The
Nissan 350Z is a two seat
sports carThe term sports car has been defined as "an open, low-built, fast motor car." The term describes a class of automobile with two seats, two doors, precise handling, brisk acceleration, and sharp braking — trading practical considerations such as passenger space, comfort, and cargo capacity...
that was manufactured by
Nissan Motor Co, LTD. The 350Z is the fifth 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 was available in several trim packages and is sold as both a
coupéA coupé or coupe is a closed car body style, the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
and
roadsterA roadster, also known as a spyder or spider, is a two-seat car, traditionally without either a roof, side or rear windows.Most modern day two-seaters have windows and feature retractable roofs...
before being succeeded by the
370ZThe Nissan 370Z is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motors. It was announced on October 29, 2008 and was first shown at an event in Los Angeles ahead of the 2008 Greater LA Auto Show, before being officially unveiled at the show itself...
for the 2009 model year.
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After the Nissan 300ZX was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1996, Nissan initially tried to keep the Z name alive by re-creating the
240ZThe Nissan S30 was the first generation of Z sporty 2+2 coupes produced by Nissan Motors, Ltd. of Japan from 1969 to 1978. It was designed by a team led by Mr. Yoshihiko Matsuo, the head of Nissan's Sports Car Styling Studio...
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 KatayamaYutaka Katayama , also known as Mr K, is a former Japanese automotive executive who was employed by Nissan and served as the first president of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A....
, 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
BluebirdThe Nissan Bluebird is a compact- to medium-sized car launched in 1957. The nameplate still exists today on the Nissan Pulsar-based Nissan Bluebird Sylphy in Japan, and on the U13-based Nissan Bluebird in mainland China....
and
LeopardThe Nissan Leopard is a line of luxury sports cars built by Japanese carmaker Nissan. The Leopard began life in 1980 and was discontinued in 1999. Leopards were initially based on the Japanese market Nissan Skyline and Nissan Laurel and the American Datsun 910/Nissan Maxima, then later based on the...
.
The 240Z concept was produced for the Detroit Motor Show for the following January. Nissan was unhappy with the first design as they felt the original 2.4 L engine known as the
KA24DE-KA24E:The KA24E was a SOHC 12-valve engine produced from July 1988 through January 1996. It uses SEFI fuel injection, and features forged steel connecting rods, an internally balanced forged steel crankshaft, and a cast aluminum intake manifold....
that was going to be assigned made the car feel underpowered, they also felt the car was considered too "retro" or too "backward" resembling a futuristic 240Z; thus, a redesign was commissioned. During a press conference in February 2000, president
Carlos GhosnCarlos Ghosn, , Knight Commander of the British Empire, born 9 March 1954 is a Brazil-born French-Lebanese businessman. He is the current CEO and President of Renault of France and Nissan of Japan. He is largely credited with turning around Nissan. As an outsider in charge of one of Japan's...
announced plans to produce the car as he felt the new model would help to assist the company's recovery.
Z Concept was unveiled in Detroit Motor Show two years later, which was similar in body shape but with a new front end. The car then underwent a minor redesign and was eventually assigned the VQ35DE
engineAn engine is a machine that produces mechanical force and motion from another form of energy . It is also referred to as a prime mover. An automobile makes use of several motors to start the car and drive the car's various pumps – but the power plant that propels the car is called an engine...
, hence becoming known as the
350Z. The car would break its tradition of being of the first Z not to be produced at the Shatai plant.
240Z concept (1999)
It was a concept car designed by Ajay Pancha of Nissan's California design studio.
The vehicle was unveiled in 1999 Detroit Motor Show, then later at the Los Angeles Auto Expo.
Design and layout
The 350Z is a front-mid engine rear-wheel-drive two door,two seat, sports car designed by Ajay Panchal of Nissan Design America(San Diego,
CaliforniaCalifornia is the most populous state in the United States, and the third largest by area. California is the second most populous sub-national entity in the Americas, behind only São Paulo, Brazil...
).
The vehicle features the long-hood short-deck design common to the Z-Car family. Currently, external design highlights include: sloping
fastbackA fastback is a car body style whose roofline slopes continuously down at the back. The word can also designate the car itself. The style is seen on two-door coupés as well as four-door sedans.-History:...
style roof line, unique brushed aluminium 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 aluminium 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 2 seats.
Models
Released on August 20, 2002, the 350Z coupé was available in the U.S. in 5 trim packages: '350Z' (Base), 'Enthusiast', 'Performance', 'Touring', and 'Track' editions. In Europe only the 'Track' trim was available, although it was badged and marketed as '350Z'.
In 2004 Nissan introduced the 350Z Roadster featuring an electrically retractable soft-top roof. In the U.S. market the car was available in just 2 trim packages (Enthusiast and Touring), while in Europe, the same versions as the coupé were offered. Nissan added the Grand Touring (GT) trim to the Roadster trim packages for 2005.
In 2005 Nissan launched a 35th Anniversary edition, with a revised exterior and interior (see
Special Editions below). 35th Anniversary 6-speed manual models and Track models were a mid-year introduction, and included the 300HP/260TQ Rev-up engine. Automatic transmission-equipped 35th Anniversary edition models continued with the original VQ35DE with 287HP/274TQ.
For the 2006 model year, the 350Z received a number of notable changes for its mid-cycle facelift. The 300HP/260TQ Rev-up engine that was introduced mid-year 2005 with 6-speed manual was offered for every trim now. Purchasing a 5-speed automatic meant you still got the VQ35DE with 287HP/274TQ. The headlights now sported larger bi-xenon projectors, the front bumper had been revised, the rear taillights now use LEDs, and interior changes brought differences to the center console, among other small things. Touring and Grand Touring models have radio-steering controls standard, MP3 CD compatibility, and Satellite Radio became an available option. The 5AT transmission also received an update, which made it rev-match for every downshift.
For the 2007 model year, the 350Z was again moderately revised. The VQ35DE V6 was replaced with a new, but still 3.5 L VQ35HR V6. It produced at 6800 rpm with at 4800 rpm. The hood was revised featuring a bulge reminiscent of the original 240Z. In the US, trims levels were narrowed down to 350Z (base), Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring, while in Europe the same trim levels remained.
Type E (2004)
A limited run (only 5 units) called the Type E was produced in
Japanis an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in order to meet
homologationHomologation is a technical term, derived from the Greek homologeo for "to agree", which is generally used in English to signify the granting of approval by an official authority...
requirements to compete in the
Super GTThe Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
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
kgfKGF may refer to:*Keratinocyte Growth Factor*King George's Fields A UK set of 471 memorial playing fields and recreation grounds*Kolar Gold Fields...
·m) @ 4800 rpm
Gran Turismo 4 Limited Edition
Set for limited release Spring 2005 only in Europe, Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Limited Edition will feature the Nissan 350Z, in Sunshine Yellow and Black body colors, as its focus. Only 700 copies of this collectors' item will be released. The unique coupé with 3.5 liter engine has now 300 hp (10 hp more than original) at 6400 rpm, but the red line starts at 7000 rpm.
35th Anniversary Edition (2005)
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the début of Datsun 240Z, Nissan released a tuned version of the 350Z coupé. The 35th Anniversary Z was débuted at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on November 2, followed by its first public appearance at the Miami Auto Show in early November. It went on sale in January 2005.
35th Anniversary Edition includes an uprated
V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
for the 6-speed manual transmission model. Other key 35th Anniversary Z equipment (standard on both 6-speed
manualA manual transmission, or manual gearbox is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
and 5-speed
automaticAn automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
equipped versions) includes unique cast aluminium-alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers,
BremboBrembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961, and now operates worldwide....
brakes and special Z badging. The car comes in a variety of unique colours including "Ultra Yellow", "Super Black" body colours. This Z's interior also was available with a two tone black and biege set configuration. Also including a Bose 7 speaker premium sound system with available navigation.
ST Type G (2006)
In 2006-01-12, Nissan announced the sale of ST Type G for Japanese market. This version features rear tires (245/40R18 93W front, 265/35R19 94W rear), front & rear fender mouldings (+25mm), RAYS alloy wheels, and exclusive interior leather color.
The ST Type G cost 4,273,500 yen for 6 speed manual, and 4,326,000 yen for 6 speed automatic.
GT-S
During the 2006
Goodwood Festival of SpeedThe Goodwood Festival of Speed, commonly abbreviated as FoS and referred within the United Kingdom as the Festival of Speed, is an annual hill climb featuring historic motor racing vehicles that is held in the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex, England...
, Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) unveiled the 350Z GT-S concept. The GT-S featured a unique radial flow
superchargerA supercharger is an air compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine. The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally-aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be provided and more work to be done per cycle,...
(that could be turned on or off via a switch on the dashboard), raising engine output to and 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
tireA tire is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
s. 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 favourably against its possible production rivals, the Porsche Cayman S and BMW Z4 M.
Auto ExpressAuto Express is a weekly motoring magazine sold in the United Kingdom, with features including news, road tests, first drives, readers' letters and feedback, product tests, long-term tests, used cars, prices, motorsport and comment columns. the columnists include Mike Rutherford who also writes for...
magazine reported the GT-S would be on sale in UK for £36,000, but it has yet to be produced.
NISMO Editions
Nissan's performance tuning division,
NISMONismo is the motorsports and performance division of Nissan Motor Company. Formed in 1984 as a result of a merger of two motorsport departments, Nismo cars have participated in JSPC, Formula Nippon, JTCC, 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona...
, began producing modified versions of the 350Z shortly after its introduction, although in the UK these were only available one year after the car was launched.
NISMO R-Tune (2004)
The R-Tune was introduced into the NISMO line-up with 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)
NISMO S-Tune GT (2005)
The S-Tune GT was released by NISMO to celebrate its success in motorsport, particularly in the
Super GTThe Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
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
redlineRedline refers to the maximum engine speed at which an internal combustion engine or traction motor and its components are designed to operate without causing damage to the components themselves or other parts of the engine...
(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
NISMO 350Z (2007-2008)
This edition of the 350Z Coupé debuted in New York International Auto Show on 2007-04-04. This version featured the same engine as the regular 350Z (VQ35HR), but produces 313 HP (Redline at 7500 rpm of full 9000rpm) for both 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission. The car featured NISMO aerodynamics package based on the
Super GTThe Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
championship car, which included an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with under body diffuser and a rear wing. The car also had NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension,
BremboBrembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961, and now operates worldwide....
brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with front and rear rotors) and NISMO-branded gunmetal grey RAYS alloy wheels (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 265/35WR19 rear
Bridgestoneis a multinational rubber conglomerate founded in 1931 by in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. The name Bridgestone comes from a calque translation and transposition of ishibashi, meaning "stone bridge" in Japanese....
Potenza RE050A tires), and NISMO-branded tuned exhaust. All Nismo versions are "Ready For Track" with the safety equipment in it.
NISMO 350Z went on sale in the US in July 2007 at Nissan dealers. 1607 were produced for the '07 and '08 model year, and it is assumed that if the demand is there that more will be produced, limited to 10% of all 350Z sales. The vehicle had MSRP of $38,070 for the '07 model year.
NISMO Type 380RS (2007)
Released as the road version for Japanese market of the Type 380RS-Competition race car , it includes the VQ35HR engine stroked and bored to 3.8-litre, 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.
NISMO Type 380RS is priced 5.397 million (5.14 million+tax) yen ($38695 USD). Only 300 cars were produced.
NISMO Type 380RS-Competition
It is the race car for which NISMO Type 380RS is based. The 3798 cc engine rated 294 kW (400 PS) at 7500 rpm and 421 Nm (43 kgm) at 5200 rpm torque. This in turn is based on the GT 500 race car that Nissan enters into the
Super GTThe Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
championship.
According to Nissan, the race car cost 26.25 million yen.
Motorsport
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 début 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
Geddings 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 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-RThe Nissan Skyline GT-R is a Japanese sports car based on the Nissan Skyline range.The first GT-Rs were produced from 1969-1977. After a 16 year hiatus since the KPGC110 in 1972, the GT-R name was revived in 1989 with the Skyline R32. This car was nicknamed "Godzilla" by the Australian motoring...
as the car for Nissan's factory and customer teams in the
Super GTThe Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
'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 350Z, 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, the 350Zs were all replaced by
Nissan GT-RThe Nissan GT-R is a sports car created by Nissan, released in Japan on December 6th, 2007, the United States on July 7, 2008, and the rest of the world in March of 2009.- Nissan Skyline GT-R :...
s in the GT500 class, but they have continued to be used in the GT300 class as the
GT-RThe Nissan GT-R is a sports car created by Nissan, released in Japan on December 6th, 2007, the United States on July 7, 2008, and the rest of the world in March of 2009.- Nissan Skyline GT-R :...
s overexceed the horsepower limits which make it impossible to participate. Thus, two 350Zs competed in the series and MOLA won the both Drivers' and Teams' championships in the GT300 class.
British GT Championship
The
British GT ChampionshipThe Avon Tyres British GT Championship is a sports car racing series currently based in the United Kingdom, although they have had select races outside of Britain in the past few years...
also fields a
privateerIn motor sport, a privateer is usually an entrant into a racing event that is not directly supported by an automobile manufacturer. Privateers teams are often found competing in rally and circuit racing events, and often include competitors who build and maintain their own vehicles...
350Z which competed in the series until 2006..
SCCA
The car is considered popular choice for amateurs and professionals in
SCCAThe Sports Car Club of America is a club and sanctioning body supporting road racing, rally, and autocross in the United States and was formed in 1944...
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 in the car's début season.
Drifting
The car is used in
import eventsThe Import Scene or Import Racing Scene or Tuner Scene refers to the subculture that revolves around modifying imported brand cars , especially those of Japanese brands, for street racing in foreign countries....
and
driftingDrifting refers to a driving technique and to a motor sport where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while preserving vehicle control and a high exit speed...
, where in the latter, some drivers such as Tanner Foust, have started to use them with success in the
D1 Grand PrixThe , abbreviated as D1GP and subtitled Professional Drift, is a production car drifting series from Japan. After several years of hosting amateur drifting contests, Option Magazine & Tokyo Auto Salon founder Daijiro Inada, and drifting legend Keiichi Tsuchiya hosted a professional level drifting...
and
Formula DFormula D is a United States' drifting series.It is not a racing formula.The series is sponsored by the popular video game series, Need for Speed. Its official name is Need for Speed Formula Drift presented by Circuit City...
series. At the 2006 D1GP exhibition event at the
Las Vegas Motor SpeedwayLas Vegas Motor Speedway, located in Clark County, Nevada, is a complex of multiple tracks for automobile racing. The complex is owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.-History:...
, 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 and at round 2,
Chris ForsbergChris Forsberg , is an American self-taught drifting driver from Doylestown, Pennsylvania who currently competes in the Formula Drift series in his Nissan 350Z for NOS Energy Drink and Maxxis Tires.- History :...
would score its maiden victory in his Roadster equipped with a
VK56DEThe VK engine is a V8 piston engine from Nissan. It is an aluminum DOHC 4-valve design.The VK56 Titan/Armada/Qx56 engine is based on Nissan's VQ V6 rather than the VH V8 used in previous Q45/Cima models. Changes include: a variable polymer intake manifold, Newly designed heads, and a larger drive...
from a
Nissan TitanThe Nissan Titan introduced in 2004, is a full-size pickup truck produced for the North American market by Nissan. The truck shares the stretched Nissan F-Alpha platform with the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs, and is manufactured in Canton, Mississippi, United States.-Market and sales:The...
. His win for the 350Z was followed up by
Youichi Imamurais a Japanese professional drifting driver, currently competing in the D1 Grand Prix series for team with .He has always enjoyed driving, so drifting was a natural thing for him. His other passion is flowers as his parents ran a florist and he has always helped them out...
'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.
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.
There are few 350Z drift cars actively participating in DDGT drift competition in Korea; one such 350Z in the scene is the 2007 Black 350Z piloted by Ko-Ryung Hae with TEAM CHRONOS
Open Road racing
Option magazineOption is an automotive magazine founded by Daijiro Inada in 1981, to meet the demand for enthusiasts of modified Japanese cars in Japan....
founder Daijiro Inada used an extensively modified 350Z, dubbed
Option Stream Z to compete in the
Silver State Classic ChallengeThe Silver State Classic Challenge is an authorized Open Road Racing event that is run on a stretch of State Route 318, which is closed for the occasion. The event has been run since 1988, and was the venue for the highest speed achieved on a public highway, when Charles "Chuck" Shafer and Gary...
. The car is equipped with a GReddy/Trust T88 turbo-charger and is stroked to 3.8 L to produce over . The
Option Stream Z was also featured in the
Playstation 2The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The PS2 console is the sequel to the original PlayStation console. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game...
game title
Gran Turismo 4Gran Turismo 4 is a racing video game for Sony PlayStation 2 which was developed by Polyphony Digital. It was released on January 10, 2005 in Japan and Hong Kong , February 22, 2005 in North America , and March 9, 2005 in Europe , and has since been re-issued under Sony's 'Greatest Hits' line...
.
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 and achieved 8.33 quarter mile time with its best speed of . Another 350z built by Injected Performance holds the record as the highest horsepower, street legal 350z and highest horsepower single turbo VQ35DE with a quarter mile time of 8.80 with a speed of . This car was also featured on the March of 2008 cover of Turbo Magazine.
Land speed record
In 2004, the tuner Dandy and magazine
OptionOption is an automotive magazine founded by Daijiro Inada in 1981, to meet the demand for enthusiasts of modified Japanese cars in Japan....
entered a Z33 known as the
Option Dandy 380Z with a donor engine from a wrecked Stream Z minus turbocharger producing , to compete in the F/GT class for unblown grand touring sport cars at the
Bonneville Speed WeekBonneville Speedway is an area of the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, Utah, that is marked out for motor sports. It is particularly noted as the venue for numerous land speed records....
. The car could at best reach . However, stock 2006–08 350Z can reach , which is the speed that the speed limiter is set at.
Advertising and promotions
To promote the 350Z, Nissan released a short film,
"The Run", with a 2003 model being driven in a high-speed run through city streets of up to . This took place through the narrow cobblestone streets of Prague in the Czech Republic, and lasted six and a half minutes.
Specifications
|
2003-04 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| Available Trims |
350Z (base), Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Track |
350Z (base), Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Track, Anniversary |
350Z (base), Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring, Track |
Coupé: Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring, NISMO
Roadster: Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring |
| Powertrain |
| Engine |
| at 6,200 rpm
at 4,800 rpm
| at 6,200 rpm
at 4,800 rpm
VQ35DE V6
at 6,400 rpm
at 4,800 rpm
| at 6,400 rpm
at 4,800 rpm
VQ35HR V6
at 6,800 rpm
at 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission |
6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions |
| Curb Weight |
Coupé:
(Base)
(Enth)
(Perf)
(Tour)
(Track)
Roadster:
(Enth)
(Tour) |
Coupé:
(Base)
(Enth)
(Tour)
(Grand)
(NISMO)
Roadster:
(Enth)
(Tour)
(Grand) |
| Wheelbase |
|
| Length |
|
| Width |
|
| Height |
|
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." 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." However,
Jeremy ClarksonJeremy Charles Robert Clarkson is an English broadcaster and journalist who specialises in motoring. He is best known for his role on the BBC TV show Top Gear along with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May...
of
Top GearTop Gear is a BBC television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine show. Over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous style. The show is currently presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond...
had mostly negative things to say about the car, giving it a C- or three points out of ten and referring to it as
that DatsunDatsun was an automobile marque. The name was created in 1931 by the DAT Motorcar Co. for a new car model, spelling it as "Datson" to indicate its smaller size when compared to the existing, larger DAT car. Later, in 1933 after Nissan Motor Co., Ltd...
with a RenaultRenault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, buses, tractors, and trucks. Due to its alliance with Nissan, it is currently the world's fourth largest automaker. Headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, Renault owns the Romanian automaker Automobile Dacia and the Korean automaker Renault...
engine, despite the engine being a Nissan design begun in the early 1990s. Despite Clarkson's harsh criticism,
Top GearTop Gear is an automobile magazine published by BBC Worldwide, and named after the BBC's Top Gear television show. It was first published in October 1993 and is published monthly at a price of £3.95. The major presenters of the television series - Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson -...
magazine later awarded the Nissan Designers with 2004 Top Gear Magazine Car of the year award.
Automotive journalists tend to praise such features as the 350Z's value, performance, handling, and braking. Criticisms tend to be directed towards the grade of interior plastics, greater curb weight than its competitors, cabin ergonomics and engine refinement. Other reviews have criticised reflections of the back strut in the rear windows.
At present, the 350Z has won over 40 international awards from various media and industry sources.
- Japanese Performance Car of the Year 2007 TopSpeed Magazine
- 10 Best Cars 2003 Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hachette Filipacchi Magazines. Originally headquartered in New York City, the magazine has been based in Ann Arbor, Michigan since the late 1970s.-History:Car and Driver was founded...
Magazine
- Most Significant Vehicle of the Year. Two years running Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com is a provider of automotive information via Web sites, books, and other media. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California and maintains an office outside of Detroit, Michigan...
- Editors' Most Wanted 2003 Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com is a provider of automotive information via Web sites, books, and other media. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California and maintains an office outside of Detroit, Michigan...
- International Car of the Year: Most Sex Appeal Award 2003 Road and Travel Magazine
- Canadian Car of the Year 2003 Automobile Journalists Association of Canada
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada is an association of professional journalists, writers and photographers whose focus is the automobile and the automotive industry in Canada. Since 1985 AJAC has held an annual Canadian Car of the Year award.-External links:* http://www.ajac.ca*...
- Best New Design 2003 Automobile Journalists Association of Canada
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada is an association of professional journalists, writers and photographers whose focus is the automobile and the automotive industry in Canada. Since 1985 AJAC has held an annual Canadian Car of the Year award.-External links:* http://www.ajac.ca*...
- Driver's Choice Best Performance Car 2003 MotorWeek
MotorWeek is television’s original automotive magazine series.The award-winning program premiered in 1981 and is hosted by nationally acclaimed auto expertJohn H. Davis, who is also the series’ creator and executive producer...
Television
- Winner 12 Best Cars Under 30K Road & Track
Road & Track is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. It is owned by Hachette Filipacchi Media, and is published monthly. The editorial offices are located in Newport Beach, California.-History:...
Magazine
- Car of the Year 2004 Top Gear Magazine
Top Gear is an automobile magazine published by BBC Worldwide, and named after the BBC's Top Gear television show. It was first published in October 1993 and is published monthly at a price of £3.95. The major presenters of the television series - Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson -...
Further reading
External links