SHINING A LIGHT ON INNOVATION
The Story Behind Morimoto’s Next-Gen 370Z Headlight
Lighting is one of those upgrades that everyone sees, but few see how much engineering went behind it. For the 370Z owner, the stock lighting may get the job done, but for enthusiasts who demand performance, design uniqueness, and fit‑and‑finish worthy of the car’s sport‑heritage, there’s a clear gap. That’s where Morimoto Lighting has stepped in.
With our newly revealed headlight for the 370Z (shown publicly, ahead of full release on October 17th, 2025 at Z1 Motorsports Z Nationals event in Georgia), the LF2-474R and LF2-474Y, we set out not just to upgrade the light output - and we definitely wanted to upgrade the style, but we wanted to bring a completely fresh look to one of Nissan’s more legendary platforms. Already, the aftermarket space has seen copies or look‑alikes of this model as the design was leaked throughout 2025 but we believe the difference is clear: this is an original design, with patent filings to back it up all the way back to 2023, engineered from scratch, by Morimoto, for performance and aesthetics.
THE VISION STARTS WITH A SKETCH
Every design has a moment where innovation sparks. For this project, that moment began in 2023, when Matt Kossoff (Director of Product Development) tasked Yoshitaka Ishida (known simply as Yoshi to most), with creating something “never seen before.”
Drawing by Yoshi, circa January 2023
“We wanted something multi-projector, vertically stacked, but with a horizontally stretched projector lens,” recalls Yoshi. “No tiny projectors - this needed to be powerful, architectural, and unmistakably Morimoto.”
Yoshi began sketching around the lines of the 370Z’s front fascia and taking the existing tail light design also into careful consideration. The challenge? The new design had to complement, not clash, with Morimoto’s signature tail styling. The early concept introduced a multi-projector stack that would define the entire look of the upcoming XB Evo generation of headlights: compact, aggressively layered, and horizontally enhanced.
ENGINEERING GOALS THAT PUSHED THE LIMITS
At the core of this headlight’s design philosophy were six guiding goals:
- Create a Multi-Projector Stack – Vertically aligned for visual drama, horizontally elongated for visual enhancement through a unique lens form factor.
- Enable Cross-Platform Use – Develop a modular “Type 2” projector usable in other headlights (like the Corvette C6).
- Deliver Something Never Seen – Set a new visual standard for aftermarket 370Z lighting.
- Integrate D-Optics Technology – Enhance the high beam while adding unique visual identity.
- Avoid Tail Light Design Collision – Preserve balance within the Morimoto design ecosystem.
- Incorporate a Horizontal DRL Element – A broad, confident front signature that differentiates from older vertical DRL layouts because the sequential turn signal is more effective when full horizontal length is available.
FROM SKETCH TO SOLIDWORKS: THE BIRTH OF THE TYPE 2 PROJECTOR
Using tools like SolidWorks and Rhinoceros, Yoshi and the engineering team modeled every contour, beam pattern, and airflow path. Optical simulation validated what the sketches promised: a compact but powerful projector architecture capable of extreme width.
The result was the Type 2 Projector, by Morimoto: a completely new optic designed for the XB Evo generation. It uses a “side-output”-style lens enhancements, horizontally stretched for maximum beam width and efficiency.
Early 3d render of Morimoto 370z housing and projectors, circa January 2023
Unlike smaller round projectors common in stacked designs, the Type 2’s rectangular shape captures more usable light area, perfect for sports cars with low, narrow headlight housings like the 370Z.
PATENTED DESIGN & PROTECTED INNOVATION
To protect the originality of this concept, two U.S. design patents were filed in 2023: each documenting the unique geometry and layout of the 370Z headlight assembly:
(At the time of filing, Morimoto Lighting was a Wheel Pros brand, and Yoshi a Morimoto employee which is why the Morimoto name doesn’t appear on the patents.)
CRAFTING CHARACTER: DESIGN ELEMENTS THAT DEFINE THE LOOK
The final aesthetic is a fusion of function and emotion. Every line serves a purpose, either for light distribution, thermal management, or styling cohesion.
In-Development design change renders of Morimoto headlight for 370z, circa February 2023.
HORIONTALDRL ELEMENT WITH SEQUENTIAL TURN SIGNAL
Kossoff pushed for a wide, horizontal DRL to visually broaden the Z’s stance. Later, it evolved into a “step-up lightning bolt” profile that doubles as a dynamic sequential turn signal.
Early 3d render of 370z headlight design from Morimoto showing projector and D-Optic stack and planning what a horizontal DRL shape might look like, circa January 2023.
Late-stage 3d design of Morimoto 370z headlight, circa February 2023
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Final modeling of LED DRL shape for new 370z headlight from Morimoto, circa February 2023.
DECORATIVE FINS AND HONEYCOB TEXTURE
Yoshi incorporated fins and a honeycomb motif to enrich the lower housing areas without interfering with the horizontal DRL elements. These design characteristics echo established European styling conventions adopted by Porsche and others.
Early 3d optical design of 370z Morimoto headlight searching for mix of width and power out of new Type 2 projector, circa 2023.
Certain shapes, surfaces, and textures in the Morimoto Nissan 370z XRGB headlight reflect classic European sports-car lighting aesthetics, including design cues historically seen on Porsche vehicles among others.
FLOATING SIDE REFLECTOR
Early prototypes had side reflectors that obscured the DRL flow. By re-engineering it as a floating component, the final version achieved a cleaner, more elegant look.
PERFORMACE THROUGH PRECISION
Morimoto is known for combining style and substance - and the new 370Z headlight is no exception.
Optical Innovation
- Dual Bi-LED Projectors with hyper-wide beam booster.
- D-Optics Assist for high-beam projection and signature animation.
- UV-Coated Polycarbonate Lens + Die-Cast Aluminium Heatsinks for durability.
- Extreme Width Performance: Designed specifically for low-slung vehicles like the 370Z.
Early 3d optical design of 370z Morimoto headlight searching for mix of width and power out of new Type 2 projector, circa 2023.
Thermal and Mechanical Engineering
Thermal management is critical in LED systems. Morimoto’s heat sink geometry and venting were modeled for efficiency before any physical prototype was built.
Early 3d thermal design of 370z Morimoto headlight searching for mix of temperature control and power out of new Type 2 projector, circa 2023.
MATERIAL FINISHES
XBRGB / Evo: Finished in a premium dark gray metallic finish, contrast silver accent trim, wake-up animation, selectable amber/white DRL.
XB Hybrid: Matte black finish, white DRL only, simplified signal animation.
Early 3d design of 370z Morimoto headlight difference between XB and Hybrid models showing different colors and features, circa 2023.
Early 3d design of 370z Morimoto headlight style, color and texture, circa 2023.
WHY ORIGINAL ENGINEERING MATTERS
Around the same time Morimoto publicly unveiled its 370Z headlight at the 2025 Z Nationals event in Georgia, the internet circulated a China-based knockoff that was for sale on international marketplace websites. Due to the protected nature of the Morimoto design it was quickly shut down to protect the brand’s unique style and investment in technology and innovation. While imitation may be flattery, facts matter.
Key Differences:
- Patented Design: Yes (USD1060766S1 / USD1075082S1)
- Projector Type: Type 2 Rectangular Side-Shooter Bi-LED vs small stacked round LEDs
- Light Output: Engineered for width + cut-off precision and is fully compliant (most aftermarket projector headlights are not DOT compliant even when they claim to be).
- Materials & Finish: Die-cast aluminum, UV-coated lens, premium trim
- Warranty Support: Full Morimoto limited warranty
INSTALLATION & USER EXPERIENCE
Like all XB series products, the 370Z headlight is fully plug-and-play. It connects to the factory multi-pin harness with no rewiring or cutting required.
Proper alignment remains essential to maximize beam performance. Morimoto includes factory-fit adjustment points for precise aiming and compliance with DOT standards.
SHARED DNA: THE EVO LINE PHILOSOPHY
The Type 2 projector, the unique DRL technology, and the power delivery system used in the 370Z headlight is the same core optical system powering other new Evo-generation products created by Morimoto.
Why This Matters to 370Z Owners:
- Safety & Performance: Wider beam pattern and higher lumen density.
- Design Integrity: This is a Morimoto original - designed in-house, not reverse engineered.
- Community Respect: Recognized across the Z community as premium equipment.
- Resale Confidence: Patented design and warranty backing protect your investment.
TWO MODELS, ONE VISION
XRGB 370Z - Flagship Model, based on the XB Evo platform: LF2-474R
- Dual Bi-LED Projectors with Hyper-Wide Beam Booster
- Selectable White or Amber DRL
- Built-in RGB color-changing DRL, controllable with the Morimoto XBT app. Ability to choose DRL color disqualifies product from DOT compliance.
- Sequential Turn Signal
- Wake-Up Start Sequence
- Premium Dark Gray Metallic Finish
- Contrast Silver Accented Logo Trim
- High Beam Assist D Optics
XB Hybrid 370Z – Essential Model: LF2-474Y
- Dual Bi-LED Projectors
- White DRL Only
- Fully DOT Compliant
- Standard Turn Signal
- Plain Black Finish
- Faux Decorative Lens Filler
LOOKING AHEAD
The new 370Z headlight is not just a product launch—it’s a statement of what’s to come from Morimoto Lighting.
Morimoto XB Evo LED Headlights and tail lights for the Nissan 370z unveiled at the 2025 Z Nationals event in Carrolton Georgia:
