350Z Heralds a New Nissan
Exciting new sports car embodies Nissan's new bold thinking
Nissan's bold, new thinking has found form in the all-new Nissan 350Z. Known to its' enthusiasts as the Fairlady, the 350Z symbolizes Nissan's revived spirit and passion. A showcase of the company's daring approach to design, performance and technology, this sports coupe challenges European sports cars with its breathtaking acceleration, surefooted braking and snappy handling.
So good was enthusiast's acceptance of the 350Z that when it was introduced in Japan in 2001 orders backed up production by at least four months. In the United States, the "Z" was awaited with much anticipation. It was launched at the North American Auto Show in Detroit as a 2003 model. Instantly, the stylish 287 horsepower (206 kW or 280 PS) car hauled in a beeline of buyers who eagerly anticipated the return of the Z-car for over five years.
The 350Z continues the Z heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since former Nissan U.S. president Yutaka Katayama brought the original Datsun 240Z to life in 1970. Mr. Katayama, known as the "Father of the Z" pestered Nissan's headquarters in Tokyo for an affordable sports car mainly for the U.S. market.
Now 92 years old, Katayama promised some five years ago "I'll do anything for the Z revival. I'll stay alive until that day comes." Nissan discontinued the Z sports car line in the late 90s, the last model was the 25th anniversary Z which was produced in limited numbers.
Designed to wow at first sight, the 350Z is an object of unending adoration. The sleek, slippery exterior combines gracefully with the low aspect ratio tires and large diameter wheels. Inheriting the "Z-ness" of sporty elegance and unmatched performance of previous Zs, the Fairlady boasts of many new features perfected to an exceptionally high quality.
Nissan describes the Z car's ride as a "sporty flat ride." Alluding to its distinct handling giving the driver total command of the vehicle as it responds quickly in every driving situation.
Anchored by the very aggressive wheels pushed all the way out to the corners to provide a steady form and commanding stance, creating an impression that emphasizes its nimble agility.
The precise control of the 350Z emanates from its front midship engine layout with a front-to-rear weight bias ratio of 53:47. This weight distribution puts the center of gravity right in the middle and is much better than the Porsche Boxster, BMW M Coupe and the Honda S2000.
Well-loved design cues are passed on from the first-generation Z includes the short-deck styling, long wheelbase and triangular cabin form. The classic arch-shaped roof flows down to the rear hatch giving a 0.29 coefficient of drag (Cd) with the optional aerodynamic parts installed. To this distinct styling, Nissan designers added the bold geometrical forms in the head lamps, tail lights and recessed door handles.
Under the hood, a fire-breathing 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine produces 274 lbs-ft of torque (363 Nm or 37 kg-m) at 4800 rpm. Expanding the VQ power range to fit the demands of hard driving and city transporting meant reworking the intake port design, and adopting a modified Continuous Variable Timing Control (VTC) system, the same one found on the Nissan Cefiro, Nissan Sentra Exalta and Nissan Serena.
VTC technology enables the Cefiro-derived engine to deliver not only outstanding start-off acceleration but also high speed passing performance because of its flat torque characteristics. An added benefit is a sonorous exhaust note that thrills the auditory senses. Adopting an electronically controlled throttle has enhanced with driveability. While extra short shifts in the 6-speed manual makes more quicker gear transitions. The automatic version sports a 5-speed gearbox with a manual gear changing mode similar to a sequential shifter.
Capable of reaching 100 kph in about 6 seconds, Z's rigid chassis rides on special aluminum suspension components and patented "ripple" dampers. The shock absorbers are capable of responding rapidly to changes in the tire contact keeping the ride flat and sustaining traction at all times. The use of a highly rigid cylinder block that also acts as a stressed member giving that extra rigid structure required in harnessing such horsepower.
Inside the 350Z are found a 2-seater streamlined cabin, column mounted instrumentation cluster that moves with the steering wheel adjustment and a strut tower bar that sports the now envied Z-emblem. The standard 2003 model come equipped with tire-melting Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) which will enable the vehicle to gain sportier handling characteristics.
The 350Z has yet to set its wheels in the Philippines but plans are already in place for that possibility to happen.
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