Nissan Celebrates with 35th Anniversary 350Z

By Motoring Channel Staff - 24/02/2005

Nissan Australia has announced the arrival of a new 350Z variant, the 35th Anniversary 350Z sports coupe, boasting enhanced performance and redesigned alloy wheels.

At the same time, the entire 350Z coupe and roadster range has received specification upgrades for the 2005 model year line-up.

Since their Australian release in 2003, the 350Z sports coupe and roadster have won wide acclaim for their potent, rear-wheel drive handling and dynamics, awesome levels of power, stunning good looks, impressive appointments and knock-out purchase price, but the 35th Anniversary 350Z sports coupe takes the driving experience one step further.

Changes to the engine allow the 35th Anniversary 350Z to generate a remarkable 221kW of power and 353Nm of torque.

Maximum engine speed has been increased to 7000rpm (up from 6600rpm) to allow the use of lower gear positions for sportier driving.

Available with a six-speed manual transmission only, the 35th Anniversary 350Z also receives redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels, black leather seats and a dedicated colour range, including a fresh Ultra Yellow which uses a new process to achieve an almost “liquid” finish.

All vehicles in the 2005 350Z coupe and roadster range receive specification upgrades, the most significant of which are improvements to both the manual and automatic transmissions.

Automatic variants receive Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) which delivers smoother, faster downshifts and better chassis balance through corners, while improvements to the manual transmission provide easier shifting through the gears.

Other upgrades to the entire range include heated door mirrors, new polished aluminium-type trim and improved soft-feel painted areas.

In addition, the 350Z roadster now receives – as standard fitment – Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and the improved stopping power of performance Brembo brakes, as well as new upholstery to its electronic-folding roof and a redesigned map lamp.

The line-up for the 350Z now includes the original three variants – the Touring, Track and Roadster, as well as the 35th Anniversary model.

All models are powered by Nissan’s sensational 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC engine, the first three variants generating 206kW of power @ 6200rpm and 363Nm of torque @ 4800rpm.

The 35th Anniversary model’s engine has been modified using revised pistons and camshaft and the addition of electromagnetic exhaust valve timing control generating an impressive 221kW of power @ 6400rpm and 353Nm of torque @ 4800rpm.

Standard features include composite carbon-fibre drive shaft, traction control system, viscous limited-slip rear differential, electronic drive-by-wire throttle, dual outlet exhaust and the improved close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

An optional five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) is available on all models except the 35th Anniversary variant.

Braking on the Touring model is via power-assisted 296x24mm ventilated front and 292x16mm ventilated rear discs, with four-wheel anti-lock braking with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution standard across the range.

All other variants now include a sports oriented Brembo Braking System which includes four-piston calipers with 324x30mm ventilated front and two-piston calipers with 322x22mm ventilated rear discs and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Independent multi-link suspension front and rear with a front strut tower brace and an integrated rear strut tower brace combined with front and rear stabilizer bars guarantees sure-footed handling and dynamics.

The Touring model bears 17-inch seven-spoke aluminium alloy wheels and 225/50 R17 front and 235/50 R17 rear high performance compound Bridgestone Potenza tyres while the Track and Roadster receive 18-inch six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels with 225/45R18 front and 245/45R18 rear high compound Bridgestone Potenza performance tyres. The 35th Anniversary model receives the same tyres as the Track and Roadster, with newly designed 18-inch five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels.

Safety is a high priority with the 2005 Nissan 350Z and in addition to the impressive active safety features already listed the vehicle boasts six airbags, driver and passenger, front side impact and side curtain SRS airbags (the latter not available on Roadster variants) and seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Standard features on all models include heated leather sports seats, automatic climate control air-conditioning, Bose 240 watt sound system with seven speakers, power windows, door locks and heated exterior door mirrors and a three-bay gauge cluster for oil pressure, voltmeter and trip computer.

The 35th Anniversary coupe comes in Black Obsidian and Pewter, as well as the new Ultra Yellow colour, which utilises a new high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment and three layers of top coat (with separate colour pigment and pearl pigment layers) to create an almost “liquid” surface appearance.

The remainder of the 2005 Nissan 350Z line-up is available in a range of colours, including Platinum, Black Obsidian, Pewter, Daytona Blue and Le Mans Sunset.

Pricing on Nissan’s 350Z coupe line-up remains sharp, with the Touring and Track models unchanged at $59,990 and $65,990 (manual models), while the Roadster, including Brembo brakes and VDC, is now available for $70,990. Automatic transmission with DRM remains unchanged as a $2,800 option on all three models.

The 35th Anniversary model, with the power boost, is available at $67,990 in manual transmission only.

Launching the Nissan 350Z 2005 range, Nissan’s managing director and chief executive officer, Shinya Hannya, commented on the Z’s legacy of innovation in design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was first introduced.

“The 350Z is a halo vehicle for the Nissan range, encompassing performance, imagination, heritage and passion. And the 2005 350Z range – including the remarkable 35th Anniversary model - will extend the 350Z’s reputation as one of the finest performance sports cars on the road today,” Mr Hannya said.