Nissan’s sporty Z model may soon be getting an off-road variant, similar to luxury performance vehicles like the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato. The company has registered a trademark for the “Z Warrior” name in Australia, suggesting the potential development of a factory off-road version of the Nissan Z, as reported by Carsales.
The Nissan Z Warrior was one of several names registered in Australia, where Nissan collaborates with off-road expert Premcar to enhance the Navara pickup and Patrol SUV for rugged adventures. Recently, Nissan Oceania Managing Director Andrew Humberstone toured Premcar to celebrate the expansion of the “Warrior” program, indicating that other models in the Nissan range could also be included in the future, according to Carsales.
A Nissan Z Warrior would likely feature several enhancements to its design, suspension, and a modest lift to accommodate off-road tires and wheels. Some additional features could include underbody protection and auxiliary lighting, resulting in a visually appealing and rugged new model. Nissan previously showcased a concept at SEMA 2023 that honored the Datsun 240Z, which famously triumphed in the 1971 East African Safari Rally. The Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute provided a glimpse of what an off-road Z could entail and, quite frankly, it looked impressive.
The unique Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute came equipped with the typical modifications expected of an off-road vehicle, along with performance upgrades, featuring a more robust twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine. In contrast, a production Z Warrior would likely focus more on enhancing the chassis and running gear rather than significant engine modifications. It could potentially utilize the slightly more powerful engine found in the Nissan Z Nismo, as suggested by Carscoops.
While filing a trademark does not guarantee the release of a new model, reports suggest that the Z is being considered for this off-road variant. It remains uncertain whether the Z Warrior will be available exclusively in Australia or if it will be sold globally. Markets in Europe and the Americas have expressed a strong interest in off-road sports cars, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception of the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato.
Although these high-end vehicles are unlikely to view the Nissan Z Warrior as direct competition, the introduction of the Z could significantly lower the entry price for off-road sports coupes. The Navara and Patrol Warrior models, enhanced by Premcar, typically come with a substantial price increase, ranging from approximately AUD 8,000 to AUD 17,000, or about USD 5,300 to USD 11,400 at the current exchange rate. If the Z Warrior reaches production, it would likely add a premium to the standard Nissan Z’s price, possibly increasing it by more than USD 11,000. A 2024 Nissan Z Performance model starts at $54,110, including destination fees.
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