Nissan 370Z

Nissan 370Z

Manufacturer	Nissan Motors
Also called	Fairlady Z
Assembly	Tochigi, Tochigi Japan
Predecessor	Nissan 350Z
Class	sports car
Body style(s)	coupe
Layout	FMR layout
Platform	FM platform
Engine(s)	3.7 L (226 cu in) VQ37VHR V6
Related	Infiniti G37 Nissan Skyline

The Nissan 370Z (known as the Fairlady Z in Japan) is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motors.^[1] It was announced on October 29, 2008 and was unveiled at the 2008 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.^[2][3] The 370Z is the sixth-generation of Nissan's Z-car line, originally introduced in the 1970 model year as the Datsun 240Z. The coupe is set to enter production in January 2009 for the 2009 model year^[1] followed by the roadster version in the 2010 model year.^[4]

The 370Z was unofficially revealed in public at an event in Los Angeles ahead of the 2008 LA Auto Show.^[5]

Design

The Nissan 370Z is a front engine rear-wheel-drive two door sports car. The vehicle features the long-hood short-deck design common to the Z-Car family continuing the tradition of exchanging trunk room for increased performance. External design highlights include a sloping fastback style roof line, high waistline, and bulging fenders that are pushed out to the corners of the vehicle.

Interior cabin design is straight forward. 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. Unlike the 350Z, the 370Z does make use of a conventional glove box.

Changes from the 350Z include a straighter and sharper A-pillar (similar to the GT-R), new aggressive Maxima-inspired headlights, intelligent key system, more pronounced fender arches, new rocker panels and a new liftgate.^[6]

Engineering

Nissan 370Z rear.

Almost every piece and component of the 370Z has been redesigned. It is powered by the VQ37VHR 3.7 L (230 cu in) DOHC V6 (the same one found in the Infiniti G37 but tuned differently) with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control and produces 332 bhp (248 kW/337 PS). That power is sent to the rear wheels through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual transmission that features a world's first synchronized downshift rev matching system as a part of the Sport Package. The car has a Differential Power Switch.

Compared to the 350Z, the 370Z has a wheelbase 4 in (100 mm) shorter at 100.4 in (2,550 mm) and an overall length 2.7 in (69 mm) shorter at 167.1 in (4,240 mm). The overall width has been increased by 1.3 in (33 mm), the rear track by 2.2 in (56 mm), and overall height reduced by 0.3 in (7.6 mm). The smaller exterior dimensions and use of more lightweight materials help reduce weight. The 370Z features aluminum door panels, an all-aluminum hood, and an aluminum hatch.

Front body torsion rigidity is improved by 30 percent with an extensively revised body structure which includes a new front suspension cradle to reduce front body lateral bending, new rear structural reinforcements, and an underbody "V-bar" to help reduce rear lateral bending. Additional enhancements include the use of a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthening of the rear fender and hatch areas. Rear body torsion rigidity is improved by up to 22 percent and rear body vertical bending rigidity is improved by up to 30 percent.

Specifications

	2009
Available Trims	370Z (base), Touring
Powertrain
Engine	VQ37VHR 3.7 L (226 cu in) V6 332 bhp (248 kW) at 7000 rpm 270 lb·ft (370 N·m) at 5200 rpm
Transmission	7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match system
Dimensions
Curb Weight	3,232 lb (1,466 kg) (base) 0 lb (0 kg) (Tour)
Wheelbase	100.4 in (2,550 mm)
Length	167.1 in (4,240 mm)
Width	72.8 in (1,850 mm)
Height	51.8 in (1,320 mm)

Fifth generation (Z33)

Nissan 350Z

When Carlos Ghosn of French company Renault stepped in, buying 44.4% of the company in 1999 and becoming its chief operating officer, people still had reason to believe that the Z-car would be lost in the shuffle and would never reappear again. Massive restructuring on a scale never before seen by the Japanese automakers led to such fears, among layoffs, corporate restructuring, and product management issues that resulted. Yet Ghosn surprised people after becoming CEO by telling reporters: "We will build the Z. And we will make it profitable."^[13]

Finally in August 2001, Nissan introduced the Z Concept. Much like its previous Z concept, it debuted at the North American International Auto Show and was also painted bright orange. The squat, long-hood/short-deck styling was the result of a competition between Nissan's Japanese, European, and American design studios, with the La Jolla, California studio's design being chosen. The product planners wisely decided to avoid the price problems that plagued the last few years of the 300ZX and shot for a target MSRP of $30,000 while using the Porsche Boxster as a benchmark.^[14]

In the summer of 2002, the 350Z was finally released to wide acclaim. It used the 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine from multiple Nissan cars, including the Maxima and Pathfinder. This engine initially produced 287 bhp (214 kW) and 274 lb·ft (371 N·m) torque, but in 2005 was bumped up to an even 300 bhp (220 kW) and 260 lb·ft (353 N·m). Prices started at $26,000 US, well below the $30,000 mark initially set. Coupled to either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (the auto loses 13 bhp (9.7 kW) in comparison), it is currently available only as a 2-seater hardtop and a convertible, introduced in 2004, and there will not likely be a 2+2 configuration. There are 5 trim packages available, featuring options such as Bose audio systems and leather seats, with the top-of-the-line trim being the Nismo limited edition. This included revised camshafts, a Nismo sport tune exhaust, custom RAYS Engineering 18-inch (460 mm) wheels (19 in/480 mm in rear), front and rear spoilers and rear diffuser, a Brembo braking system with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8 in/330 mm front and 12.7 in/320 mm rear rotors).

The 2005 35th Anniversary and 2006 350Z with manual transmissions receives a new engine, the 3.5L VQ35DE rev-up, which increases the redline to 7000 rpm and increased power to 298 hp (222 kW). And all 2007-2008 350Z models comes with the newer 3.5L VQ35HR engine with dual intakes, 7500 rpm redline, and increased power to 306 hp (228 kW).

So far, there have been many special editions released in Japan, Europe, and the US, with the most notable being the 35th Anniversary Edition. Celebrating 35 years of the Z-car (as opposed to the 300ZX Z31's 50th Anniversary Edition commemorating the company), it was based on the Track Edition and came in three colors (Ultra Yellow, Silverstone and Super Black), special 5-spoke wheels, and special Z emblems.

Nissan 240Z Concept (1999)

Nissan 240Z Concept

The Z-car went on hiatus from 1996 to 2002, as Nissan was not only focusing on SUVs but was also in financial trouble. Many people believed that Nissan would not live to see the new millennium, and that the Z-car would die with it. To keep Z-car interest alive, the company launched a restoration program in 1998 where they purchased original 240Zs, professionally restored them, and sold them at dealerships for $24,000.

Furthermore, Nissan launched a concept car at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, the 240Z Concept. Clearly a throwback to the original, it was a bright orange two-seater with classic swept-back styling . In addition, it was fully functioning, with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder KA24DE engine from the Nissan Altima featuring 200 bhp (150 kW) and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) of torque. The designers used an original 240Z to provide inspiration and the concept was created from drawing to running vehicle in only 12 weeks but critics said: it would be cool but get a new model.^[10]

The running concept, featuring a paltry 4-cylinder in the face of the Z-car's traditional 6-cylinder engines, was thought a less than a worthy successor to the line.^[11][12]

Fourth generation (Z32)

Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

The only thing that remained unchanged from the previous 300ZX is the 3.0-liter displacement, now with dual overhead camshafts and producing a rated 222 hp (166 kW) and 198 lb·ft (268 N·m) in naturally aspirated form. The big news for enthusiasts, however, was the turbo variant, now upgraded with twin Garrett turbochargers and dual intercoolers. This was good for 300 hp (224 kW) along with 283 lb·ft (384 N·m) of torque.^[7] Performance varied from 0-60 times of 5.0-6.0 seconds depending on the source, and it had a governed top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

Upon its release, the new 300ZX became an instant hit, winning Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year" in 1990 as well as "One of the Top Ten Performance Cars". Automobile Magazine honors the 300ZX/300ZX Turbo as its "Design of the Year" and adds it to their "All Stars" list. Road & Track names the 300ZX Turbo "One of the Ten Best Cars in the World", and Car and Driver adds it to their 10Best for the seven years in which it was in production in America. American Z-car sales reach the one million sales mark in the 1990 model year, making it the all-time best selling sports car.^[8]

One of the first few cars completely designed with CAD software, it featured a whole host of technological advancements. On top-of-the-line twin turbo models, four-wheel steering was available under the name Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering). The twin turbochargers, intercoolers, and requisite plumbing left for a cramped engine bay; however, everything fit perfectly with merely the slightest of bulges. The VG30DE(TT) engine also featured dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing.

Like previous generations Nissan offered a 2+2 model with the Z32. In 1993, a convertible version was introduced for the first time in the Z-car's history, as a response to aftermarket conversions. All 300ZXs now featured T-tops as standard, yet there were some rare hardtops (known as "slicktops" to enthusiasts) produced as well.

The 300ZX was doomed to the same fate of many Japanese sports cars at the time. The mid-'90s trend toward SUVs and away from sports cars was influential in ending production in 1996 at over 80,000 units sold. However, the biggest killer of the 300ZX was its inflated price; at its release it was priced at a little over $30,000, but in its final year this price had increased to over $50,000. This left many people questioning its value, and despite a final Commemorative Edition of the final 300 units shipped to America (complete with decals and certificates of authenticity), the Z-car was on hiatus. In Japan, however, the 300ZX lived on for a few more years with a facelift including new rear turn signal len and chrome housing headlight.

Here is the footage of the last Nissan Z-car being built for the United States market in 1996. ^[9]

Third generation (Z31)

Nissan 300ZX (Z31)

The Z-car was completely redesigned in 1984, and introduced Nissan's new series of 3.0-liter V6 engine, dubbed the VG series. The same engine was used in the Electramotive (later to become NPTI) GTP ZX-Turbo that dominated the IMSA GTP races in 1988 and 1989. These were available in both VG30E naturally-aspirated and VG30ET turbocharged forms producing 160 and 200 bhp (120 and 150 kW) respectively, although some VG30ET powered Z-cars exported outside of the US produced 228 bhp (170 kW) due to a longer cam duration and less emission restrictions. These were showcased in sleek new wedge-shaped styling and given a new name, the 300ZX. Like its predecessor, it also proved to be wildly popular and was the second-best selling Z-car in history^[2] selling over 70,000 units due in part not only to its new styling but also to even more added luxury features and high performance. When the 300ZX Turbo was released in Japan it offered the highest HP available in a Japanese standard production car at the time.^[3] Much like the 280ZX that preceded it, the first-gen 300ZX was thought by enthusiasts as more GT than true sports car. It had improved handling, acceleration, and refinement on the previous model Z car, but still could not rejuvenate the original spirit of the 240Z.

Nissan made various changes and claimed improvements to the Z31 model through its entire production. In 1983 Nissan first offered the 300ZX in Japan. It was introduced in the US one year later. All US-market 1984 model Nissan vehicles carried both Datsun and Nissan nameplates. Along with the arrival of their new flagship sports coupe, Nissan launched an aggressive marketing campaign to promote the brand name change from Datsun to Nissan. The 1984 Models can technically be considered the only year of the "Datsun 300ZX". The 1984 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was released in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary year. It was based on the standard 300ZX Turbo, but was outfitted with every luxury feature available, a unique black interior with "bodysonic" leather seats in addition to widened fender flares, requisite badging, rear quarter panel flares, and sixteen-inch (406 mm) wheels (400 mm).^[4]

The name for the 50th anniversary edition was "black gold". For the 1985 model year, Nissan dropped the Datsun name brand for good, but the car dealers were still known as Datsun dealers. Paul Newman raced in the 1985 GT1 Challenge and won. This was Newman's 4th national championship. ^[5]Minor changes were made to the 300ZX including a water-cooled turbocharger, smoked taillights, and body-color bumpers.

The 1986 model saw wider flared wheel wells, and the rear quarter panels were designed specifically to accommodate factory ground effects. 1986 turbo models were equipped with an ordinary hood, markedly losing the turbo "scoop" on the drivers side.

In order to keep up with quickly aging aesthetics, another slight redesign happened in 1987, consisting of new rounded, restyled and longer front and rear bumpers, new headlights, and new tail lights. The black trim on turbo models was now a charcoal instead of gloss black, and 1987 Turbo models came with special "smoked" turbo-finned wheels. All 1987 model year turbo cars also received an upgraded manual transmission, larger and more powerful brakes, and turbo cars produced from 4/87 and later came equipped with a clutch-type limited-slip differential.

For the 1988 models, there were again a few small changes. The turbocharger was switched from the Garrett T3 turbo to a lower-inertia T25 turbo, and the engine from 7.8:1 to an 8.3:1 compression ratio in order to reduce turbocharger spool time and provide instant boost at any usable RPM. The interior aluminum accents and chrome door handles that adorned the earlier cars were dropped in favor of matching color parts. Another special edition, the "Shiro Special" (SS), was released in 1988. It was only available in pearl white (shiro meaning "white" in Japanese). The SS package consisted of analog gauges and climate controls with a black interior, stiffer sway bars, stiffer springs, non-adjustable suspension, special seats (recaro), a viscous-coupling limited slip differential, and a special front lower lip spoiler. This package had no options; all 88SS cars are identical.^[6]

The 1989 Models are identical to 1988 models, though somewhat rare because of Nissan winding-down production early in preparation for the second generation 300ZX.

Second generation (S130)

Nissan/Datsun 280ZX (S130)

The only thing that was left unchanged from the previous 280Z was the 5-speed manual transmission and 2.8-liter L28 inline-6 engine, while the entire car overall was made more luxurious to meet growing consumer demands. Major changes for this new generation of Z-cars include t-tops, introduced in 1980, and a turbocharged model introduced in 1981, complementing the naturally aspirated (NA) 2-seater and NA 2+2 models. Coupled to either a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, the turbocharged model was capable of 180 bhp (130 kW) and 203 ft·lb_f (275 N·m) of torque, over the 135 bhp (101 kW) and 144 ft·lb_f (195 N·m) of the NA engine.

Notable models include the 10th Anniversary Edition,^[1] featuring gold emblems, gold alloy wheels, and two-toned paint in either gold/red and black, with luxury features such as leather seats, headlamp washers, and automatic climate control.

The 280ZX was wildly popular, being hailed as Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 1979 and going on to set a Z-car sales record of 86,007 units in its first year. While on the one hand it received universal praise for taking the Z-car to further levels of comfort and performance, many enthusiasts also lamented the further emphasis on luxury over driving fun. This would continue with the third generation of Z-car, with a clean-sheet redesign that would take the Z-car to further heights.

First generation (S30)

Nissan/Datsun 240Z (S30)

Production of the Nissan Z Car started on October 1969, with 2 separate versions: one for the Japanese market and one for the US market. The Japanese Fairlady Z featured a SOHC L20A inline-6 producing 130 hp (97 kW), while the US 240Z had a L24 inline-6 with twin SU carburetors that produced 151 hp (113 kW). A third Z, the 432Z(PS30) shared a performance version of the DOHC 2.0 liter S20 engine with the Skyline GT-R.

In Japan, the car was still known as the Fairlady to keep in line with past Nissan sports cars; Katayama fought furiously to have all American badging replaced with "DATSUN" and refused all dealers to receive cars until he had done so.

The 240Z was released in America on October 22, 1969, and became an instant hit. Combining good looks, powerful performance, and luxury features, it sold over 45,000 units through the 71 model year and over 50,000 and 40,000 in 1972 and 1973, respectively.

1974 saw the Datsun Z's engine displacement increased to 2.6 liters, bringing a name change to Datsun 260Z, as well as a 2+2 model. Despite the engine size increase, power went down to 139 in the most areas of the US market thanks to new camshafts, carburetors and lower compression in the face of stiffening emissions regulations. In other export regions the power was increased to 154 hp (115 kW).

In 1975, the Datsun 280Z was offered in North America (not to be confused with the 280ZX, which is a second-generation Z-car) with another engine displacement enlargement to 2.8 liters. A major change was the introduction of Bosch fuel injection, replacing the previous SU carbs. This resulted in a power increase to 170 hp (130 kW), enough to offset the added luxury and enlarged bumpers to meet US Federal regulations. Export markets outside North America continued to receive the Datsun 260Z until the introduction of the Datsun 280ZX at the end of 1978.

History of Z-Series

History

Nissan was a relatively small company that had visions of greatness. In the early 1960s, Nissan had partnered with Yamaha to design a new sports car prototype. As no strangers to the sports car game, company executives rightfully saw it as a halo car that would improve its image in the minds of consumers. By 1964 Nissan realized that Yamaha's DOHC 2.0-liter engine was not meeting Nissan's expectations and the project was scrapped. Yamaha then later finished a prototype and took their design to Toyota, and the result was the building of the Toyota 2000GT. Yutaka Katayama, the president of Nissan USA at the time, had realized the importance of an affordable sports car. Nissan had already produced the successful series of Fairlady roadsters that competed against English and Italian roadsters, and product planners envisioned a new line of GT cars that would be stylish, innovative, fast, and relatively inexpensive by sharing parts among other Nissan vehicles. Prototype work began in 1966 with a clay mockup. The 240Z design project was primarily comprised of 10 people.

• Mr. Yutaka Katayama (President of Nissan USA, known as "Mr. K")
• Mr. Teiichi Hara (Manager, Nissan Design and Development)
• Mr. Kazumi Yotsurnoto (Manager, Passenger Car Styling Section}
• Mr. Yoshihiko Matsuo (Chief of Design, Styling Studio #4)
• Mr. Akio Yoshida (Assistant Designer on Exterior Design)
• Mr. Sue Chiba (Interior Design)
• Mr. Eiichi Oiwa (Styling Studio Assistant)
• Mr. Kiichi Nishikawa (Styling Studio Assistant)
• Mr. Hidemi Kamahara (Design Engineer)
• Mr. Tsuneo Benitani (Design Engineer)

350Z Special Edition

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 ^[7]

Gran Turismo 4 Limited Edition

Set for limited release Spring 2009 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 coupe with 3.5 liter engine has now 300hp (20hp more than original) at 6400rpm, but the red line starts at 7000rpm. ^[8]

35th Anniversary Edition (2005)

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the début of Datsun 240Z, Nissan released a tuned version of the 350Z coupe. The 35th Anniversary Z was débuted 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. It went on sale in January 2005.^[9]

35th Anniversary Edition includes an uprated 300 hp (220 kW) 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 (460 mm) cast aluminium-alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo brakes and special Z badging. The car comes in a variety of unique colours including "Ultra Yellow", "Super Black" body colours.

ST Type G (2006)

In 2006-01-12, Nissan announced the sale of ST Type G for Japanese market. This version features 19 inches (480 mm) 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 5 speed automatic.^[10]

GT-S

During the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) unveiled the 350Z GT-S concept.^[11] 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 (285.3 kW) 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 favourably against its possible production rivals, the Porsche Cayman S and BMW Z4 M.^[12]

Auto Express magazine reported the GT-S would be on sale in UK for £36,000, but it has yet to be produced.^[13]

NISMO Editions

Nissan's performance tuning division, NISMO, 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.^{[citation needed]}

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,^{[citation needed]} but gains significant horsepower, intended for track racers.

Engine is rated 305 hp (227 kW)

NISMO 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^[14]

NISMO 380RS (Nismo 350Z - 2007-Present)

This edition of the 350Z Coupe debuted in New York International Auto Show on April 4, 2007. 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 GT 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, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch (330 mm) front and 12.7-inch (320 mm) rear rotors) and NISMO-branded gunmetal grey 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. 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.^[15][16] 1500 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).^[17] Only 300 cars were produced.^[18]

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 GT championship.

According to Nissan, the race car cost 26.25 million yen.^[19]

Nissan 350Z

Nissan 350Z

Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Nissan Fairlady Z
Assembly	Oppama, Japan (2002-2003) Tochigi, Tochigi Japan (2004-present)
Predecessor	Nissan 300ZX
Successor	Nissan 370Z
Class	Sports car / Roadster
Body style(s)	2-door coupe / 2-door roadster
Layout	FMR layout
Platform	Nissan FM platform
Engine(s)	2003-2004 3.5 L (210 cu in) VQ35DE V6 287 bhp (214 kW) 274 ft·lbf (371 N·m) 2005 (35th Anv & Track) 3.5 L (210 cu in) VQ35DE RevUp V6 300 bhp (220 kW) 260 ft·lbf (350 N·m) 2006 3.5 L (210 cu in) VQ35DE RevUp V6 300 bhp (220 kW) 260 ft·lbf (350 N·m) 2007-present 3.5 L (210 cu in) VQ35HR V6 306 bhp (228 kW) 268 ft·lbf (363 N·m)
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,649 mm (104.3 in)
Length	2003-05: 4,303 mm (169.4 in) 2006-08: 4,314 mm (169.8 in)
Width	1,816 mm (71.5 in)
Height	2003-05 Hatchback: 1,318 mm (51.9 in) Roadster: 1,328 mm (52.3 in) 2006-08 Hatchback: 1,324 mm (52.1 in) Roadster: 1,334 mm (52.5 in)
Curb weight	3,188 lb (1,446 kg) - 3,602 lb (1,634 kg)
Fuel capacity	76 L (20 US gal)[1]
Related	Infiniti G35 Nissan Skyline
Designer	Ajay Panchal

The Nissan 350Z was a two seat sports car 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 currently available in several trim packages and is sold as both a coupé and roadster. It was Nissan's only sports car from 2003-08 for North America (and it was the first North American Nissan sports car since the 1998 240SX and 200SX), when the 2009 GT-R and its successor, the 2010 370Z would replace the 350Z as the brand's sole sports cars.

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 200 bhp (150 kW) 2.4L engine known as the KA24DE that was going to be assigned made the car more 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 Ghosn announced plans to produce the car as he felt the new model would help to assist the company's recovery.^[4]

A redesigned model, the Z Concept, was unveiled at the 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 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.^[5]

Design and layout

The 350Z is a front engine rear-wheel-drive two door sports car designed by Ajay Panchal of Nissan Design America (San Diego, California).^[6]

The vehicle features the long-hood short-deck design common to the Z-Car family. Currently, external design highlights include: sloping fastback 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 centre 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.