The Nissan 350Z (known as Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33) in Japan) is a two-door, two-seater sports car that was manufactured by Nissan Motor Corporation from 2002 until 2009 and marks the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line. The 350Z entered production in 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model from August 2002. The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut until the following year. Initially, the coupe came in Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring and Track versions, while the Roadster was limited to Enthusiast and Touring trim levels. The Track trim came with lightweight wheels and Brembo brakes, but its suspension tuning was the same as all other coupes. The Nissan 350Z was succeeded by the 370Z for the 2009 model year, although the roadster was sold alongside the 370Z for 2009.
Background After the Nissan 300ZX was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1996, Nissan initially tried to keep the Z name alive by re-creating the 240Z the following year.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.
The 240Z concept was produced for the Detroit Motor Show during the following August and September. Nissan was unhappy with the first design as they felt the original 2.4 L KA24DE engine that was going to be assigned made the car feel underpowered. They also felt the car was considered too "retro" or too "backward" resembling a futuristic 240Z; hence, 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.
The Z Concept was unveiled in 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 3.5 L VQ35DE engine, hence becoming known as the 350Z.
Concept models Middle Sport (1997)
In the mid-1990s, Nissan planned a replacement for the Z32 generation. The prototype was named "Middle Sports". The "Middle Sports" featured a 2.4-litre inline 4 KA24DE tuned to 200 horsepower and 256 Nm of torque, mounted in a front-midship configuration. Based from the redesigned 240SX. the front bumper resembles the 240ZG, but the front bumper design, rear taillights, and black pinstripes on the sides also show strong influences from the Z32. The rear side windows have been made smaller and the C-pillar appears thicker, suggesting a design that was intended to be a two-seater.
240Z concept (1999)
Nissan unveiled the 240Z concept car at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, then later at the Los Angeles Auto Expo. The concept was based primarily on a design sketch by Manny Baker of Nissan's California design studio. In a reference to the original, it was a bright orange two-seater with swept-back styling. It was a fully functional car with its 2.4 L 4-cylinder KA24DE engine from the Nissan Altima producing and of torque, and not the Z-car's traditional 6-cylinder engine. It was thought a less than worthy successor to the line. The designers used an original 240Z to provide inspiration and the concept was created in only 12 weeks. Automotive critics described "it would be cool but get a new model." This design served the intended purpose of creating interest, in the public and the corporation, for a new Z car.
Design and layout The 350Z is a front mid engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-door, two-seat sports car primarily designed by Ajay Panchal, part of a design team led by Diane Allen of Nissan Design America in San Diego, California in 2000. This program was inspired by the successful reception to the 1998 240Z concept model.
The vehicle has the long-hood short-deck design common to the Z-Car family. External design highlights include: sloping fastback style arched roof line, unique brushed aluminum door handles, high waistline, and bulging fenders that are pushed out to the corners of the vehicle.
The Interior design has brushed aluminum accents. The main gauge pod is mounted directly to the steering column allowing its movement to coincide with steering wheel adjustments. Additional gauges are mounted in a center triple gauge cluster (similar to the 240Z/260Z/280Z). Touring models are equipped with the Bose sound system, a six CD changer and a 8-inch Bose subwoofer mounted behind the driver's seat. The 350Z's interior does not have a conventional glove box, but has storage compartments located behind and between the two seats.
Models
Unveiled in 2001 Tokyo Motor Show as the pre-production model, then released in July 2002 in Japan at reorganized Nissan Japanese dealerships called Nissan Blue Stage, and August 20, 2002, in the U.S., the 350Z coupé was available in 5 trim packages: '350Z' (Base), 'Enthusiast', 'Performance', 'Touring', and 'Track' editions. In Europe, only the 'Track' trim was available, although it was badged and marketed as '350Z'. The Base model did not include a VLSD or Traction Control and was only available with cloth seats. It did not include cruise control, nor power or heated seats. The Enthusiast model came with traction control, a VLSD, and cruise control. The Performance model came with larger 18-inch wheels, front air dam, rear spoiler, optional Brembo brakes, and VDC instead of Traction Control. Touring was made more of the luxury model. It had power, leather, heated seats, VDC, a VLSD, xenon headlamps, optional Brembo brakes, 18-inch wheels, and optional GPS Navigation. The Track model included Brembo brakes, front air dam, rear spoiler, traction control, cloth seats, 18-inch wheels, VLSD, and optional GPS Navigation.
In 2004 Nissan introduced the 350Z Roadster with an electrically retractable soft-top roof. In the U.S. market the car was available in two trim packages (Enthusiast and Touring), while in Europe, the same versions as the coupé were offered. Nissan added the Grand Touring (GT) trim to the Roadster trim packages for 2005.
In 2005 Nissan launched the 35th Anniversary edition, with a revised exterior and interior (see Special Editions below). Early 2005 model-year 35th anniversary edition models were equipped with the original VQ35DE engine with 287HP/274TQ and an automatic transmission. In January 2005, Nissan introduced the 35th Anniversary 6-speed manual models and Track models (mid-year introduction), which included the updated VQ35DE 300HP/260TQ 'Rev-up' engine and new updated CD009 manual transmission as well as minor changes to suspension tuning and parts.
For the 2006 model year, the 350Z received changes for its mid-cycle facelift. The VQ35DE 300HP/260TQ 'Rev-up' engine that was introduced mid-year 2005 on the Track and 35th Anniversary Edition with 6-speed manual transmission models was offered for every trim level that had a manual transmission option. The VQ35DE rated at and of torque continued to be offered with only the 5-speed automatic transmission. Additions included bi-xenon projectors, a revised front fascia, new LED rear lights, changes to the interior trim and speed sensitive steering. Trim levels above the basic enthusiast package received a brake system upgrade including a larger brake booster, front dual piston calipers and larger diameter brake disks. Touring and Grand Touring models had radio-steering controls standard, MP3 CD compatibility, and Satellite Radio became an available option.
For the 2007 model year, the 350Z was again moderately revised. The VQ35DE V6 was replaced with a new VQ35HR V6. It produced at 6800 rpm with of torque at 4800 rpm using the revised SAE certified power benchmark. The VQ35HR had a raised redline to 7500 rpm and more torque across the rpm range. The hood was redesigned with a bulge reminiscent of the original 240Z to accommodate the raised deck height of the new VQ35HR. In the U.S., trim levels were narrowed down to 350Z (base), Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring and NISMO, while in Europe the same trim levels remained. Bluetooth was added for the 2007 model year.
Special editions
Fairlady Z Type E (2004) A total of 5 units, called the Type E, were produced in Japan for homologation requirements to compete in the Super GT series. It has a longer nose and rear overhang, as well as several add-ons for aerodynamic purposes. The Type-E engine is rated at at 6,200 rpm and of torque at 4,800 rpm.
350Z 35th Anniversary Edition (2005)
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the debut of the Datsun 240Z, Nissan released a tuned version of the 350Z coupé. The 35th Anniversary Z was exhibited at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on November 2, followed by the Miami Auto Show in early November. It went on sale in January 2005.
The 35th Anniversary Edition includes an updated VQ35DE V6 engine for the six-speed manual transmission model. Other equipment (standard on six-speed manual-equipped versions) includes cast aluminum-alloy wheels, front spoilers, Brembo brakes and special Z badging. The car was available in a special "Ultra Yellow", "Silverstone grey","Super Black" and "Pearl Blue" colors. The interior was also available with a black set configuration. Also included was a Bose 6-speaker premium sound system. A version of the 35th Anniversary Edition with a Gran Turismo 4 video game tie-in was also made.
350Z GT-S concept During the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) unveiled the 350Z GT-S Concept. The GT-S had a unique radial flow supercharger that could be turned on or off via a switch on the dashboard, raising the VQ35DE engine output to and without modifications to the engine components. The car also had new body kit for more cooling and downforce and wider 245 and 265/40/18 tires. The car was tested by automotive journalists, but none were marketed.
2008 Tokyo Auto Salon concepts (2008) The Nissan Fairlady Z Type F, Xanavi Nismo Z (Super GT 2007 GT500 Class), Endless Advan Z (series winner of Japan's Super Taikyu 2007 endurance series) and Fairlady Z Version Nismo Type 380RS were all unveiled at the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon.GT-R GT500 Race Car to Debut at Tokyo Auto Salon – Nissan to showcase 16 exciting models at Tokyo Auto Salon and Osaka AutoMesse -
Fairlady Z Type F (2008) The Fairlady Z Type F is a version of the Nissan Fairlady Z coupe and roadster for the Japanese market with:
Choice of 6 body colors (premium blaze red (3 coat color), premium sunshine yellow (3 coat pearl), premium mystic maroon (multiflex color), blade silver metallic, diamond black pearl, white pearl (3 coat pearl) Exclusive red heated leather seats, red leather wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, parking brake lever, door trim and arm rest stage, aluminum door kickplates, Rays forged aluminum wheels, power seats (slide, reclining), BOSE audio system, Brembo brakes, and more. Buyers with Premium blaze red, Premium sunshine yellow, Premium mystic maroon color models (100 units each) before March 31, 2008, also received Fairlady Z original key holders.
The vehicles went on sale on January 10, 2008.「フェアレディZ」にプレミアムカラーを追加 --あわせて特別仕様車「フェアレディZ Type F」を発売--
Nismo editions Nissan's performance tuning division, Nismo, began producing modified versions of the 350Z shortly after its introduction.
Nismo R-Tune (2004) The R-Tune was a kit sold directly to customers with modifications including new headers, cams, pulleys. The R-Tune voids the Nissan factory warranty, but gains significant horsepower, intended for track racers.
Nismo S-Tune GT (2005)