Nissan 350Z

Nissan 350Z Coupe (2002-2005)

The Nissan 350Z - known in Japan as the Nissan Fairlady Z - is a two-seat sports car by the Japanese automaker Nissan, which was built from mid- 2002 until the summer of 2009. He is the fifth generation of the legendary Z sports car series of the manufacturer, which began with the 240Z in 1969 and was then continued with the 280ZX, and two generations of the 300ZX until the summer of 2000. At launch, only a combi coupe was available, which was supplemented from the summer of 2003 by an roadster version. The number " 350 " refers to the displacement of the engine in centilitres.

In late autumn 2008, the successor to the 370Z came as a coupe in Japan on the market, the Roadster was replaced in the late summer of 2009.

• 2.1 Combi Coupe ( 2002-2008 )
• 2.2 Roadster ( 2003-2009 )

• 3.1 2005
• 3.2 2007

• 4.1 2005 - 35th Anniversary Edition
• 4.2 2007 - Racing Edition
• 4.3 Nismo 350Z (2007-2008)

• 6.1 JGTC / Super GT

Prehistory

In the 90s, Nissan was plagued by a severe financial crisis, which is why the Group is focused on the development and distribution of volume models, in order to return to profitability. So was the then representative of the Z- series, the 300ZX, taken due to lack of demand without successor gradually from the offer, as well as 1995 in Europe and 1996 in North America. The reason for the poor sales were in the high market prices for the overloaded with gadgets prestige object of the Nissan Group. Yet you wanted especially in the important U.S. market can not be forgotten the traditional Z. Therefore, a limited number of original 240Z there was purchased in 1998, professionally restored and then sold at dealers for around $ 24,000 apiece.

Z Concept (1999)

A design team at Nissan North America developed at the end of the 1990s on its own and initially without official support from a first concept car Nissan 300ZX to a successor. An original 240Z of an employee served the designers as a model and as a result, this first version rejected with a long bonnet, round headlamps and short overhangs optically heavily on the Ur -Z from 1969. The goal, however, was not to copy the old design, but rather to interpret the lines of the classic body modern. The concept vehicle was equipped with an uprated 2.4-liter inline four- cylinder engine from the Nissan range and a five-speed manual transmission and thus fully functional.

The two-seater study was completed in just 12 weeks and finally presented at the Motor Show in Detroit in 1999. Although a certain amount of disappointment set that, contrary to the tradition of the Z series no six-cylinder engine was used and the design was very retro -heavy, the orange painted concept vehicle attracted great attention and brought the ailing Nissan Group with positive headlines in the news.

Z Concept (2001)

After the successful presentation of the Z concept car of 1999, the top management decided despite the ongoing merger talks with Renault to develop a new generation of the Z series. Perceived as to retro -heavy design of the original Z concept was rejected. Under the chief designer Mamoru Aoki the Nissan design studios worked in Japan, Germany and the United States in the final draft. The result was a modern and completely new -looking sports car, but still reflected the history of the Z series and the then new Nissan design language expressed.

The back orange lacquered Z concept of second generation celebrated in 2001 at the Detroit Auto Show Premiere and could inspire the audience again. With its V6 engine with 3.5 liter displacement and an output of 192 kW ( 260 hp) and the racy coupe form, the concept car was a worthy view of the announced production version of the next Z- level of evolution.

Model history

Combi Coupe (2002-2008)

After a two year break the Z sports car series finally returned with the 350Z Coupe Combination, its sale in July 2002 in Japan began. The introduction on the German market was over a year later in October 2003 at a base price of 33,850 euros.

As is usual in the Z- series and the 350Z should come up with classic sports car proportions, the final design of the body was very similar to the 2001 study presented. The powerful two-seater is a classic sports car design with a longitudinally mounted front engine - which focuses, however, lies behind the front axle - and equipped rear-wheel drive. The power transmission takes place by default via a manually shifted transmission with six gears, in some markets, an automatic transmission with five levels was available. To save weight, the transmission is connected by a one-piece drive shaft made ​​of carbon fiber reinforced plastic ( composite ) with the viscous limited slip differential on the rear axle. As the 350Z engine is a six-cylinder petrol engine in V- aluminum construction with four valves per cylinder and four overhead camshafts, which carries internally the engine code VQ35DE. Made of 3.5 -liter capacity of the naturally aspirated 206 kW (280 hp) at 6200 min-1 draws and a maximum torque of 363 Nm at 4800 min -1. This performance is sufficient for an acceleration of 0-100 km / h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km / h, with the 350Z is electronically limited. The average consumption is 11.4 liters Super Plus petrol per 100 kilometers.

Difficulties were encountered when the hatchback coupe with rear flap, as this construction method has drawbacks for the body rigidity. This problem was counteracted with subframe to front and rear, strut bars, reinforced welds at the bottom group and further action. In order to achieve a sporty driving behavior as possible was taken to a low center of gravity and balanced weight balance. This could be through the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum, from the hood and there are a majority of the components of the landing gear, or the need for complex and heavy techniques such as turbocharging, variable intake systems or all-wheel steering can be guaranteed. The result was a weight distribution of 53% to the front and 47% to the rear axle, which also contributed to the position of the motor with a focus behind the front axle. Another advantage of dispensing with complicated and thus expensive technology were the lower cost in the development and manufacturing. These savings could be passed on to the end customer, which was reflected in a relatively low selling price and therefore a good price - performance ratio.

The interior is driver-oriented tailored. The driver's seat is a sport seat with high edges for good lateral support and an additional increase in the front of the seat surface for guiding the thigh. Furthermore, the backrest is narrower cut below the shoulder area, to ensure optimum freedom of arm movement for switching and routing. The place of the passenger on the other hand offers a broad backrest and softer cushioning comfort and dispense with the central peak of the seat cushion. Behind the three-spoke steering wheel is the instrument cluster, which is divided into three large circular instruments for the speedometer, tachometer and the combined cooling water and fuel gauge. Here, the tachometer is larger in size than the ads adjacent and positioned centrally, making it easy to read. The instrument cluster is fixedly secured to the steering column and also moves when adjusting the height of the steering wheel with. In the dashboard three aligned on the driver's seat additional instruments are admitted, will house the displays for oil pressure, voltage and the on-board computer above the center console. Behind the passenger seat is an extra large tray, which complements the 235 liter boot space, which is, however, severely limited by the rear strut brace.

The 350Z was fitted as standard caused by the higher average speeds with a few extras for the German market. An electronic stability program and a larger water cooler is standard equipment in all European versions. In addition, the aerodynamics have been modified. On the lower floor air ducts ensure that the equipped with additional cooling fins differential on the rear axle is well flows. Through an "Aero kit " with spoiler lip on the boot lid, modified front spoiler and diffuser underbody drag coefficient from 0.30 to 0.29 could be reduced, the pressure was increased simultaneously. Also not all the international versions was given the Brembo Sport brake system, the brake calipers are anodized gold aluminum and was included as standard in the German versions. The brake system is equipped with four pistons at the front and two pistons at the rear wheels. The ventilated brake discs have a diameter of 324 mm and 322 mm at the rear axle to the front axle.

The 350Z coupe was replaced by the 370Z in December 2008.

Roadster (2003-2009)

From the Nissan 350Z roadster was produced from the summer of 2003. It was introduced in July first in North America on the market in Japan in October. As of March 2005, the roadster was also offered in Germany. The introductory price was on the German market at Euro 36,500.

Engine, transmission, chassis and interior are unchanged from the coupe. The body is based on the coupe, however, additional stiffeners due to lack of the Roadster roof necessary. Below the seats, a V -shaped beam for connecting the side sills was attached, which is supported by an A -shaped frame in the bow and an M-shaped strut in the transmission tunnel. In the area of the sills, A pillars and the boot floor further reinforcements are attached. Behind the seats runs a steel tube on which the roll bars are mounted, which provide, together with the high-strength windshield frame protection in a rollover. In addition, a stiffening effect and the partitions between passenger compartment, soft top boot.

The folding fabric roof of the Roadster can be in around 20 seconds only in the state when the brake pedal and with no gear engaged electrically in and out. In order to counteract a swelling of the top drive with fast, it is locked at three points in the closed state. Due to the manual operation of a central locking lever locks it left, right and center on the wheel frame. When folded, it is tucked between the cockpit and the 130 -liter luggage compartment in the top receptacle, which is closed with a body-colored plastic cover. The soft top also has an electrically heated window. If the roof is open, hump ensure behind the seats, a wind deflector glass embossed with the Z logo and a custom trunk lid made ​​of plastic for low noise and air turbulence. The drag coefficient is 0.34.

The seats are always equipped in the roadster with electric adjustment, so that the front passenger seat while the convertible top is operated automatically can easily tilt forward. This contact of the soft top is prevented with the head of the passenger. This function can, however, disable. The Roadster is empty at around 110 kilograms heavier than the Coupé, due to the stiffeners, the roof construction and the electrical system of the seats. For acceleration to 100 km / h, the open version of the 350Z requires only 6.3 seconds.

With the launch of the roadster all Z models in the interior with new soft coatings, a 12 -volt power outlet on the dash, changed belt guides and soft cushion inserts on the center console for knees and elbows were slightly refreshed and equipped with a tandem brake booster for improved braking performance.

From the Nissan 370Z, there are also a roadster, who replaced the 350Z Roadster. The sale started in late summer 2009.

Facelift

2005

In September 2005, the 350Z was optically and technically slightly modified. There are now LED rear lights and bi -xenon headlights are installed, as well as polished 18- inch light- alloy rims in five star design than standard wheels. At the front end there is a redesigned bumper, a new grille with two instead of the previous three cross braces and modified side reflectors. The interior has been visually enhanced by more aluminum trim and areas were spacious designed or supplemented by other. One now used softer materials for the dashboard and center console and positioned the switches for the heated seats and hazard warning lights elsewhere. For the basic features new fabric covers are available for the seats to choose from. The door panels the variant with Premium Pack were provided with leather inserts and for this upscale version was now an optional " Birdview " DVD navigation system with seven-inch large color monitor, which was just below the gauges space available. In addition, there were two new metallic exterior colors in black and silver and the steering assist power steering is now a function of speed.

The engine remains a VQ35DE, but its performance to 221 kW ( 301 hp) has increased at a slightly higher speed of 6400 min -1. But one fitted to the intake, optimized the weight of the rods and pistons and built new camshafts and a variable exhaust valve timing. Due to the changes to the engine maximum torque fell from 363 to 353 Nm at 4800 rpm still first However, the torque curve is now flatter and not subject to significant declines after the maximum is as it was the case prior to the performance improvement. The acceleration to 100 km / h improved the Coupe to 5.8 seconds remained on the Roadster, but the same.

Rear view

2007

In January 2007, the 350Z has been given a facelift again. Instead of the previous two beads the bonnet is now bulged, so that their shape is reminiscent of the Nissan 240Z now. This modification to the bonnet was necessary because of the increased space requirements of any other air intake system, which was necessary in the wake of the introduction of the new VQ35HR engine. The new engine is a further development of the VQ35DE, which is revised and also the compression ratio of 10.3:1 increased approximately 80 percent of the components on 10.6:1. The engine delivers 230 kW ( 313 hp) at 6800 min -1, and maximum torque is 358 Nm at 4800 min -1 and the speed limit is 7500 min -1. Top speed is electronically limited unchanged at 250 km / h and the acceleration of the coupe from 0 to 100 km / h takes place in 5.7 seconds. This engine is also used in the Infiniti G35 model.

Furthermore, the seats are now equipped with active head restraints and the selection of the leather seats have been added to gray " frost " - references in addition to the seats in Charcoal Black and Orange Alezan. In addition, three new metallic exterior paint colors were available: A53 Temper Orange ( replaced A17 Sunset Orange ), BW5 Night Blue ( B17 replaced Monterey Blue ) and K51 Precision Grey ( replaced WV2 Gun Grey ).

Special models

2005 - 35th Anniversary Edition

Marking the 35th anniversary of the Z sports car series put Nissan on a limited version of the 350Z, which was only available in Japan, Europe and the United States. For Germany only 100 pieces in Europe limited to 700 units circulation were determined.

The most important change of 35th Anniversary Edition affects the VQ53DE engine, which was used in a performance-enhanced version. Its power was 221 kW ( 301 hp) increases, which reduces the sprint time from 0-100 km / h to 5.8 seconds. The increase in performance is made possible by various measures such as a change in the intake duct, variable exhaust valve timing, reduced internal friction and other camshaft, resulting in an improved response and a higher maximum speed. After the first facelift in September 2005, this revised engine was used in all series versions of the 350Z.

Just two sprays were available for the limited 350Z available. Of the specific models for Germany 20 pieces in a bright metallic yellow were painted, and the remaining units were kept in an understated black. In addition, at that time exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels were mounted, which are the standard rims on all models since the facelift in autumn 2005. Ordered was the 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition from May 2005 at a price of 38,250 euros and 38,840 euros for the black for the yellow version. For each delivered special model was available from Nissan also a Playstation 2 games console and the racing game Gran Turismo 4 to - reason: the 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition is mobile in this game.

2007 - Racing Edition

To commemorate the 24 -hour race at the Nürburgring in 2007 there was a limited edition of 50 pieces special edition of the Nissan 350Z, which was only available in Germany. This model was inspired by the 350Z GT4 race car that participated in the said long-distance race in the Eifel.

The Racing Edition is based on a 350Z with premium package and is painted in the exclusive color Pikes Peak metallic white. There are multi-piece 19 - inch light- alloy wheels with black painted star and high polished rim mounted. The standard suspension was replaced with a coilover suspension from Bilstein höhenjustierbares that allows a lowering of 25 to 45 millimeters, and in addition to train and pressure stage is ten times adjustable. The special model was rounded off with a silencer of the tuner Cobra. In addition, included the standard 18 -inch wheels, including winter tires and a set of sponsors stickers in racing style delivery. On engine no changes were made, was installed the 230 kW ( 313 hp) VQ35HR engine, which came in all variants of the 350Z from the facelift in 2007 for use.

Inside the Racing Edition, there is a numbered plaque with the signatures of the four 350Z GT4 driver Kurt Thiim, Holger Eckhardt, Nicole and Tim Schrick Lüttecke. The special model could be ordered at a price of 48,590 euros as of July 2007.

Nismo 350Z (2007-2008)

The Nismo 350Z coupe was introduced at the New York International Auto Show on April 4, 2007. Available it was in Japan and the United States.

The Nismo version has the same VQ35HR engine as the regular 350Z, which makes 310 hp in US-spec, and was only available with a 6- speed manual transmission. What immediately strikes the eye falls all around the aggressive Verspoilerung that has been optimized in the wind tunnel and ensures downforce on the front and rear. The aerodynamic kit consists of a custom front bumper with front splitter, side skirts and a wide rear apron with integrated diffuser and an additional rear wing on the trunk lid. According to Nissan, the standard U.S. model of the 350Z on the rear axle generates around 8 kg lift at 75 mph (120 km / h), whereas the Nismo version generates about 15 kg downforce at that speed. Other changes were made to the exhaust system, which was specially designed by Nismo.

In addition, the body of the A- and B-pillar was also welded and reinforced strut bar mounted at the back to enhance the stiffness of the already innately extremely low-torsion chassis. The chassis has been upgraded with stiffer springs, firmer dampers and a larger sized stabilizer at the rear axle. With these changes, body dampers were needed to eradicate annoying vibrations. Installed them in between the two side members, a damper is sitting in the front near the water cooler, and a second in the rear end under the trunk. The Brembo braking system matches that of the German model.

The Nismo 350Z was delivered with forged light-alloy wheels in size 9x18 inches in front and 10x19 inches in the rear. The tires in size 245/40 R18 at the front and 265/35 R19 at the rear comes from Bridgestone, which supplied sports tires Potenza RE050A type for the U.S. model and Potenza RE01R for certain for Japan vehicles. The 350Z Nismo of factory fitted with bright and durable bi-xenon headlights and LED brake lights. An electronic traction control and a differential lock were also part of the standard equipment of the available in four different exterior colors white, red, black and silver athlete. An interior with black and red seat cushions and red stitching and a numbered aluminum plaque with Nismo logo in the center console highlight the exclusivity of the special model.

The Nismo 350Z was in July 2007 at Nissan dealers in the United States in the sale. It was produced from 2007 to 2008. The car had a manufacturer's suggested retail price of 38,070 U.S. dollars for the 2007 model year.

Specifications

Motorsport

The 350Z has been and is used as a GT race car as well as a touring car in several racing series, for example in the Super GT, British GT Championship or the 24 -hour race at the Nürburgring.

JGTC / Super GT

The Nissan 350Z has been used as a racing version from 2004 in the GT500 class of the popular Japanese GT racing series. So He took over from the race cars of the Nissan Skyline GT- R, which the factory and customer teams were available until then. Two 350Z GT500 started this season for the Nismo factory team, the other for the private racing teams Hasemi Motorsport and Team Impul. The highly modified racer is powered by a twin turbocharged 3.0 -liter engine type VQ30DETT, drives the 1080 kg heavy vehicle with a maximum power of 342 kW ( 465 hp). Right away the Nismo works team won the drivers' and team championships in the GT500 class of its own. In the following season was once again the team championship will be won. In 2007, the 350Z went the last time with factory support in the GT500 class, it was the following season replaced by the Nissan GT -R.

In the GT300 class, the 350Z has also been used, but only by private racing teams. This could secure the drivers' title in 2003 and 2008 and 2010, the driver and team standings.

Production

Was manufactured the 350Z only in Japan, beginning at Nissan's Oppama plant in the city of Yokosuka, located in Kanagawa Prefecture. In January 2004, the production in the factory in the city of Tochigi Kaminokawa ( Tochigi Prefecture ) was laid.

Note

The factory code for the 350Z Z33 is. In Japan, the model name of the Z33 is different from the other markets, it is known there as the Nissan Fairlady Z. This name was taken over with the first series Datsun 240Z from Datsun Fairlady and has since been used traditionally in previously all generations of the Z- series for the Japanese market.