November 3, 2018

Nissan Shows Off the Ultimate Z Car: the Project Clubsport 23 (w/ 9 Photos)


Now that Nissan Philippines has whetted your appetite for the 370Z, here’s a dream project you can consider if you’re lucky enough to get your grimy hands on one: the Nissan Motorsports Project Clubsport 23.

Admittedly, the name is a mouthful, but while the name doesn’t have a great ring to it, this will: 400 horsepower. Using the Nissan 370Z NISMO as a basis, the normally-aspirated 3.7-liter V6 motor was swapped for a twin-turbo VR30DDTT V6. Displacing 3.0-liters, it makes 50 horses more than the “regular” 370Z NISMO.

Engine swap aside, the Project Clubsport 23 is what Nissan calls an “ongoing parts development platform.” Thus, it’s got an AMS Performance Cold Air Intake kit and Z1 Motorsports blow-off valves. It also has a bespoke dual exhaust system measuring 76 mm in diameter, the exits of which are through the rear license plate body panel.

The biggest challenge though is to mate the VR30DDTT engine to a manual transmission. Because this engine has never been coupled to a manual transmission before, MA Motorsports had to develop a clutch disc, cover, and flywheel assembly. This is then mated to a NISMO GT Pro-Carbon 2-way differential which is also cooled by an MA Motorsports Differential cooler.

Meant to be a durable and reliable tuner car, it’s outfitted with an upgraded cooling system led by an AMS Performance heat exchanger, MA Motorsports power steering cooler, and Z1 Motorsports radiator and intercooler silicone coolant hoses.

The braking system has also been upgraded with 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.

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.

Designed to showcase what owners can do to their 370Z using both NISMO and aftermarket parts, Nissan is actually contemplating to offer a “builder’s kit” that consists of parts and other necessary electrical components to build the “ultimate Z track car.”

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