Skip to main content

Classic Cars of Bewitched That Were Pure TV Magic

Nissan 370Z NISMO

29 OCTOBER 2018
Nissan Motorsports and MA Motorsports create a one-off Project Clubsport 23 rolling parts development platform; combines the latest technology with Z® heritage aesthetics
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – At first look, the Nissan Motorsports Project Clubsport 23 project car would not seem out of place in the parking lot of any weekend gathering of Datsun and Nissan Z® car enthusiasts. However, take a closer look at the Project Clubsport 23, and you'll discover an amazing amalgamation of OEM, aftermarket and bespoke fabricated parts that may appear someday alone or packaged together at Nissan dealership parts departments.

Nissan Project Clubsport 23
In the search for an ideal, dedicated track only vehicle, the Project Clubsport 23 borrows generously from many of the most respected suppliers of performance parts that are tested and developed in Motorsports. What is shown at the 2018 SEMA Show might be significantly different months from now as parts for the vehicle are continuously developed.

The ultimate goal was to create a vehicle that owners could duplicate themselves using Nissan Motorsports or aftermarket parts. First and foremost, the Project Clubsport 23 is an ongoing parts development platform.

Not available for purchase. Yet.

In building Project Clubsport 23 project, the Nissan Motorsports and MA Motorsports team started just like any Z® enthusiast would – finding a donor body and engine. In this case, the project started with a 2012 Nissan 370Z NISMO. The original 350-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine was replaced by a factory 3.0-liter VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 rated at 400hp.

To fully engage sports car enthusiasts, it was decided to keep the 370Z NISMO's 6-speed manual transmission. This was a challenge due to the fact a VR30DDTT has never been coupled to a manual transmission. MA Motorsports managed to develop a clutch disc, cover and flywheel assembly to complete the transition all the way back to the NISMO GT LSD Pro-Carbon 2-way differential, which is cooled by an MA Motorsports Differential Cooler. Much time was spent to ensure the VR30DDTT engine properly communicated with the manual transmission.

The refinements continued, starting with an AMS Performance Cold Air Intake kit and Z1 Motorsports blow-off valves. MA Motorsports fabricated a bespoke dual exhaust system measuring 76 mm in diameter to ensure there was no disruption in airflow from the VR30DDTT engine. The exhaust exits through the rear license plate body panel, which gives the Project Clubsport 23 a unique, motorsports look and feel. To help keep the VR30DDTT powerplant running cool, the factory cooling and steering systems were upgraded with an AMS Performance heat exchanger, MA Motorsports power steering cooler and Z1 Motorsports radiator and intercooler silicone coolant hoses.

The braking system was upgraded using soon-to-be released NISMO HC Street/Track brake pads, Z1Motorsports 2-piece slotted rotors and NISMO stainless steel brake lines. The suspension modifications included a combination of newly released NISMO front and rear suspension components, NISMO 3-piece body brace set, KW Variant 3 coil-over shock kit and Eibach rear springs.

Topping off the project's go-fast parts are NISMO-branded RAYS cast aluminum-alloy 18x10.5-inch wheels and Hankook RS4 285/35R18 high performance tires. The wheels utilize the latest in RAYS "flow-forming" technology for high quality, strength, durability and affordability. They are expected to be available through Nissan dealerships at a future date.

Depending on interest levels, Nissan Motorsports may offer a "builder's kit" that consists of hard parts and electrical components to assist customers with building their own ultimate track Z® car.

The inside and outside story

Like the drivetrain, the Project Clubsport 23 body and interior reflect combinations of parts from trusted parts sources and custom fabrication. Dominating the interior are the new-for-2018 Sparco QRT-R competition seats, Sparco 6-point competition harnesses and Sparco R383 steering wheel with Bell Works Rapfix hub. Also featured is a Cabin and Engine Bay fire suppression system, along with a custom welded-in roll cage. The custom upholstery was stitched in a diamond pattern by MA Motorsports, offering a contemporary throwback to the diamond pattern vinyl used in the original 240Z

Finally, the once-stock 370Z NISMO body features a pairing of factory NISMO panels with an APR honeycomb carbon fiber splitter/MA Motorsports air dam, a modified rear bumper to allow better air flow/cooling, JDM rear fog light, Selbon TS-style carbon fiber hood with Aerocatch hood pins and NISMO carbon fiber mirror covers and pillar garnishes.

Finishing off the project is a custom Gloss Burnt Orange body wrap by Speedesign Custom Graphics – giving the Project Clubsport 23 a final glow for its SEMA Show debut.

The 2018 SEMA Show, the premier automotive specialty products trade event, takes place October 30 - November 2, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Cute girl drifting in rally car unfastened

The 9th Dream Car from the Top 10: GM-X Stiletto

When we think of dream cars, our minds often race to sleek designs, innovative technology, and that unmistakable feeling of pure, unbridled passion. The GM-X Stiletto encapsulates all of these elements and more, making it a worthy contender in our top ten list. Ranked at number nine, this concept car from 1964 remains a beacon of automotive ingenuity and a symbol of a bygone era that continues to inspire. A Journey Back to the Jet Age To fully appreciate the GM-X Stiletto, we must travel back to the 1950s and '60s, a time when America was captivated by the future. The jet-age was in full swing, and cars were designed with a sense of bold optimism. Under the visionary leadership of Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell, General Motors created vehicles that mimicked the sleek lines and advanced technologies of jet aircraft. The GM-X Stiletto, born in 1964, was a product of this era's boundless imagination. The Visionary Design The GM-X Stiletto was first unveiled at the 1964-1965 World’s...

【中継】日産モータースポーツファンイベント

10 Newest Cars and SUVs by South Korean Manufacturers (2025-2026 Lineup ...

Chevrolet Concept Cars: Ten Of Our Favorites

Most celebrations of Chevrolet's centennial surround the automaker's production vehicles. Why not? After all, this is the brand that birthed legends like the Bel Air, Corvette, and Camaro, among others. Those vehicles are certainly worth celebrating, but we can't help but wonder: what about the Chevrolet cars that never saw a production line? We've scoured through the history books (and our memory banks) to pick out ten of our all-time favorites.

Bass And Boobs + Skirt Trick & Can Trick

Aventador S | The design draws inspiration from predators and aeronautics

As much as the Aventador is the car most entitled to represent the Lamborghini brand values, the Aventador S is the expression of the Lamborghini flagship par excellence, embodying the utmost synergy between design and engineering in pure Lamborghini style. The “S” has existed for 50 years The first Lamborghini S model was launched 50 years ago to represent the evolution of already revered icons. In fact, the further development of the Miura into a more improved version dates back to 1968, followed by Islero, Countach and Urraco. When the Aventador reaped this legacy and decided to surpass itself, the Aventador S was born. The design draws inspiration from predators and aeronautics The Aventador S presents pure refinement of the iconic design that remains true to the Lamborghini DNA, enhancing its mix of dynamism, refinement and aggressiveness. The sharp lines and surfaces of the front end evoke images of a shark fin, transmitting the same force and elegance when d...

Chevrolet Racing Claims 14 Championships in 2013

INFINITI QX50: A luxury crossover with world-first technologies and an all-new platform

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  The new 2019 QX50 is the most compelling INFINITI to date. Based on an entirely new platform, the new QX50 is a mid-size crossover with world-first technologies, standout design and unrivaled interior space. " The 2019 QX50 is the most important vehicle we have ever launched, and it embodies everything the brand stands for: beautiful design, advanced technology and empowering performance.  As a luxury, mid-size crossover, it's the right vehicle at the right time in one of the world's fastest growing segments." Christian Meunier, INFINITI Global Division Vice President VC-Turbo – the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine The VC-Turbo engine is the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine, transforming on demand. A breakthrough in combustion engine design, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine adjusts its compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency. It combines the power of a 2...

1985 Audi Sport Quattro: The Group B Homologation Special

In Austria in 1980, just a year after four-wheel drive cars became eligible to compete in the WRC, Audi debuted the first Quattro rally car and forever changed the sport. Over the next half of the decade (and onwards, if you count the Pikes Peak specials), these Audis would be subjected to a period of rapid iterative evolution that led to the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro models that helped define the infamously fast and dangerous era of Group B rallying. The relatively lax nature of the Group B regulations gave rise to a number of downright ferocious cars from Audi’s competitors (most notable being Lancia and Peugeot), and while it was not the most successful nor technologically advanced of these top tier cars by the end of the Group B era, the Sport Quattro is a worthy poster child for the lot of them—being first to the punch has its advantages. The advent of the Group B class provided manufacturers with practically every leeway imaginable given they adhered to a basic s...

Labels

Show more