Isn’t it good after we get a brand new platform to play with? It doesn’t occur that always, particularly in the case of Japanese automakers, so when a brand new mannequin enters the sports activities automobile 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 automobile for patrons to get their palms on on account 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 components 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 harder 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 automobile over its Enkei GTC02 wheels, and – most significantly – a whole Limitless monoblock brake improve. Push the RZ34’s twin-turbo VR30DETT exhausting and severe stoppers will undoubtedly be required.
One other Z on Enkeis that I actually appreciated was over at Blitz, and this automobile was showcasing a brake improve too.
One of many new Z’s greatest options for tuners and customizers is its potential to swallow up large wheels. In reality, the inventory 19s look severely undersized hooked up to the automobile. You’ll see a pleasant number of aftermarket wheels on this submit, however I assumed I’d word simply how properly a pronounced concave profile fits the RZ34. These 20-inch Enkei RS05RRs function the right 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 equipment…
And their first Nur-Spec exhaust system for the brand new automobile.
Most new Z house owners will in all probability simply wish to improve the inventory look of their automobile with a number of easy aesthetic additions, and I’m certain 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 equipment on supply in lightning-fast velocity 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 individuals go the bi-annual shaken check with aftermarket wheels than anything.
Different corporations like Closing Konnexion have give you their very own take.
After all, there are those that take physique conversions extra significantly in an effort to actually rework the look of the bottom automobile. We took a peek on the VeilSide FFZ400 previous to TAS, however seeing it underneath the spotlights at Yokomaku-san’s sales space was fairly particular.
Not less than when you’re truly wanting on the automobile and never… ft?
Yokomaku-san deservingly took dwelling the coveted ‘Costume-Up Automobile’ class win, including to his lengthy checklist of Tokyo Auto Salon accolades over time.
Whereas with regards to true physique conversions, Miura-san of TRA Kyoto received in on the motion too along with his Pandem providing within the Belief sales space.
Belief additionally displayed their personal RZ34 improvement automobile, 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 equipment; there’s additionally a vented entrance bumper with a high part that has been pinched and pulled outward giving the Z an nearly shark-like nostril.
The entrance and rear fenders have that flat-top part, which we now 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 bundle that the equipment was designed round.
The exaggerated duckbill spoiler provides continuity and balances the rear look. As quickly as I noticed this equipment in its entirety, I couldn’t assist however suppose that it might look excellent on a drift automobile.
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 sequence which kicks off in April. The automobile was on show on the RAYS sales space, fitted with Gram Lights 57CR 2324 Restricted Version wheels, which you will get in any coloration you want so long as its Mach Yellow.
Nonetheless at RAYS, one other Z was used to showcase the solid Volk Racing G025 in Shining Black Steel with a diamond minimize rim edge.
It’s good to see the Volk catalog develop to accommodate various designs.
However I’m certain I’m not the one one eager 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 Competition final month. The NE was designed with the identical philosophy because the CE and TE wheels, so we is likely to be seeing extra of those at soukokai occasions sooner or later.
Different Zs at TAS 2023 had been purely displaying off equipment, however it’s at all times good to see completely different wheel fitments.
I believe the BBS RI-Ds swimsuit the Z relatively properly. This one was within the Works Bell sales space.
I needed to embody a few pictures of the Fairlady X, a pure idea automobile dreamed up by Nissan Technical School’s aspiring engineers.
I believe 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 outdated Nissan Murano. What do you consider the consequence?
It’s at all times attention-grabbing 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 in the case of precise engine/mechanical components and tuning, however I’m certain Japan will get there quickly sufficient.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
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dino@speedhunters.com