Nissan Carves New Niche with Classic Brand - New Product in Brief - 350Z - Brief Article - Evaluation

Automotive Industries,  August, 2002  by Andrew Cummins

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The basics

Nissan's new 350Z embodies the heritage of the "Z" brand while blending cutting edge technology with eye-stopping design. But the Z represents more than just a return to sports cars for Nissan; it represents everything Nissan wants to be through its "revival" process. Nissan has done everything right with the Z including developing it properly, pricing it correctly, targeting the market segment and delivering it on time. This new, contemporary sports car was created with a healthy dose of what Nissan calls "Z-DNA"--the combination of passion, performance, practicality and value that has identified all Z cars since the original 1970 240Z.

Engine details

The newly designed 3.5L, V6 engine producing in excess of 280 hp, derives its punch as a result of reworking the intake port design and adopting continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS). This allows the engine to deliver great standing acceleration as well as high-speed passing performance.

Features

The new "Z" embodies many of the styling elements that have made past Zs so sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. In addition to great styling, the new version also embraces the basic necessities that any true sports car should: performance and handling, value and durability. All 350Zs include: Nissan direct ignition system (NDIS), CVTCS, 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or electronically controlled 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode, dual exhaust (great note), 4-wheel independent suspension and aerodynamic design.

The numbers

Z is affordable. At $26,200 the base model is priced to attract buyers to the showroom. The enthusiast model offers additional amenities for around $28,200 while the performance version comes in at just under $30,500. For a little more comfort the touring model can be purchased for about $31,100. For the die-hard driver there's the track model with a manual transmission for about $34,000.

What we think

Nissan is very ambitious with its revival plan. Set to launch several new models within the next 12 months, we are confident that the plan will be successful if every new launch is as well targeted as this one. The car is full of quality, performance and styling, and it's priced to attract the buyers. Bottom line--we liked it.

Supplier Involvement

Bridgestone/firstone tires

Jatco transmissions

Calsonic Kansai front end modules

Brembo brakes

RELATED ARTICLE: 2002 350Z

What is it:

Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6, 280 hp at 6,200 RPM

Torque: 260 lbs-It of torque at 4,800 RPM Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed electronically controlled automatic with manual mode.

Suspension: 4-wheel independent

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