Could Nissan launch a version of its Z sports car designed for high-speed off-roading? The automaker’s recent trademark activity suggests such a vehicle may be under consideration.
Drive discovered that Nissan’s Australian arm has filed a lawsuit trademark protection for the name “Z Warrior”as well as the names “X-Trail Warrior”, “Pathfinder Warrior”, “Qashqai Warrior” and “Patrol Warrior”.
Nissan has already used the Warrior name on some off-road-focused concept vehicles, such as the 2016 Titan Warrior Conceptand in Australia the automaker launched a Navara Warrior rugged pickup truck developed for the local market with a company called Premcar.
While automakers routinely register trademarks for names they have no intention of using, simply to protect the names in case a situation changes, the popularity and excitement surrounding off-road-focused sports cars like Porsche’s 911 Dakar might be tempting enough for Nissan to go ahead with the launch of the Z Warrior.
Tribute to the Nissan Safari Rally Z
The automaker has already hinted that there is a vehicle of this type with the Safari Rally Z Tribute unveiled during the 2023 SEMA show. The one-off concept built by South Carolina-based Tommy Pike Customs was commissioned by Nissan to celebrate the automaker successes at the East African Safari Rally during the 1970s with the Datsun 240Z.
In addition to having more power than the stock 400 hp, the concept featured suspension containing Nismo and KW parts. These parts raised the ride height by 2.0 inches, which allowed for the installation of 17-inch wheels wrapped in beefy Yokohama Geolandar Mud-Terrain tires.
Nissan has already started introducing more robust versions of its vehicles here in the US. Rock Creek Brand Off-Road Treatment can be ordered on the Pathfinder and Rogue, and Nissan may expand it to more vehicles.
