Nissan has unveiled a spectacular tribute to its historic victories at the East African Safari Rally in 1971 and 1973. The “Safari Rally Z Tribute,” crafted for the 2023 SEMA Show, pays homage to the brand’s iconic triumphs with styling reminiscent of the classic competition machine.
Built by the skilled hands of Tommy Pike Customs, the Safari Rally Z Tribute mirrors the aesthetics of the 1971 East African Safari Rally winner. Its striking dark red body and black hood capture the essence of the original. The front end is adorned with additional lighting, featured on the lower bumper, hood, and the base of the A-pillars, enhancing its rugged and purposeful appearance. A small, tubular guard and skid plate further fortify the nose, ready to take on any off-road challenge.
Inside, the Safari Rally Z Tribute offers an authentic rally experience. Recaro Pole Position seats provide the ultimate comfort and support, while a dedicated bar is in place to accommodate a four-point harness, ensuring safety during high-speed adventures. The passenger-side dashboard proudly displays a map of the East African Safari Rally course, along with retro timing equipment, evoking the spirit of the original race.
This remarkable Z model boasts a custom KW Safari suspension, elevating the ride height by 2.0 inches for improved ground clearance. Every aspect of the suspension system is adjustable, from the upper control arms to the rear traction arms, allowing drivers to fine-tune the setup according to the terrain. Prototype Nismo Safari wheels, with a 17-inch diameter and 7.5-inch width, are wrapped in robust Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires, ready to tackle challenging landscapes.
Under the hood, the Safari Rally Z Tribute receives an AMS tune that pushes the limits of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating over 400 horsepower, although Nissan hasn’t disclosed the exact output compared to stock. The vehicle also benefits from an array of Nismo performance parts, including a twin-disc clutch, flywheel, heat exchanger, coolant expansion tank, cold-air intake, carbon-fiber engine cover, and a cat-back exhaust system.
In a remarkable parallel display, alongside the new rally-inspired Z, a replica of the original Datsun 240Z that conquered the East African Safari Rally graces the SEMA stage. This iconic vehicle is on loan from a collector who meticulously crafted it in 2013. It even had the honor of featuring in a recent Nissan commercial, symbolizing the timeless legacy of Nissan’s rally heritage.
Earlier in July, Nissan expanded the Z lineup by introducing the Nismo model, elevating the twin-turbo V6 to a potent 420 horsepower. The nine-speed automatic transmission received revised tuning, enhancing its performance compared to the standard model. The Nismo suspension featured new sway bars, retuned dampers, and stiffer springs. Prices for this high-performance Z model start at $66,085 after factoring in the $1,095 destination fee.
Nissan’s dedication to the Z lineage and its heritage is evident, and with only 1,309 new Z models delivered in 2023 as of the end of the third quarter in September, it’s clear that the Z legacy continues to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts, representing a significant increase from the previous year.
