Nissan has now shipped a Z Proto concept car to the United States to help accelerate marketing and promotional content for the forthcoming model revamp. Larry Chen of Hoonigan AutoFocus fame got the first opportunity to explore the car, though fans of Nissan and Datsun's longstanding Z-Car lineup might wonder just how much in the way of changes will occur before a production version hits the streets. While the Z Proto's twin-turbo V6 may be a step into the future, its styling and stick-shift transmission hark back to the cars of old. Meanwhile, the venerable 240Z, with a classic profile and a torquey inline-six, has been quickly appreciating in value as JDM collectors flock to both original and highly modified examples. But few Z cars can hope to receive the kind of all-out attention as an LS7-swapped Datsun 240Z spotted at Holley LS Fest.

Meet The Fairlady Z06

In many ways, even calling the car a 1972 Datsun 240Z is a bit of a stretch—it's so far gone that the nickname "Fairlady Z06" more accurately describes what's going on here, as a mashup of the original car's JDM moniker "Fairlady Z" and the famous Corvette trim package. In a recent feature video from Holley, owner Tyler Powell gives a quick intro to the car's modifications, which come together to allow for some hardcore autocross fun.

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Started Out As 1972 Nissan 240Z

LS7 Swapped Datsun 240Z Autocross 2
via YouTube

The massive modifications on the exterior, from the widebody kit to the wheels, the huge rear spoiler and diffuser setup, and hood vents all point to the changes beneath the skin. The car began its life as a 1972 240Z but has lost the 2.4-liter inline-six and four-speed transmission in favor of a Corvette's LS7 V8 and rear-mounted transaxle for improved weight distribution.

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Under The Hood: Corvette's LS7 V8

LS7 Swapped Datsun 240Z Autocross 3
via YouTube

Powell built up the engine with a forged rotating assembly, Lingenfelter heads, an MSD Atomic intake manifold and Holley fuel injection.  Complementary modifications in addition to a custom tube chassis that Powell himself designed include a JRi Shocks Hydraulic Ride Height System that allows him to lift the handmade body when necessary, plus custom control arms, carbon fiber trim, and aluminum details galore. Whether or not the whole combo still fits under the Z-Car umbrella remains a point of contention among the YouTube peanut gallery, but there's no doubt the car looks like a blast burning rubber between cones at Holley's LS Fest.

Sources: youtube.com and lsfest.com.

NEXT: Watch The Nissan Z Proto Drive The Track With Former Z Car Generations