The 2003 Canadian Car of the Year, the Nissan 350Z roars into 2004 as the best-selling sports car in North America and likely to stay on top as the new 350Z Roadster begins its first full year in the marketplace.
The Z®, which was named 2003 Car of the Year and 2003 Best New Design by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), has a whopping 35-percent share of the sports-car segment in Canada and represents 25 percent of the market in the United States (through August, 2003).
Nissan Canada Inc. dealers had sold 1,800 350Zs from August, 2002, when the 350Z was introduced, until August, 2003. In the same period, their U.S. counterparts sold nearly 40,000 Zs.
Highlights of the 2004 350Z include:
Body
- Long wheelbase 2,649 millimetres (104.3 inches) and wide stance
- Contemporary design with elements of 240Z and 300ZX
- Strong, spine-like beltline anchored with large, distinctive taillights
- Raised rear deck for enhanced aerodynamics
- New exterior colour - Liquid Aluminum
Engine and Driveline
- 24-valve 3.5-litre DOHC V6 designed to produce 287 horsepower and 274 ft-lbs of torque
- Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS)
- Electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode (Touring model) or six-speed close-ratio manual transmission
- Front engine/rear-wheel drive
- Dual outlet exhaust
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- Four-wheel independent multi-link suspension with use of lightweight aluminum components
- Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars
- Rack-and-pinion engine-speed-sensitive power steering
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) standard on Performance and Track Pack models
- Power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/45R18 (front), 245/45R18 (rear) tires
Interior Features
- Driver-oriented interior environment
- New powered face door for navigation system
- Combination of classic and cutting-edge sports car interior design with metal and leather-appointed surface materials
- Three-bay gauge pods - similar to original 240Z design
- Centre console with solid aluminum look
- Exposed rear strut tower brace in rear cargo area with "Z" logo
Safety and Security
- Dual-stage front supplemental air bags
- Front seat side impact supplemental airbags
- Side curtain supplemental airbags
- Three-point ALR/ELR seatbelts (driver's seat ELR only)
- Front seatbelt with pretensioners and load limiters
- Zone Body Construction with front and rear crushable zones
- Energy-absorbing steering column
- Standard vehicle security system and immobilizer