| The Nissan
350Z is no longer brand new, but if my recent week with a
top-of-the-performance-line ``Track'' model is any indication, its newness
has not worn off at all. And, judging from the many admiring looks it
received, I'm not the only one to feel this way.
Nissan has a winner, and it shows in
the sales charts. The 350Z is now the best-selling car in the
sport-performance segment, with every indication of following its
illustrious forebear, the 1970 240Z, to classic status. Changes to the
350Z coupe for its second year are minor. All examples are now prewired to
accept satellite radio. There are knee pads on the sides of the
transmission tunnel, the better to brace your legs against in spirited
driving. And the cover over the optional navigation system is now
power-operated. More obvious is the new convertible, but that's another
story for another day.
Although it builds on more than
thirty years of heritage, and is the closest in that line to the original
240Z in intent, the newest ``Z'' is anything but an exercise in nostalgia.
Based on the ``FM'' platform also used for the latest generation of
Nissan's legendary Skyline, it is a thoroughly modern sports car with all
of the amenities and features expected in such a vehicle.
Referring to the 2004 350Z coupe in
the singular is misleading - there are six coupe models in five trim
levels. All have a 287-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. A six-speed manual
transmission standard in most, with a five-speed automatic standard in the
``Touring'' model. The base 350Z is well-equipped, in the high-value mold
of the old 240. But it is a considerably more advanced car. Other models
build on comfort and convenience, performance, or both. Options are
limited to a DVD-based navigation system and side and side-curtain air
bags.
The ``Track'' model tops the line,
with subtle aerodynamic enhancements, massive Brembo(r) brakes, and
lightweight 18-inch forged alloy wheels. It's seriously quick, with
excellent handling and controllability, yet it is also comfortably capable
of long-distance and everyday use. Some sports cars are best thought of as
weekend toys; the Nissan 350Z is not one of those.
APPEARANCE: Thirty-four years
ago, the 240Z succeeded not only because of its performance and value, but
because of its looks. Its styling combined themes from the sports and
racing cars of its day in a distinctive and instantly-recognizable way.
The newest Z follows suit. There is no superfluous fat, only lean muscle.
Bulging fender flares and short overhangs give it the lean look of a
competition car, with only the essentials. It has the classic front-engined
sports car proportions, with a long hood, triangular fastback cabin, and
short rear deck. Intense scrutiny reveals many influences, including
previous Zs, but like the original, today's 350Z is distinctive. Visible
aerodynamic enhancements to the Track model consist of a small flexible
chin spoiler and a small rear spoiler. Most of the drag reduction is due
to underbody panels than clean up the airflow under the car.
COMFORT: It may be the
performance leader, but there is no lack of comfort and civility in the
350Z Track model. It doesn't have the leather upholstery of the Touring
model, but the textured cloth covering the bolstered sport seats grips
your body better in spirited driving. And the cockpit is designed with
performance driving in mind, with excellent instrument and control
positions. The instrument cluster is mounted on the steering column and
tilts with steering wheel adjustment, for improved visibility. The
steering wheel rim is thick and leather-covered, for a good grip. The
shift knob is perfectly placed, and the positive, short-throw shift
linkage makes shifting a joy. Full-sized adults fit easily, and there is
more storage and luggage space than expected. Although there is no glove
box, a lockable, briefcase-sized compartment behind the passenger seat
more than takes its place, and there is another smaller compartment for
registration papers and such as well. The rear hatch makes access to the
luggage area easy, and much of that area is hidden from outside view.
Allegedly, two golf bags can fit, but I suspect they better be small bags.
SAFETY: The 350Z's ``Zone
Body'' construction incorporates front and rear crush zones and a central
safety structure. Dual stage front airbags are standard, with side-impact
and side-curtain bags available.
RIDE AND HANDLING: The 350Z's
long-wheelbase, wide-track stance does more than give it a sporty
appearance and useful interior space. The FM chassis is strong and rigid,
for safety and to provide a precise base for its fully-independent
strut-type suspension. Spring and shock rates are very firm, but balanced
and not harsh, and the steering is quick and not over-assisted. Response
to steering inputs is near-telepathic, and grip is tremendous on a dry
road. When it's wet, icy, or otherwise inclement, take it easy.
Despite the firm suspension and
ultra-low-profile tires, ride comfort is quite good for a sports car.
There is more road noise than in a luxury car, but that's part of the
sports package - it lets the driver know about the road surface as much as
by feedback through the seat and steering. Control effort is higher than
in a luxury car, again, appropriately for its performance potential.
The Track model's greatest
difference from other Zs is in the braking department - all models have
antilock and vented rotors on all four corners, but those on the Track are
larger and thicker for better heat dissipation and less fade in hard use.
The standard two-piston front, single-piston rear calipers are replaced by
heavy-duty Brembos - four-piston in front and twin-piston in the rear.
Stopping is not a problem.
PERFORMANCE: Nissan's VQ35DE
3.5-liter V6 is found under the Z's hood in the highest state of tune of
any version currently in production. If its 287 horsepower at 6200 rpm and
274 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm aren't quite supercar figures, they're
hardly weak. Acceleration is very good, with 60mph available in around
five and a half seconds, and it's accompanied by fine six-cylinder music.
Great throttle response and smooth power at all speeds, combined with a
good choice of ratios in the six-speed gearbox and excellent shift linkage
make the 350Z a pleasure to drive. It's dialed in right from the factory.
CONCLUSIONS: Nissan's 350Z is
a blast from the future, not from the past.
SPECIFICATIONS 2004 Nissan 350Z
Track
Base Price $ 34,180 Price
As Tested $ 36,920
Engine Type dual overhead cam 24-valve aluminum alloy V6 with
continuously-variable valve timing
Engine Size 3.5 liters / x cu. in.
Horsepower 287 @ 6200 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 274 @ 4800 rpm Transmission 6-speed manual
Wheelbase / Length 104.3 in. / 169.4 in.
Curb Weight 3,225 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 11.2 Fuel Capacity n/a gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires F: P225/45 WR18 R: P245/45 WR18 Bridgestone Potenza RE040
Brakes, front/rear vented disc with 4-caliper pistons / vented disc with
2-caliper pistons, antilock standard
Suspension, front/rear independent strut on all four wheels, integrated
front and rear strut tower braces standard
Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive |
