(July 19, 2015) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — To celebrate its rich sports car heritage, Nissan North America on July 17 hit the highway for the 28th Annual International Z Car Convention (ZCon), hosted each year by the Z Car Club Association. Nissan enthusiasts and road warriors are joining employees and VIPs for a 220-mile road trip from Nissan headquarters in Franklin, Tenn. to a Beale Street celebration in downtown Memphis.

The festivities began at 1 Nissan Way in Franklin, Tenn., for a casual "cars and coffee" gathering prior to departure through the byways of middle and west Tennessee.

This year, Nissan is showcasing an array of existing and newly released vehicles at ZCon, including the entire NISMO product lineup, 2009 40th anniversary Z, an original 240Z, the all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima and 2016 Nissan TITAN XD. The feature car of the drive is the late Yutaka Katayama's ("Mr. K's") last-ever U.S. Nissan lease vehicle, a 1974 260Z 2+2, customized by the factory with a full-metal, retractable sunroof.

Joining road-tripping Nissan owners are Hiroshi Tamura, Nissan Chief Product Specialist, GT-R, Z and NISMO, as well as other members of the Nissan Marketing, Social Media, Motorsports, Communications and Product Planning teams. Also along for the ride are former GT Academy U.S. winners – now professional racers – Nick Hammann (2014) and Bryan Heitkotter (2011).

"ZCON is a great opportunity to showcase some of our most exciting vehicles – past and present – and celebrate Nissan's rich sports car heritage alongside an outstanding group of enthusiasts," said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "With this year's event so close to Nissan's North American headquarters, it's only fitting that we join Nissan fans on a road trip with an incredible lineup of Z® cars, NISMO vehicles, the all-new 2016 Maxima and 2016 TITAN XD and more."

The 2015 International Z Car Convention began July 14 and concluded Saturday, July 18, with an all-day car show and an evening awards dinner banquet. Events and activities such as an autocross competition, raffles, driving tours and more will also be available throughout the week.

Held in various locations around greater Memphis, Tenn., Nissan is a platinum-level event sponsor of the 2015 International Z Car Convention.