Chris Forsberg has brought the original Datsun Z into the twin-turbo era. Unveiled in Nissan's October 28 preview of the 2026 SEMA Show, his S30 Concept combines the first-generation Z's familiar shape with the engine and transmission architecture of today's Nissan Z. It is a carefully developed one-off restomod-style concept rather than a proposed showroom model.
Forsberg is a Formula Drift champion and longtime Nissan collaborator, and the project goes considerably further than a cosmetic tribute. The S30 now carries the modern Z's VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, upgraded with NISMO cold-air intakes and heat exchanger, along with Garrett PMAX turbochargers. Nissan's detailed build sheet does not quote a finished power output. Any specific horsepower figure for this conversion would therefore be speculative.
The driveline preserves a feature that matters to fans of the early Z: a six-speed manual gearbox. It is the FS6 transmission from the current Nissan Z, teamed with a NISMO twin-disc clutch and flywheel and an R200 limited-slip differential. A dedicated motorsport-style fuel system is among the supporting changes. The scale of the work makes clear that packaging a contemporary powertrain inside a vintage shell involves more than fitting a different engine.
The exterior takes a similar approach, keeping the essential S30 proportions while replacing the front fenders, hood, bumpers, hatch and spoiler with custom carbon-fiber pieces. Seiran Blue paint and NISMO 40th-anniversary graphics provide the finishing details. Techno Toy Tuning supplied an extensive suspension and steering package. Seventeen-inch forged NISMO wheels sit over Wilwood brakes, with six-piston front calipers and 300 mm discs, plus four-piston rear calipers and 280 mm discs.
Inside, OMP Silverstone racing seats, a Grip Royal steering wheel and custom Speed Hut instruments replace the factory driving environment. Nissan plans to display the car in Las Vegas from November 3 to 6. The company is explicit that the S30 Concept is a show vehicle and is not for sale. It may demonstrate what modern Z hardware can do in an older chassis, but Nissan has announced no production program for it.