The Nissan Z isn’t exactly what you’d call a purpose-built drag car, but that hasn’t stopped YouTuber Emelia Hartford from pushing its limits.
Over several months, Hartford and her team have transformed the latest Z into a quarter-mile monster. The results? Her car is now officially the fastest Nissan Z globally.
The Record-Setting Run – Nissan Z
Hartford released a video documenting her milestone moment at the Famoso Dragstrip in Bakersfield, California. Behind the wheel of her heavily modified Z, she clocked an astonishing 7.75 seconds at 181 mph in the quarter-mile—blowing past the previous record by nearly two seconds.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. After two successful test runs, an attempt at full power nearly ended in disaster. The rear of the car broke loose, and a potential crash loomed. Hartford’s quick reflexes and steady hands saved the day—she popped the parachute and straightened out just in time to avoid the wall.
In another major performance milestone this year, Koenigsegg’s Jesko Absolut has reclaimed the world record for the 0–400–0 km/h sprint.
From Street Car to Dragstrip Star
This record is just the latest feat for Hartford’s Z, which claimed the title of most powerful new Nissan Z last October after producing a jaw-dropping 1,899 horsepower on a dyno.
The car may still look like a Z from the outside, but the transformation under the skin is dramatic. At its core is a VR38 engine from the legendary Nissan GT-R, fully rebuilt with stronger internals, enormous turbos, and an intercooler more suited for a big rig than a sports car. The rear has been re-engineered for drag racing, with massive radial tires and a custom drag-ready setup.
What’s Next for Hartford’s Nissan Z?
Hartford isn’t done yet. In her video, she hinted at plans to break into the six-second range. Considering this was her first time driving the car, it’s safe to say this Z has plenty more potential to unleash—and Hartford is just starting.
