2025 Nissan Forsberg Racing NISMO GT-Z Concept

• Track-oriented In partnership with Forsberg Racing, NISMO GT-Z was constructed.

• Equipped with NISMO performance enhancements and based on the Z NISMO.

• Scheduled to participate in the 2026 GRIDLIFE GLTC series.

A Factory Z, Adapted to the Circuit

Nissan unveiled the 2025 Forsberg Racing NISMO GT-Z Concept, one of its most ambitious concept vehicles to date, at this year's SEMA Show. The build, which was developed in partnership with Forsberg Racing, is a condensed form of the Z's racing capabilities, turning the showroom-ready NISMO coupe into a fully prepared competition vehicle.

Forsberg Racing, led by three-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg, worked closely with Nissan Motorsports to develop the GT-Z as a blueprint for privateers and enthusiasts alike. The car will enter competition in the GRIDLIFE GLTC series in 2026, marking Nissan’s latest foray into grassroots motorsport with factory involvement.

Design and Setup

The GT-Z started life as a production Z NISMO, but Forsberg’s team approached it as a stripped, functional tool for the track. The design remains faithful to the Z’s taut proportions — long hood, short deck, and muscular arches — yet nearly every visible surface hints at performance intent.

Lower ride height, NISMO aerodynamic detailing, and lightweight competition wheels emphasize grip and agility. The stance is wide and planted, a visual promise that’s supported by real chassis tuning.

Inside, weight-saving measures dominate. The cabin is reduced to essentials — fixed racing seats, a full safety cage, and data instrumentation replacing creature comforts. Everything not needed for speed has been left out, giving the GT-Z the purposeful aesthetic of a professional race car rather than a display concept.

Performance Engineering

Power comes from Nissan’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter VR30DDTT V6, carried over from the production Z NISMO. While Nissan has not disclosed final performance figures for the GT-Z, the focus here is less on raw output and more on chassis precision and endurance tuning.

Suspension, exhaust, and auxiliary systems are upgraded with NISMO performance components, showcasing parts that are either already available or soon to be offered to customers. These consist of reinforced mounts, track-spec coilovers, and a performance exhaust that lowers back pressure and improves throttle response.

By highlighting how enthusiasts can create their own competitive platforms using authentic NISMO hardware rather than custom one-offs, the project reflects Nissan's goal to show how accessible its motorsport catalog is.

Virtual Racing Meets Reality

At the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nissan’s SEMA booth features a custom Podium 1 racing simulator, allowing attendees to virtually experience the GT-Z’s dynamics. The simulator uses a dedicated racing seat and immersive environment that mirrors the car’s intended driving character — sharp, fast-reacting, and balanced.

It’s a nod to how digital tools and physical engineering now intersect, connecting the thrill of driving simulation with real-world car development.

Technical Specifications

• Base Model: Nissan Z NISMO
  
• Engine: 3.0L twin-turbocharged VR30DDTT V6
  
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
  
• Performance Upgrades: NISMO suspension, exhaust, and chassis components
  
• Competition: GRIDLIFE GLTC Series (2026 debut)

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