Japanese automakers, so when a brand new mannequin enters the sports activities automotive fray it’s one thing to be celebrated.
The brand new Nissan Fairlady/400Z is a welcome arrival, even when it’s been a troublesome automotive for patrons to get their palms on because of excessive demand and some delays. That mentioned, there have been loads of examples dotted round Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, most displaying off the primary elements Japanese aftermarket producers have been busy growing for the eagerly awaited mannequin.
So name this a fast rundown of what I got here throughout on the present – minus the Nismo RZ34, which couldn’t have been made tougher to shoot.
Let’s begin off with an sudden drag-spec Z. The Crewch construct sports activities drag wheels and radials, plus a pointy entrance spoiler and big drag wing, each hand fabricated in aluminum.
This blue Z at Limitless was displaying off some purposeful upgrades – particularly a set of Zeal coilovers to decrease the automotive over its Enkei GTC02 wheels, and – most significantly – an entire Limitless monoblock brake improve. Push the RZ34’s twin-turbo VR30DETT laborious and critical stoppers will undoubtedly be required.
One other Z on Enkeis that I actually appreciated was over at Blitz, and this automotive was showcasing a brake improve too.
One of many new Z’s greatest options for tuners and customizers is its means to swallow up huge wheels. The truth is, the inventory 19s look severely undersized connected to the automotive. You’ll see a pleasant number of aftermarket wheels on this submit, however I believed I’d notice simply how properly a pronounced concave profile fits the RZ34. These 20-inch Enkei RS05RRs function the proper instance, particularly on the rear.
On the identical sales space, Blitz had this second Z on show to indicate off their Damper ZZ-R suspension package…
And their first Nur-Spec exhaust system for the brand new automotive.
Most new Z homeowners will most likely simply wish to improve the inventory look of their automotive with just a few easy aesthetic additions, and I’m positive I wasn’t the one one to see what Varis is bringing to the get together. They at all times handle to have baseline aero package on provide in lightning-fast pace for brand new efficiency fashions, and the RZ34 isn’t any exception.
They’ve given the Nissan a pleasant injection of moist carbon with a easy entrance lip, aspect skirt and rear bumper finisher triple combo. For these wanting extra, there’s additionally a lip spoiler, a carbon fiber hood and a canard set, to not point out the fender trim items, that are extra for serving to folks go the bi-annual shaken check with aftermarket wheels than anything.
Different corporations like Remaining Konnexion have provide you with their very own take.
In fact, there are those that take physique conversions extra severely in an effort to essentially rework the look of the bottom automotive. We took a peek on the VeilSide FFZ400 previous to TAS, however seeing it below the spotlights at Yokomaku-san’s sales space was fairly particular.
At the very least if you happen to’re truly trying on the automotive and never… ft?
Yokomaku-san deservingly took residence the coveted ‘Gown-Up Automobile’ class win, including to his lengthy checklist of Tokyo Auto Salon accolades over time.
Whereas as regards to true physique conversions, Miura-san of TRA Kyoto obtained in on the motion too along with his Pandem providing within the Belief sales space.
Belief additionally displayed their personal RZ34 growth automotive, which you’ll keep in mind I went to see the week after it was delivered.
The RZ34 Pandem conversion goes far past an overfender package; there’s additionally a vented entrance bumper with a prime part that has been pinched and pulled outward giving the Z an virtually shark-like nostril.
The entrance and rear fenders have that flat-top part, which now we have seen used on different Pandem kits together with the one for the GR86. In case you’re questioning, sure, you do want to chop the inventory fenders to accommodate the huge wheel and tire package deal that the package was designed round.
The exaggerated duckbill spoiler provides continuity and balances the rear look. As quickly as I noticed this package in its entirety, I couldn’t assist however suppose that it will look excellent on a drift automotive.
Clearly I’m not the one one which thinks this. Goodride thought the identical and constructed this Pandem-kitted Z for the 2023 Method Drift Japan collection which kicks off in April. The automotive was on show on the RAYS sales space, fitted with Gram Lights 57CR 2324 Restricted Version wheels, which you may get in any colour you want so long as its Mach Yellow.
Nonetheless at RAYS, one other Z was used to showcase the cast Volk Racing G025 in Shining Black Steel with a diamond lower rim edge.
It’s good to see the Volk catalog develop to accommodate various designs.
However I’m positive I’m not the one one desirous to see the brand new Z dropped on a set of CE28Ns, or ZE40s maybe.
Then there’s the NE24, RAYS’ new efficiency/race wheel which we first noticed at Nismo Pageant final month. The NE was designed with the identical philosophy because the CE and TE wheels, so we is perhaps seeing extra of those at soukokai occasions sooner or later.
Different Zs at TAS 2023 had been purely displaying off equipment, nevertheless it’s at all times good to see totally different wheel fitments.
I feel the BBS RI-Ds go well with the Z quite properly. This one was within the Works Bell sales space.
I needed to embody a few pictures of the Fairlady X, a pure idea automotive dreamed up by Nissan Technical School’s aspiring engineers.
I feel the concept right here was to take the identical strategy Ford took when designing the Mustang Mach-E, however making use of it to an previous Nissan Murano. What do you consider the end result?
It’s at all times fascinating to see how the aftermarket world embraces a brand new platform. Japan is taking its tried and examined route of child steps, which can make it enjoyable to observe and see how every thing develops. With the expertise US tuners have with the VR30, they’re already miles forward relating to precise engine/mechanical elements and tuning, however I’m positive Japan will get there quickly sufficient.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com