The new Nissan 350Z with a redesigned engine, increased power and a discreetly redesigned bonnet reaches South African shores in June.
The lightweight 3.5 litre 24-valve V6 engine now develops 230 kW of power at 6 800 r/min and delivers 358 Nm of torque at 4 800 r/min. Over 90% of the maximum torque is achieved from 2 000 to 7 000 r/min, the rev limit has been raised from 7 000 r/min to 7 500 r/min and vibration levels have been substantially reduced.
"This is the fourth generation of the award-winning VQ35 engine," said Karl Kielblock, Nissan South Africa's Passenger Marketing Manager. "80 per cent of the engine has been redesigned and it features a number of refinements that take it over the 300 horsepower mark. There are improvements in torque, emission, exhaust efficiency and fuel consumption, as well as an even sweeter engine sound."
To accommodate the taller stance of the engine, the centre of gravity of the engine has been lowered by 15 mm and the bonnet redesigned to incorporate a purposeful 'power bulge', giving it a look reminiscent of the original 240Z.
Despite all the technological improvements, the Nissan engineers have been able to improve the power to weight ratio through keeping the weight of the new engine the same as its predecessor.
The snug cockpit continues to feature adjustable leather sports seats, climate control air conditioning, a Bose audio system with six-CD changer, and front, side and curtain airbags. Aesthetics and safety has been improved with the fitment of new active headrests. All other equipment remains unchanged, to remain true to pure sports car DNA. To jog the memory, these include Brembo brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, ABS and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
Enthusiastic reviews from motoring journals here and abroad have been followed by the 350Z emerging as the clear winner in numerous comparative tests with more expensive competitors. 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. This was the 42nd accolade to be given to the 350Z internationally. The latest of a long list of international awards won by the 350Z is Japanese Performance Car's Performance Car of the Year for 2007.
The 350Z is one of the most dramatic manifestations of the changes at Nissan in recent years, and with competitive pricing and excellent dynamics it is a car that continues to appeal.
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