|
Price |
|
$36,100 (6 spd man); $37,100 (5
spd auto) |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
3.5
liter V6 |
Weight |
-- |
|
Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
-- |
|
HP |
300
hp |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
85.7
hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
-- |
Top Speed |
-- |
(from Nissan Press
Release) Nissan North America, Inc. this week marked the
35th anniversary of the debut of the original Datsun 240Z sports car
by announcing details of the special Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary
model. The commemorative model, one of six 350Z Coupe models offered
in 2005 (along with three 2005 Nissan 350Z Roadster models), is
highlighted by a higher performance version of the Z®’s standard
3.5-liter V6. The engine, which is available only with the 6-speed
manual transmission, produces 300 horsepower versus the standard
287-horsepower V6. The 35th Anniversary Z® makes its industry debut
at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las
Vegas on November 2nd, followed by its first public appearance at
the Miami Auto Show in early November. It is scheduled to go on sale
at Nissan dealers nationwide in January 2005.
“Surviving 35 years does
not make a sports car a classic. But power, style and class
leadership certainly does,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and
general manager, Nissan Division. “This new 35th Anniversary
represents the highest expression so far of the Z® – and Nissan –
and takes its place in a long line of extraordinary performance
vehicles.”
The 35th Anniversary
Z®’s engine has been modified using revised pistons and camshaft and
the addition of electronic exhaust valve timing control. The same
engine will also be available as standard equipment on the 2005 350Z
Track model (6MT only), which also goes on sale in early 2005.
Other key 35th
Anniversary Z® equipment (standard on both 6-speed manual and
5-speed automatic equipped versions) includes unique 18-inch cast
aluminum-alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo® brakes and
special Z® badging.
The 35th Anniversary Z®
is offered in just three colors – Ultra Yellow, Super Black and
Silverstone. The new Ultra Yellow exterior color utilizes a new
high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment and three layers of top
coat (with separate color pigment and pearl pigment layers) to
create an almost “liquid” surface appearance.
The 35th Anniversary Z®
also is available with unique, optional black-and-tan
leather-appointed seats (except with the Ultra Yellow interior).
All 2005 350Z 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. Automatic transmission
equipped models are now outfitted with downshift rev matching for
smoother shifting, and manual transmission models now come with
reduced clutch pedal effort for easier operation. The optional
navigation system (available on 35th Anniversary and Touring models
only) now has a faster system processor.
The 2005 350Z Coupe is
available in six models – 350Z, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring,
Track MT and the 35th Anniversary. Standard features on all models
include the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, independent multi-link
suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, strut tower bar,
power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, dual front air bags, available
seat mounted side impact air bags and more.
The 2005 350Z Roadster
is offered in Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring models. The
Grand Touring, offered for the first time in 2005, includes standard
Brembo brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 18-inch wheels and
tires.
35 Years of the Z®
The latest generation
350Z takes its cues from the first generation Datsun 240Z – a front
engine/rear-wheel drive drivetrain configuration, two-seat interior,
a powerful 6-cylinder engine and, of course, a simple and honest
design. Horsepower was set at 150 and the list price was $3,526 when
it went on sale on October 18, 1969 as a 1970 model. It was an
instant hit, with perspective owners having to wait nearly six
months to get one.
The model designation
was changed to the 260Z in 1974 following an increase in engine size
to 2.6-liters. In mid-year 1975, a new 280Z replaced the 260Z. The
280ZX was introduced in 1979 was named Motor Trend “Import Car of
the Year.” T-top roofs were introduced in 1980 and by year’s end,
half of all ZXs were so equipped. In 1981, the 280ZX Turbo went on
sale. Then in 1984 the Nissan 300ZX was introduced with a major
facelift. The 1984 300ZX sold 73,101 units, becoming the top-selling
sports car in America.
In 1990, the 300ZX, with
a completely new body and interior, debuted with 222 horsepower, a
turbo 300ZX went on sale later in the year with 300 horsepower.
American Z sales surpassed the 1 million-sales mark in the early
90’s, becoming the all-time best selling sports car. Nissan offered
the first Z® convertible in 1993.
In 1996, 300ZX
production for the U.S. ended; the last imported 1996 model 300ZX
was inducted into the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Then in 1999, a special Z® Concept debuted at North American
International Auto Show in Detroit. A production version of Z® was
shown at Tokyo Motor Show and the 350Z name was announced.
In 2002, the current
generation 350Z went on sale as a 2003 model, followed by the 350Z
Roadster a year later.
“The history of the Z®
is still being written, even as we take time to celebrate the first
35 years,” said McNabb. “And if, as they say, history repeats
itself, the best is still to come.”
