The Nissan Z is taking on a new performance role with Project NAT2, a competition-focused version of the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed by Nissan employees. Built to Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Touring 2 specifications, the modified Z features an upgraded powertrain, track-focused suspension and brakes, a stripped-down interior, and a custom racing design inspired by Nissan’s motorsport heritage.
With the GT-R out of the picture, the Z now carries Nissan’s performance identity. Project NAT2 is not a conventional factory-backed race program. Instead, it was developed by the Nissan Acceleration Team, a group of Nissan employees who work on the car after hours.
Project NAT2 Gets Extensive Performance Upgrades
Project NAT2 retains the Nissan Z’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, but several modifications prepare it for competition. The engine setup includes 38-millimeter turbo inlet restrictors to comply with Touring 2 regulations, a cold-air intake, and a custom tune.
The car also features a single-exit stainless-steel exhaust system and an upgraded fuel system. Additional cooling equipment includes an aluminum radiator, an upgraded heat exchanger, and dedicated oil and differential coolers.
Nissan has not disclosed the car’s final horsepower figures. However, the cooling package and other mechanical changes are designed to support repeated laps under demanding track conditions.
An aluminum oil pan and performance fluids provide additional support for track use. The combination of engine, lubrication, and cooling upgrades reflects the project’s focus on sustained performance rather than a published power target.
Track-Focused Suspension, Brakes and Wheels
The Nissan Z’s chassis receives a comprehensive set of upgrades, including performance coilovers, upper control arms, front and rear sway bars, and adjustable end links. Upgraded bushings and mounts complete the suspension and drivetrain modifications.
Braking performance is enhanced with a front big-brake kit featuring six-piston calipers, 380-millimeter rotors, and competition brake pads.
The rear brakes retain their stock configuration to comply with Touring 2 rules, although upgraded brake pads are fitted. The car rides on 18-by-11-inch forged racing wheels paired with Maxxis RC-1 competition tires measuring 275 millimeters across all four corners.
Retro-Inspired Racing Design
Project NAT2 wears a custom racing livery inspired by Nissan’s motorsport heritage. The design gives the modern Z a retro appearance without directly reproducing a specific classic racing car.
The vehicle’s wrap was completed by a specialist motorsports team, while hood louvers add another functional element to the exterior’s cooling setup. The modifications combine motorsport-inspired styling with equipment intended for track use.
Inside the Nissan Z Race Car
The interior has been stripped of numerous comfort features to prioritize weight reduction and competition equipment. Carpet, sound-deadening material, interior trim, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and the audio system have been removed. The door panels have also been trimmed down, and the windows are gone.
Safety equipment includes an SCCA-specification roll cage, a full-halo racing seat, a six-point harness, window and center nets, and a fire suppression system.
The driver also gets a flat-bottom steering wheel, a quick-release system, and a paddle-shifter kit. A custom dashboard and lightweight aluminum floor tray further distinguish the competition-focused cabin.
A lap timer and data logger record performance information, while a cockpit camera captures on-track sessions for later review.
Project NAT2 to Appear at the 2026 SEMA Show
Project NAT2 is not a production vehicle, and Nissan has not announced a price or ordering information. Instead, the car serves as a showcase for what Nissan employees can accomplish by combining factory components with selected aftermarket parts.
The Nissan Z will appear at the 2026 SEMA Show alongside other Nissan performance projects, including the Sentra SE-R Spec-V. Project NAT2 highlights the Nissan Acceleration Team’s efforts to transform the Z into a competition-focused sports coupe.
