Nissan is celebrating the 35th birthday of its celebrated Z® sports car with a special commemorative 35th Anniversary coupe model with a 300-horsepower V6 engine and other unique features that enhance its styling, performance and value.
The original Z, the Datsun 240Z, was introduced as a 1970 model.
"It's clear that this latest generation Z is descended from the original Datsun 240Z," says Ian Forsyth, Nissan Canada director of marketing. "It retains the original Z's front engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration, two-seat interior, powerful six-cylinder engine and, of course, a simple and honest design. And the new Z is a hit, just like the 240Z. When it was introduced in October, 1969, there was a six-month waiting list for the 240Z."
The 2005 Nissan 350Z Coupe will be offered in three models, Touring, Performance and the Anniversary Edition.
The 35th Anniversary Z Coupe, available in January, 2005, is powered by a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 that pumps out 300 horsepower and revs to a 7,000-rpm red line if ordered with a six-speed manual transmission. The standard 3.5-litre V6, found in the Touring and Performance models and in Anniversary models with automatic transmission, produces 287 horsepower and redlines at 6,600 rpm.
The increased horsepower of 35th Anniversary Z's engine is due to revised pistons and camshafts and the addition of electronic exhaust valve timing control.
Both Touring and Performance models are generously equipped. The main difference is that a five-speed automatic transmission with gated shifter and manual mode is standard in the Touring model, while a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission is standard in the Performance model. The latter is also equipped with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
The 35th Anniversary model also boasts the six-speed manual and VDC but adds unique 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, front chin and rear-deck spoilers, special Z badging and a choice of leather seating surfaces, including unique two-tone black-and-tan leather.
All 2005 350Z Coupe models, including the new 35th Anniversary model, receive a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), heated outside mirrors, wider view side mirrors and front seat lifter.
The 350Z’s automatic transmission is now outfitted with downshift rev matching for smoother shifting, while the six-speed manual transmission now comes with reduced clutch pedal effort for easier operation.
Standard features on all models include 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, Traction Control System (TCS), power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), xenon headlamps and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).
Interior highlights includes heated seats with an eight-way adjustable driver seat and four-way adjustable passenger seat, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, 240-watt Bose® audio system with seven speakers and AM/FM/cassette and six CD changer, three-bay gauge cluster, dual front air bags, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, cruise control, aluminum pedals and auto dimming rearview mirror.
The 350Z takes its design cues from the original 240Z – a front engine/rear-wheel drive drivetrain configuration, two-seat interior and a powerful six-cylinder engine. The 350Z Coupe, like the original, features a true hatchback body.
Design cues passed on from the first-generation Z include the long nose and short deck styling, triangular cabin form and the lines extending from the arch-shaped roof to the hatchback opening.
The Z’s design is anchored by very aggressive wheel forms pushed all the way out to the corners. Like a racecar, the body’s centre of gravity is placed in the middle and the tires are positioned as far as possible at the four corners to emphasize the car’s nimble agility.
Although the 350Z has been executed as a two-seater sports car, careful attention has been paid to storage capacity, with sufficient luggage space for carrying two golf bags behind the seats, a lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase and other storage places.
The 350Z Coupe is so well equipped that only two options are offered, the five-speed automatic transmission and a Navi Package that includes Nissan’s DVD-based navigation system.