There is already a VR30DDTT-powered 370Z... previewing the new Z

DrivingEnthusiast

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Built for SEMA in 2018 by MA-Motorsports, this 370Z features a VR30DDTT from a Q60 *and* a 6-speed manual transmission. And numerous suspension mods.
The press release at the time explained the goals of the project and said that the parts necessary for the conversion *may* be offered (I can't find an indication that they ever were). And unfortunately the performance was never measured, at least that I have ever seen in the press.
But it does exist, and the only challenge was tuning the computer for the 6-speed manual and building an appropriate bellhousing and clutch.

And MA-Motorsports website features the car, but without any details or the parts necessary to do this. But it can be done, and parts swaps in the 370Z ar enot uncommon and have included Nissan's V-8 engines as well as a Supra TT engine. The VR30DDTT swap probably included all of the emissions hardware but certainly wasn't tested or certified.

So, 2018... given product development lead times, certainly this was a preview internal to Nissan development of what a new Z could look like. And certainly in Japan there would be a number of 370Zs running around with this engine for development purposes. They would be totally stealthy since the engine already fits and since the platform is shared with the Q60 anyway. Maybe somebody will publish a book on the development of this new Z, as they did for the last new Z many years ago, where we'll learn more about the entire effort.


2018-Nissan-370Z-Project-Clubsport-23-4.jpg

Nissan Press Release and Specifications follows:

Oct 29, 2018
Nissan Motorsports Project Clubsport 23 track car debuts at 2018 SEMA show

Nissan Motorsports and MA Motorsports create a one-off Project Clubsport 23 rolling parts development platform; combines the latest technology with ZĀ® heritage aesthetics.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada ā€“ 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 ZĀ® car enthusiasts. However, take a closer look at the Project Clubsport 23, and youā€™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 ZĀ® enthusiast would ā€“ 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 NISMOā€™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 projectā€™s go-fast parts are NISMO-branded RAYS cast aluminum-alloy 18Ɨ10.5-inch wheels and Hankook RS4 285/35R18 high performance tires. The wheels utilize the latest in RAYS ā€œflow-formingā€ 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 ā€œbuilderā€™s kitā€ that consists of hard parts and electrical components to assist customers with building their own ultimate track ZĀ® 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 ā€“ 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 ā€“ November 2, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
To find out more about the 2019 Nissan 370Z Coupe, 370Z Roadster and 370Z NISMO, along with the rest of the Nissan lineup, please visit NissanNews.com.
NISSAN PROJECT CLUBSPORT 23 SPECIFICATIONS
SupplierPart
NissanNissan 370Z NISMO body and chassis
Nissan3.0-liter VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 rated at 400hp, 6speed manual transmission
AMS PerformanceCold air intake kit and piping
Z1 Motorsports/HKS SSQVBlow-off valves
MA MotorsportsDual 76 mm custom exhaust
MA MotorsportsPower steering cooler
CV ProductsPower steering fluid reservoir
AMS PerformanceHeat exchanger
Z1 MotorsportsCoolant hoses
OptimaPC950 Light Weight Battery
NissanNISMO GT LSD Pro-Carbon 2-way differential
MA MotorsportsClutch disc and cover, flywheel, differential cooler
KWVariant 3 coilover front and rear shock absorbers, front springs
EibachRear springs
NissanNISMO front and rear suspension components
NissanNISMO HC Street/Track brake pads, stainless steel brake lines
Z1 Motorsports2-piece slotted brake rotors
APRHoneycomb carbon fiber splitter
MA MotorsportsModified Rear Bumper, Front air dam, front and rear tow hooks
SeibonTS-style carbon fiber hood with Aerocatch hood pins
NissanNISMO carbon fiber mirror covers and pillar garnishes
Speedesign Custom GraphicsExterior body wrap
SparcoQRT-R competition seats, 6-point harness restraint system, R 383 steering wheel
Bell WorksRapfix Steering Wheel Hub
Cabin and Engine BayFire suppression system
MA MotorsportsCustom diamond pattern upholstery
HankookRS4 285/35R18 high performance tires
RaysNISMO Cast 18Ɨ10.5-inch Flow Formed wheels
 
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At the time, there was speculation this was done to help validate the engine for the next Z.
 
 





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