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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
14 May 2007
Nissan has given its 350Z sports car an exterior styling
change and tweaked its 3.5-litre engine as part of a 2007 upgrade.
The 350Z, introduced in 2003, is the latest in a
line of high quality, affordable sports cars that dates back to
1969 when the iconic Datsun 240Z made its debut. The biggest
change for the 2007 350Z is the raised bonnet power bulge. Also
likely to attract attention is a new colour choice of Solar Orange
that is a real stand-out hue.
The 350Z’s engine has been given a substantial
makeover with almost 80 per cent of major parts being modified.
Maximum power has been increased from 221 kilowatts to 230 kW
while torque is up five Newton metres to 358 Nm, at an unchanged
4800 rpm.
We were able to test the new 350Z recently in
Tasmania and are pleased to report that the changes have made a
great driving car even better. The slight harshness has gone from
the engine and the improvement in torque is more noticeable than
the five Nm would suggest, especially at lower revs.
Overall there’s a more refined feel to the car
than previously. The 350Z is fast and safe in a straight line
while rear-wheel drive, high-performance Bridgestone Potenza tyres
on a new design of alloy wheel, and a well-tuned suspension
combine with the latest in electronic traction control to give the
big Nissan sports machine superb road grip in corners.
As before, the Nissan 350Z comes in either coupe
or roadster bodies, each with two variants, Touring and Track. The
coupe, especially in Track format, is the most likely to appeal to
the driving enthusiast, with the soft-top convertible being aimed
more at the cruiser market. Track models are only offered with
six-speed manual transmission, the Touring Roadster only as a
five-speed automatic, and the Touring coupe with a choice between
the two transmissions.
Standard features in all 350Z variants include ABS
brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution,
front and side airbags, alloy wheels, leather seat trim,
power-adjustable seats, cruise control, climate-control air
conditioning and a six-disc CD player, although the latter is not
MP3 compatible.
Surprisingly, while traction control is standard
on all models, stability control is only available in the two
Track variants. Other additional Track features include a deeper
front spoiler and Brembo brakes. Both coupe models also come with
side-curtain airbags.
Safety is improved by the fitment of active head
restraints that move forward to cushion shocks on the heads and
necks of the two front occupants in the event of a crash.
Nissan has indicated that this is likely to be the
last revision for the 350Z with the next generation Z car expected
in late-2008 or early-2009. Among other changes, Nissan tells us
the Z roadster will come with a retractable hardtop for the first
time.
Prices for the Nissan 350Z range are unchanged
from the previous model and range from $62,990 for a manual
Touring Coupe, to $73,990 for either 350Z Roadster.
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Marque Publishing Company
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