- Nissan has filed multiple Warrior-related trademarks in Australia, including the “Z Warrior.”
- This development led us to create a speculative rendering of a rugged, off-road Nissan Z.
- The automaker wants to expand the Warrior lineup in collaboration with local partner Premcar.
Nissan has just trademarked the “Z Warrior” nameplate in Australia, prompting speculation that the automaker might be planning a limited all-terrain version of its sports coupe. Such a venture would involve a collaboration with Premcar, a local specialist known for creating off-road editions that are officially sold by the Japanese carmaker.
If you think this sounds far-fetched, just check out Porsche’s and Lamborghini’s lineups for a reality check.
The new trademark is the most intriguing among several recent Warrior-related applications filed with IP Australia. Currently, the only models offered in Premcar-tuned Warrior trims are the Navara midsize pickup and the outgoing Patrol full-size SUV. While the X-Trail and Pathfinder SUVs are more suitable for the off-road-focused program, a jacked-up version of the Nissan Z would certainly grab headlines.
More: Nissan Z Finally Gets Retro Split Grille In The US
As reported by Australian media CarSales, Nissan’s local arm is ramping up plans to expand the Warrior lineup in the near future. Back in June, Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director of Nissan Oceania, revealed they were in discussion with Premcar for a “portfolio of products”. The brand is currently evaluating which models might receive the Warrior treatment, catering to the specific needs of Australian customers.
A Nissan Z Warrior could be a more affordable option to high-end models like the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. Inspired by the recent trademark, we’ve whipped up speculative renderings, drawing from the 2023 Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute concept showcased at last year’s SEMA.
Illustrations Thanos Pappas for CarScoops
A Warrior-branded Z would most likely feature a suspension lift kit, and ride on new wheels with grippy tires. The exterior styling could also gain “rugged” features, such as bolt-on fender extensions, plastic cladding, and underbody protection. Finally, extra LED lights would improve visibility in the dark, while sending strong rally car vibes.
The Safari Rally Z Tribute concept featured a modified twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, but a Premcar build might stick with the standard 400 hp (298 kW / 405 PS) engine. Alternatively, it could opt for the 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) variant from the Nissan Z Nismo, though that might be pushing it for a market-specific trim.
While we don’t know if Nissan is indeed planning on putting a Z Warrior into production, many fans would love to see such a creation come to life. Based on the fact that the current Premcar-tuned Nissan offerings are exclusively offered in the Australian market, it’s likely that an all-terrain Z would follow suit, even if there’s interest from other regions.
2023 NISSAN SAFARI RALLY Z TRIBUTE
