Nissan has built a one-off concept called the Z Kaze for ZCON, the 38th annual gathering of its six-cylinder rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Rather than simply attending the enthusiast event, the automaker created a customized show car featuring a standout element: removable T-tops instead of a traditional fixed or convertible roof.
A Roof With a Retro Twist
“Kaze” is Japanese for wind, and open-air driving is difficult in a slicktop coupe even with the windows down. A full convertible would require major structural changes, while previous FM-platform drop-tops felt more like bathtubs. Nissan’s solution draws from the late 20th century with T-tops—a targa-style roof split down the middle with a fixed center support and two removable halves.
Proper T-tops are rare today, appearing mainly on the GMC Hummer EV. But they look sharp on the Z, with clean weatherstripping and well-finished mounting points that suggest the design could work as a production feature. The premise behind T-tops is simple, in that they sort of split a targa roof down the middle. A fixed center support adds some modicum of structural rigidity and provides a fixed point for both sides of the removable roof to mount to, and individual removable roof halves allow for easier storage and more flexibility, if you want some sky but your passenger doesn’t, for instance.
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Tuner Aesthetic Meets Modern Performance
Beyond the roof, the Z Kaze adopts full tuner styling with enormous carbon fiber fender flares filled by Nismo LMGT2 wheels, an iconic ’90s alloy that commands a serious second-hand premium. A matching carbon fiber lip kit complements the aggressive stance, while the interior swaps in white leather upholstery, headrest speakers, and various Greddy performance upgrades including exhaust, intercooler, and air filter modifications. Finishing it all off is a captivating hue called Pacific Teal, a unique color that just seems to glow in the sun. It might not have quite as much green in it as you’d expect from a teal, but it’s a damn good color.
Production Prospects Remain Uncertain
Despite the concept’s appeal, Nissan has no confirmed plans to offer T-tops on production Z models. The modification would require significant structural changes and likely re-homologation, creating substantial development hurdles. However, the Z Kaze demonstrates Nissan’s willingness to experiment with its sports car lineup. If a viable business case emerges, a T-top option could help the Z stand out in a market dominated by fixed-roof coupes and convertibles.