Nissan 350Z

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Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350Z coupė
Overview
ManufacturerNissan
Also calledNissan Fairlady Z
Production2002–present
AssemblyOppama, Japan
DesignerAjay Panchal
Body and chassis
ClassSports car /
Roadster
Body style2-door coupe / 2-door roadster
LayoutFMR layout
PlatformNissan FM platform
RelatedInfiniti G35
Nissan Skyline
Powertrain
Engine2003-2005

2005 (35th Anv & Track)

2006

2007-present

Transmission5-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2649 mm (104.3 in)
Length2006-08: 4314 mm (169.8 in)
2003-05: 4303 mm (169.4 in)
Width1816 mm (71.5 in)
Height2006-08 Hatchback: 1324 mm (52.1 in)
2006-08 Roadster: 1334 mm (52.5 in)
2003-05 Roadster: 1328 mm (52.3 in)
2003-05 Hatchback: 1318 mm (51.9 in)
Curb weight1446 kg (3187 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorNissan 300ZX

The Nissan 350Z is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motor Co, LTD. The 350Z is the fifth (and current) generation of Nissan's Z-car line, originally introduced in 1969 (as a 1970 model year) as the Datsun 240Z. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. It is currently available in several trim packages and is sold as both a 2 door coupé and roadster.

Background

After the Nissan 300ZX was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1996, Nissan initially tried to keep the Z name alive by re-creating the 240Z the following year. The car was conceived by Nissan's North American design team in their free time, and the concept was introduced in a four state Road Show in July 1998 to various car media, dealers and employees. Yutaka Katayama, regarded as the "Father of the Z" unveiled the Z concept sketch to the public when he received a motor industry award. The design, representing a modern vision of the 240Z, did not please the original 240Z designer Yoshihiko Matsuo, who compared it to the Bluebird and Leopard[2][3]

The first concept model was produced for the Detroit Motor Show for the following January then later at the Los Angeles Auto Expo. Nissan was unhappy with the first design as they felt the original Template:Auto bhp 2.4L engine known as the KA24DE that was going to be assigned made the car more underpowered, also they also felt the car was considered too "retro" or too "backward" resembling a futuristic 240Z thus a redesign was underway. During a press conference in February 2000, president Carlos Ghosn gave the car the green light as he felt the car would help to assist the company's recovery.[4]

The redesigned model, now known as the Z Concept, which was similar in bodyshape but with a redesigned front end was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show two years later. The car then underwent a minor redesign and was eventually assigned the VQ35DE engine, hence the car became known as the 350Z. The car would break its tradition of being of the first Z not to be produced at the Shatai plant.[5]

Design and layout

The 350Z is a front engine rear-wheel-drive 2 passenger 2 door sports car designed by Ajay Panchal of Nissan Design America located in San Diego, California.[6]

The vehicle features the long-hood short-deck design common to the Z-Car family. External design highlights include: sloping fastback style roofline, unique brushed aluminum door handles, high waistline, and bulging fenders that are pushed out to the corners of the vehicle.

Interior cabin design is straight forward with brushed aluminum accents. The main gauge pod is mounted directly to the steering column allowing their movement to coincide with steering wheel adjustments. Additional gauges are mounted in a center triple gauge cluster. The 350Z’s interior does not have a conventional glove box, instead it makes use of various storage compartments located either behind or between the two seats.

Models

Released on August 20, 2002, the 2003 350Z coupe was available in the U.S. in 5 trim packages, including the Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track Editions. In Europe only the 'Track' version (with standard Rays wheels) was sold, although it wasn't badged or marketed as such. The optional GT pack includes heated leather seats, Bose stereo system, and cruise control. Nissan's performance tuning division, Nismo, began producing modified versions of the car shortly after its introduction, although in the UK these were only available one year after the car was launched.

Nissan 350Z roadster

In 2004 Nissan introduced the 350Z roadster featuring an electrically retractable soft-top roof. The car came in 2 trim packages (Enthusiast and Touring) in the U.S. market, and the Base and GT packs in Europe.

In 2005 Nissan launched a 35th Anniversary edition, which featured options such as "Z" emblems and 5-spoke wheels. The 2005 35th Anniversary edition 6-speed manual and 2005 Track trims both produce 300 hp and 260 torque (224 kW). In addition, The 35th Anniversary and Track 350Z also included revised pistons and camshaft profiles, and a new type of control to the variable valve timing. Although there were increases in power, the changes lead to a decrease in peak torque in the vehicle. Also, unfortunately many of the Template:Auto hp engines from 05 and 06 6 speed manual transmissions (Rev-Up) burn oil due to what may be faulty rings [7] Nissan is continuing to work on the situation but no TSB issued to date (5/12/07).

Nissan also added the Grand Touring trim to the Roadster trim packages for 2005. Since the anniversary edition all 6-speed models produce Template:Auto hp / 260 ft·lbf (224 kW / 353 N·m).

For the 2007 model year, the 350Z was moderately revised. The VQ35DE V6 was replaced with a new 3.5 L VQ35HR V6. It produced Template:Auto hp at 6800 rpm with 268 ft·lbf at 4800 rpm. The front bumper, hood, and headlamps were also revised with the hood featuring a bulge reminiscent of the original 240Z. Trims levels were also narrowed down to 350Z (base), Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring.

35th Anniversary Edition (2005)

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the debut of Datsun 240Z, Nissan released a high performance version of 350Z. The 35th Anniversary Z was debuted at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on November 2nd, followed by its first public appearance at the Miami Auto Show in early November.

35th Anniversary Edition includes 300 hp V6 engine for the 6-speed manual transmission model. Other key 35th Anniversary Z equipment (standard on both 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic equipped versions) includes unique 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo brakes and special Z badging. The car comes in Ultra Yellow, Super Black and Silverstone body colour, and optional black-and-tan leather-appointed seats (except with the Ultra Yellow interior).

The 350Z 35th Anniversary went on sale at Nissan dealers in January 2005.[8]

Type E (2004)

A limited run (only 5 units) called the Type E was produced in Japan in order to meet homologation requirements to compete in the Super GT series. The Type-E featured a longer nose and rear overhang as well as a few extra aerodynamic aids.

Engine is rated at 206 kW (280 PS) @ 6200 rpm, 363 N·m (37.0 kgf·m) @ 4800 rpm [9]

NISMO 350Z S-Tune GT (2005)

Modified Nissan 350Z S-Tune GT at the 2006 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show

The S-Tune GT was released by Nismo to celebrate its success in motorsport, particularly in the Super GT series. The S-Tune GT featured revised long nose bodywork as in the Type-E, a modified version of the VQ35DE engine called the S1 with more power (300 PS / 221 kW / 296 hp) and higher redline (7200 rpm), as well as a sportier Nismo suspension.

20 were produced each month in Japan. Although Nissan did not officially sell S-Tune in UK, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. imported 1 S-Tune GT to UK[10]

NISMO 350Z R-Tune (2004)

The R-Tune is the final step of the Nismo lineup, with further modifications including headers, cams, pulleys. The R-Tune voids the Nissan factory warranty, but gains significant horsepower, intended for track racers.

Engine is rated 305 hp (227 kW).[11]

GT-S

During the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) unveiled the 350Z GT-S concept.[12] The GT-S featured a unique radial flow supercharger (that could be turned on or off via a switch on the dashboard), raising engine output to 382.6 bhp and 424.8 Nm without modifications to the engine components. The car also featured new body kit for more cooling and downforce and wider 245 and 265/40/18 tires. No plans for production have been revealed, although there have been some hints that the package may be offered as an upgrade kit. The car has been tested favorably against its possible production rivals, the Porsche Cayman S and BMW Z4 M.[13]

Auto Express magazine reported the GT-S would be on sale in UK for £36,000, but it has yet to be produced.[14]

NISMO 350Z (2007-2008)

This edition of 350Z Coupe was debuted in New York International Auto Show on April 4, 2007. This version featured the same engine as the regular 350Z, but only offered 6-speed manual transmission. The car featured NISMO aerodynamics package based on the Super GT championship car, which included an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing. The car also had NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors) and NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS alloy wheels (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires), and NISMO-branded tuned exhaust. The vehicle in the car show had black-faced instrumentation, but the production US-spec car will feature white gauges.

NISMO 350Z went on sale in the US in July 2007 at Nissan dealers.[15][16] 1500 were produced for the '07 model year, and it is assumed that the same number were manufactured for the '08 model year as well. The vehicle had MSRP of $38,070.

Alpine car

Another rumor is that the French brand Alpine (a manufacturer of Renault-powered sports cars) would be resurrected to offer a new car based on the platform of the 350Z, developed with the support of Porsche.[17] The vehicle later became Renault Alpine 210 RS.[18]

Version NISMO Type 380RS (2007)

Released as the street version of Fairlady Z Type 380RS-Competition race car for Japanese market, it includes the VQ35HR engine stroked and bored to 3.8-liter, rated 257 kW (350 PS/350 hp) @ 7200 rpm and 397 N·m (40.5 kgf·m/293 lbf·ft) @ 4800 rpm torque. Brembo disc brakes are fitted, as are Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires (245/40R18 in front, 275/35R19 in the rear) with RAYS wheels. Front and rear dampers come from Yamaha.

Version NISMO Type 380RS is priced 5.397 million (5.14 million+tax) yen ($38695 USD).[19] Only 300 cars are produced.[20]

Version NISMO Type 380RS-Competition

It is the race car for which Version NISMO Type 380RS is based. The 3798cc engine rated 294kW (400PS)@7500rpm and 421Nm (43kgm)@5200rpm torque.

According to Nissan, the race car cost 26.25 million yen.[21]

Version ST Type G (2006)

In 2006-01-12, Nissan announced the sale of Version ST Type G for Japanese market. This version features are 19-inches rear tires (245/40R18 93W front, 265/35R19 94W rear), front & rear fender moldings (+25mm), RAYS alloy wheels, and exclusive interior leather color.

Version ST Type G cost 4,273,500 yen for 6 speed manual, and 4,326,000 yen for 5 speed automatic.[22]

Motorsport

Xanavi Nissan 350Z GT at the 2006 British International Motor Show
Xanavi 350Z, rear

Grand Am

Since its introduction in 2002, it did not take long for drivers and teams to enter a Z33 for competition when B.J. Zacharias and Michiel Schuitemaker of Schuitemaker Motorsports helped the car to make its debut in the Grand-Am Cup Series at the start of the 2003 season. They have taken a few podium finishes with Unitech Racing who is also the other team to field a Z33, but effort was proved to be successful under the name of Playboy Racing scoring wins along with the other current Grand-Am entrant East Competition Promotorsport. The Grand-Am Cup car has also been used in the new FIA GT4 European Cup. Schuitemaker Motorsports with drivers Michiel Schuitemaker and BJ Zacharias won 3rd place in the '03 Grand-Am Cup season. The following year, they improved and finished in 2nd place. Schuitemaker Motorsports was sponsored by 350EVO, a manufacturer of performance 350Z parts. After winning 3rd overall in the '03 season, NISSAN had Wright Tuning build a new 350Z race car for the '04 season. This car differed from the '03 car in that it was completely stripped and seam welded. The cage was lighter and stiffer by using different diameter tubing where possible. The car used a Menard's built engine with a Pectel engine management system. Overall racing weight was 2450 lbs which was the minimum allowable weight for its class. The '04 chassis proved to be the most successful chassis to run in Grand-Am to date. The '03 chassis was sold to a French team with Edouardo Atkatlan as the driver. It still competes in the European "Fun Races" today, winning 2nd place in the inaugural '07 race in Madrid.

JGTC/Super GT

The 350Z replaced the Skyline GT-R as the car for Nissan's factory and customer teams in the Super GT's GT 500 class. The cars used are heavily modified and feature a longer nose and tail (requiring the production of the Type-E homologation special), carbon fiber bodywork, and a tube chassis. In 2004, Nismo won the GT500 championship. Until the 2007 season, the car was powered by a VQ30DETT V6. In order to increase competitiveness, however, a new 4.5L V8 powerplant has been developed. The car, with slightly more pedestrian modifications also competes in the GT300 class (having started there even before the Skyline GT-Rs were replaced) by teams such as Endless Sports and Mola. In 2003 Hasemi Sports won the GT300 championship with the 350Z. In 2008 season, through the 350Zs will be all replaced by Nissan GT-Rs in the GT500 class, but probably they will be continued to used in GT300 class as GT-Rs horsepower overexceeds the horsepower limit which make it impossible to particiapte.

Super Taikyu

The Z33 also appears in the Japan's Super Taikyu series, entered by C-West Labs.

British GT Championship

The British GT Championship also fields a privateer 350Z which competed in the series until 2006.

SCCA

The car is considered popular choice for amateurs and professionals in SCCA events, T.C Kline took third place in the 2003 Touring 2 category in 2003, having being one of three Z33 that made it into the SCCA T-2 runoffs. In the SCCA GT2 class, Jim Goughary took the title it the car's debut season.

Drifting

The car is used in import events and drifting, where in the latter, some drivers have started to use them in the D1 Grand Prix and Formula D series. At the 2006 D1GP exhibition event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Tanner Foust became the first driver to score a perfect 100 points in a 350Z. In the non-Japanese domestic D1GP spinoff series, D1 Great Britain (D1GB), there are two Z33s that compete in the series. Of the 2007 season, both SVA Imports and Sumo Power 350Z currently competes in the EDC (European Drift Championship), which is run by a different organization to D1, and in Formula D, Foust took runner up spot at round 1[23] and at round 2, Chris Forsberg would score its maiden victory[24] in his Roadster equipped with a VK56DE from a Nissan Titan[25]. His win for the 350Z was followed up by Youichi Imamura's win during the Las Vegas round of the US D1GP series in his RB26DETT engined car. Foust would eventually take the Formula D title.[26]

The SVA Imports Z33 is significant for being the other drifting car other than the Team Orange Impreza to feature a rear radiators with air ventilation on both sides rather than just on one on the Impreza.[27]

Open Road racing

Option magazine founder Daijiro Inada used an extensively modified 350Z, dubbed Option Stream Z to compete in the Silver State Classic Challenge.[28] The car is equipped with a GReddy/Trust T88 turbo-charger and is stroked to 3.8 L to produce over Template:Auto bhp.

Drag racing

As the Z33 is popular in import drag racing, one Z33 fielded by Performance Motorsport in the NHRA Sports Compact series, with twin turbo claims to put out over Template:Auto bhp and achieved 8.33 quarter mile time with its best speed of 176.72 mi:h[convert: unknown unit].

Land speed record

In 2004, the tuner Dandy and magazine Option entered a Z33 known as the Option Dandy 380Z with a donor engine from a wrecked Stream Z minus turbocharger producing Template:Auto bhp, to compete in the F/GT class for unblown grand touring sport cars at the Bonneville Speed Week. The car could at best reach 151 mi:h[convert: unknown unit].[29]

Advertising and promotions

To promote the car, Nissan released a short film of the 2003 Track model 350Z blazing a high-speed trail through city streets of up to 200 km/h on a six and a half minute run through the narrow cobblestone streets of Prague in the Czech Republic.[30]

I love this car and really wish I owned one. If you know anyone who wants to give one to a poor college student for little or no cost at all please call Aaron at (209) 915-0430.

Specifications

2003-04 2005 2006 2007
Available Trims 350Z (base), Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Track, Anniversary 350Z (base), Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring, Track Coupe: Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring, NISMO
Roadster: Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring
Powertrain
Engine VQ35DE 3.5 L V6
287 bhp at 6,200 rpm
274 ft⋅lbf (371 N⋅m) at 4,800 rpm 		VQ35DE 3.5 L V6
287 bhp at 6,200 rpm
274 ft⋅lbf (371 N⋅m) at 4,800 rpm
VQ35DE 3.5 L V6
300 bhp at 6,400 rpm
260 ft⋅lbf (350 N⋅m) at 4,800 rpm 		VQ35DE 3.5 L V6
300 bhp at 6,400 rpm
260 ft⋅lbf (350 N⋅m) at 4,800 rpm 		VQ35HR 3.5 L V6
306 bhp at 6,800 rpm
268 ft⋅lbf (363 N⋅m) at 4,800 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Curb Weight Coupe:
3,188 lb (1,446 kg) (Base)
3,197 lb (1,450 kg) (Enth)
3,217 lb (1,459 kg) (Perf)
3,247 lb (1,473 kg) (Tour)
3,225 lb (1,463 kg) (Track)
Roadster:
3,428 lb (1,555 kg) (Enth)
3,462 lb (1,570 kg) (Tour) 		Coupe:
3,339 lb (1,515 kg) (Base)
3,346 lb (1,518 kg) (Enth)
3,400 lb (1,542 kg) (Tour)
3,404 lb (1,544 kg) (Grand)
TBD (NISMO)
Roadster:
3,580 lb (1,624 kg) (Enth)
3,600 lb (1,633 kg) (Tour)
3,602 lb (1,634 kg) (Grand)
Wheelbase 104.3 in (2,649 mm)
Length 169.8 in (4,313 mm)
Width 71.5 in (1,816 mm)
Height 52.1 in (1,323 mm)

Reviews and awards

The 350Z has been given extensive coverage in the automotive press, and has obtained generally positive reviews. Eddie Alterman, senior editor of Automobile Magazine, said of the 350Z "An outstanding performance value. They got all the important stuff right."[31] While David Swigg of Motor Trend said "With a competent driver at the wheel and the traction control switched off, many Boxster drivers would be hard-pressed to post better lap times than with this Z."[32]

Automotive journalists tend to praise such features as the 350Z's value, performance, handling, and braking. While criticisms tend to be directed towards the grade of interior plastics, greater curb weight than its competitors, cabin ergonomics and engine refinement. However, Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear had mostly negative things to say about the car, giving it a C- or three points out of ten, but later awarded the Nissan Designers with 2004 Top Gear Magazine Car of the year award.[33] Other reviews have criticised reflections of the back strut in the rear windows.[34][35]

At present, the 350Z has won over 40 international awards from various media and industry sources.

References

  1. ^ Internet auto guide - Nissan 350Z specifications
  2. ^ Brian Long. (2004), Nissan 300ZX and 350Z: The Z-car story :Veloce. ISBN 1904788041
  3. ^ Ron Sessions. (2002) Lust, Then Love: The Story of the New Z, :Publications International. ISBN 0785375686
  4. ^ Brian Long. (2004), Nissan 300ZX and 350Z: The Z-car story :Veloce. ISBN 1904788041
  5. ^ Brian Long. (2004), Nissan 300ZX and 350Z: The Z-car story :Veloce. ISBN 1904788041
  6. ^ "Grand Designers". Telegraph. Retrieved 2007-04-28. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  7. ^ Read entire thread for details on faulty rings|url=http://my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232332&page=39
  8. ^ 2005 Ushers in the Celebration of the Z History With the Release of the 35th Anniversary Edition
  9. ^ 350Z Type E specifications
  10. ^ 2005 Nissan NISMO 350Z S-tune GT
  11. ^ 2004 Nissan Nismo 350Z R-Tune
  12. ^ "Nissan confirms production of 350Z GT-S".
  13. ^ evo - Battle of the Sixes
  14. ^ Report: Nissan will produce 350Z GT-S
  15. ^ New York Auto Show: NISMO 350Z shines at Nissan booth
  16. ^ NISMO 350Z Debuts
  17. ^ "Renault to revive Alpine?". Reuters. 2006-02-08. Retrieved 2006-11-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Renault Alpine 210 Rs
  19. ^ Version NISMO Type 380RS homepage
  20. ^ Tuner Special: Nismo Type 380RS
  21. ^ Version NISMO Type 380RS-Competition specifications
  22. ^ Version ST Type G press release
  23. ^ http://formulad.com/prochampionship.php
  24. ^ http://formulad.com/prochampionship.php
  25. ^ http://www.chrisforsberg.com/the-cars
  26. ^ http://formulad.com/standings.php
  27. ^ svaimports.com: 350 Drift Car
  28. ^ Roger Hewson (2004-10-25). "Vengeance of the Z". Overboost.com. Retrieved 2006-11-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ http://freeplanets.jp/~FairladyZ/Z33-AutoSalon2005.html
  30. ^ "The Run" (PDF). nissan.com.au. Retrieved 2007-8-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  31. ^ "2003 Nissan 350Z Four Season Test". Automobile Magazine. Retrieved 2007-04-17. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  32. ^ "350Z 1 Year Review". motortrend.com. Retrieved 2007-04-17. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  33. ^ "Top Gear Car of the Year 2004". CarPages.co.uk. Retrieved 2006-12-15. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  34. ^ "Channel 4 Road Test: Nissan 350Z (2003-)". Retrieved 2007-08-15.
  35. ^ "cars.uk.msn.com 350Z first drive". Retrieved 2007-08-15.
  36. ^ "TopSpeed Japanese Performance Car of the Year 2007". topspeed.com. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  37. ^ "Car and Driver 10 Best Cars 2003". carandriver.com. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  38. ^ "Most Significant Vehicle of the Year 2003". edmunds.com. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  39. ^ "Editors' Most Wanted 2003". edmunds.com. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  40. ^ "Most Sex Appeal Award 2003". Road and Travel Magazine. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  41. ^ "Canadian Car of the Year 2003". AJAC. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  42. ^ "Best New Design 2003". AJAC. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  43. ^ "Driver's Choice Award 2003". MotorWeek Television. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  44. ^ "12 Best Cars Under 30K". Road & Track. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)
  45. ^ "Top Gear Car of the Year 2004". CarPages.co.uk. Retrieved 2006-12-15. {{cite web}}: Text "Nissan 350Z" ignored (help)

Further reading

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