Nissan's
new 350Z embodies the heritage of the "Z" brand while blending cutting
edge technology with eye-stopping design. But the Z represents more than just
a return to sports cars for Nissan; it represents everything Nissan wants to be
through its "revival" process. Nissan has done everything right with
the Z including developing it properly, pricing it correctly, targeting the market
segment
and delivering it on time. This new, contemporary sports car was created with
a healthy dose of what Nissan calls "Z-DNA"--the combination of passion,
performance, practicality and value that has identified all Z cars since the original
1970 240Z.
Engine
details
The newly designed
3.5L, V6 engine producing in excess of 280 hp, derives its punch as a result of
reworking the intake port design and adopting continuously variable valve timing
control system (CVTCS). This allows the engine to deliver great standing acceleration
as well as high-speed passing performance.
Features
The
new "Z" embodies many of the styling elements that have made past Zs
so sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. In addition to great styling, the
new version also embraces the basic necessities that any true sports car should:
performance and handling, value and durability. All 350Zs include: Nissan direct
ignition system (NDIS), CVTCS, 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or electronically
controlled 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode, dual exhaust (great note),
4-wheel independent suspension and aerodynamic design.
The numbers
Z
is affordable. At $26,200 the base model is priced to attract buyers to the showroom.
The enthusiast model offers additional amenities for around $28,200 while the
performance version comes in at just under $30,500. For a little more comfort
the touring model can be purchased for about $31,100. For the die-hard driver
there's the track model with a manual transmission for about $34,000.
What
we think
Nissan is
very ambitious with its revival plan. Set to launch several new models within
the next 12 months, we are confident that the plan will be successful if every
new launch is as well targeted as this one. The car is full of quality, performance
and styling, and it's priced to attract the buyers. Bottom line--we liked it.
Supplier
Involvement
Bridgestone/firstone
tires
Jatco transmissions
Calsonic
Kansai front end modules
Brembo
brakes
What is it:
Engine:
3.5L DOHC V6, 280 hp at 6,200 RPM
Torque:
260 lbs-It of torque at 4,800 RPM Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed electronically
controlled automatic with manual mode.
segment
and delivering it on time. This new, contemporary sports car was created with
a healthy dose of what Nissan calls "Z-DNA"--the combination of passion,
performance, practicality and value that has identified all Z cars since the original
1970 240Z.
