Ever since Nissan revealed the all-new Z (AKA 400Z), the seventh-generation sports car has yet to be offered as a drop-top convertible. Yes, the previous 370Z was available with a soft-top, but it seems Nissan has no plans to make the latest Z come with a folding roof.

However, Nissan may be thinking of building the closest thing to an open-top Z. Say hello to the Nissan Z Kaze concept, and it quite literally lifts the lid off the Nissan Z’s top. Designed around nostalgia, heritage, and driving enjoyment, the Nissan Z Kaze concept comes with a custom-engineered T-Top roof, which brings back the wind-in-the-hair driving experience.

Named after the Japanese word for “wind” (kaze), the concept is a passion project that was made possible by a team of Nissan product planners and designers who wanted to show the open-top roots of the Z sports car. Its main centerpiece is the T-Top roof, which has removable glass tops that can let more air and light into the cabin. It’s not exactly the roadster Z fans have been looking forward to, but it’s perhaps the closest we’ll get.

The T-Top concept is then finished in a Pacific Teal paint scheme that reflects the 90s sports car culture. It serves both as a throwback hue while also giving enthusiasts one heck of a paint finish for all to see. It also features tasteful exterior modifications like a vented carbon fiber hood and a custom carbon fiber body kit, highlighting the Z Kaze’s import tuner car scene design.

Complementing the tricked-out exterior are authentic 18-inch NISMO LMGT2 alloy wheels, which were restored to their original look. The multi-piece wheels are no longer in production, but the Nissan product planners were able to track down an original set and rebuilt them for the concept. The front alloys measure 10 inches wide, while the rear measures 11 inches wide, resulting in the Z Kaze’s wide stance.

Instead of just giving it plain black furniture, Nissan decided to spruce up the Z Kaze’s cabin with distinct white leather upholstery. Paired with the stock black finish of the interior, the white upholstery complements the dark tones, while also highlighting the Z Kaze’s T-top design. Audiophiles will also be happy to know that the seats come with Bose Personal Plus headrest speakers to allow occupants to enjoy their tunes with or without a roof.

Under the hood, the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 of the Z Kaze concept gets some key upgrades from GReddy. These include a Supreme SP exhaust system, a front air-to-air intercooler, and an Airinx air filter kit. Nissan did not disclose the output figures of the Z Kaze concept, but we reckon it makes more than the stock-rated 400 PS.

Will we ever see Nissan reveal a drop-top or convertible Z? That will entirely depend on whether Nissan decides to make the T-Top Z Kaze concept a reality. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the automaker actually makes it available.