Revving up the Past: The 2023 Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute Ignites Motoring Nostalgia
Nissan has decided to celebrate its long and successful rallying history by presenting the intriguing 2023 Safari Rally Z Tribute at this year's SEMA show.
Rallying Past, Future Orientation
The Nissan booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall showcases not only its futuristic concepts but also pays tribute to their rich motorsports heritage. Among them is a notable edition - The 2023 Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute built by Tommy Pike Customs alongside a replica of Datsun 240Z Safari rally car.
This seventh-generation marvel hints at an adventurous extension of sportscar thrill beyond asphalt confines; it borrows inspiration from the victorious Datsun 240Z that dominated the East African Safari Rally back in 1971. It explores the emerging trend in rugged "safari" builds crafted for those ready to tackle tough terrains and thrive off-road.
Modified for Mastery
A collaboration with South Carolina-based team headed by Tommy Pike enhances suspension, lighting, durability and overall performance. Highlights include custom KW Safari suspension teamed up with NISMO parts to raise ride two-inches higher than standard counterpart - ideal for rough terrain navigation.
To keep pace with demanding landscapes, prototype NISMO Safari wheels measuring 17 x 7.5-inch are fitted around dirt-ready Yokohama GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tires while vital powertrain components gain protection via a new front bumper guard and skid plate.
Sophisticated Interior & Remarkable Power Unit
The interior garners equal attention as exterior enhancements –featuring a custom roll bar equipped with four-point harnesses wrapped around plush Recaro Pole Position seats trimmed exclusively.
Dishing out some serious power is the heart of this tribute racer - a 400+ hp, VR30DDTT engine from AMS, perfectly paired with NISMO Track cat-back exhaust system and an array of performance-oriented components such as carbon fiber engine cover, coolant expansion tank, and heat exchanger.
Champion Ancestors
This Safari Rally Z Tribute also marks notable wins achieved by famed driver Edgar Herrmann and navigator Hans Schüller who propelled across the finish line first in their #11 Datsun 240Z race car during enduring 1971 East African Safari Rally covering nearly 3800 miles. This feat serves as motivation that powers the twin-turbocharged Safari Z Tribute creation unveiled for auto enthusiasts worldwide.
The SEMA attendees will savor motoring nostalgia through on-site exhibit of vintage replica rally-winning 240Z – providing parallel comparison between Nissan's undying racing passion rooted decades ago to its current sports car prowess showcased in exciting new models.
Engines Firing; Heads Turning
In summary, the freshly revealed Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute offers intriguing glimpse into transition from championship-winning past onto present-day vision backed by technical enhancements geared towards performance-driven off-road experiences underlined by unmatched aesthetic appeal- truly representative of Nissan’s commitment toward pushing boundaries both on track and beyond!
-Ed
2023 Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute Concept
