Nissan South Africa's top-selling flagship passenger car, the 350Z, has just got even better.
The 350Z is a global sports car that perfectly represents Nissan's shift in success and significance and has done much to enhance the brand's image in the global marketplace.
The sports car segment of the South African passenger car market is small (it represents around 1% of the total passenger car market) but significant, with the competing models playing an important role in not only catering to the growing number of sports car enthusiasts, but also representing and building the brand.
The Nissan 350Z is a car that has attracted a strong following around the world among drivers who appreciate its high performance and striking design. Both of these strong selling points have been improved, with increased power and acceleration and improved handling combining with subtle changes both inside and out that enhance its bold, fluid and expressive styling.
Both the 350Z Coupe and the Roadster are similarly enhanced. Power from the 24-valve 3,5-litre V6 engine – normally aspirated in the interests of instant throttle response, has been upped from 206 to 216 kW at 6 400 r/min compared to the original car's 6 200 r/min, producing performance figures of 0-100 km/h in 5,9 sec and electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
A close-ratio six-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential help the torque, which is now 350 Nm at 4 800 r/min, reach the road in an orderly fashion.
To improve driveability the speed sensitive power-assisted steering (TOPS) is lighter and new shock absorbers combine with improved Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and 17-inch ventilated disc brakes. and new design, six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels to give better handling and braking.
Styling cues that distinguish the 2006 version of the 350Z include a broader new front bumper with extended grille for greater stability; new, more powerful headlight design and new rear combination lamps with LED stop light that reduces electricity consumption.
Interior changes that enhance both quality and utility include new soft-feel surfaces and materials, with genuine leather seats and softer armrests, centre console lid, door grip and added soft padding and insert trim.
The addition of genuine brushed aluminium enhances the appearance and quality of the interior, which now offers added storage space in the form of lit door and console mounted cup holders, easy-access door pockets and optimised positioning of switches and controls, with lights in the new steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Nissan Motorsport has enjoyed great success in the first two years of its return to circuit racing in South Africa, with the striking blue and yellow Sasol Nissan 350Z team scoring five wins, seven pole positions and 14 podiums in the first seven rounds of the 2006 SA production car championship.
The only 'works'-prepared production 350Zs in the world, outside of Japan, the Sasol Nissans have become firm favourites with the fans, inspiring Nissan customers across all segments of the market and enhancing the value of the Nissan brand.
The 350Z's sales success in South Africa mirrors the trend around the globe, where it has also achieved best-selling sports car status in both the United States and Japan. Enthusiastic reviews from motoring journals here and abroad have been followed by the 350Z emerging as thee clear winner in numerous comparative tests.
International awards won by the new 350Z include 'Most Beautiful Car of the Year' at the 2004 International Automobile Festival held in Paris and 'Car of Year' in the 2004 Top Gear Magazine awards, presented by well-known Top Gear television presenter Jeremy Clarkson and magazine editor Michael Harvey in London.
Not to be outdone, the 350Z Roadster won its first European accolade even before customer deliveries had begun: "Cabriolet of the Year", bestowed on it at the Geneva Motor Show.
The jury of international automotive journalists voted unanimously for the 350Z Roadster in recognition of its performance and design. Since 1994, the "Cabriolet Committee" has awarded this high honour at the opening of the Geneva Motor show and it traditionally heralds the start of the season for the purchase of convertible cars as winter disappears and spring arrives.
The honour of "Cabriolet of the Year" is the 42nd accolade to have been given to the 350Z internationally. Of those, 12 have been awarded in Europe and 19 in the United States.
While the 350Z is one of the most dramatic manifestations of the changes at Nissan in recent years, its sales success proves that it is more than just a halo model for the brand. With its competitive pricing and excellent dynamics it is a car that appeals on both a practical and emotional level, and its rapid rise to prominence bears this out.
Prices:
350Z COUPE - R398,000
350Z ROADSTER - R430,000
350Z ROADSTER (Ventilated Seats) - R433,000
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