The Nissan 350Z Coupe and Roadster are high-performance sports cars that combine brute strength with the refinement of modern technology and advanced aerodynamics. They also exude considerable street presence and their on-road characteristics are as dynamic as their looks suggest.
The Nissan 350Z Coupe and Roadster each have two-seat cabins. The Roadster’s fabric roof can be raised in 20 seconds and features a heated glass rear window for good visibility in all conditions. When lowered, it is stored behind the front seats and beneath a stylish tonneau. Boot space in the Roadster is 130 litres and the Coupe has a 235-litre boot.
Both models are extremely well equipped. As standard, they come with climate control, a six-disc CD autochanger, electric windows, sports seats, bi-xenon headlights and alloy wheels. The GT Pack upgrades to a seven-speaker Bose sound system, cruise control and heated leather seats.
The 350Z Coupe and 350Z Roadster are equipped with sophisticated electronic dynamic aids as part of their active safety. Each car features ESP, electronic stability control and traction control. In addition, there are powerful Brembo brakes that harness the added reassurance of an ABS anti-lock braking system with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and Brake Assist.
Passive safety measures are no less comprehensive and include anti-whiplash active head restraints, front airbags, side airbags and three-point seatbelts with pretensioners. The 350Z Coupe also features curtain airbags.
Security is especially important in the case of ultra high-performance models and it’s reassuring that an immobiliser and top-quality alarm, rated to Thatcham 1 category are fitted as standard.
The 3.5-litre V6 engine meets stringent Euro4 standards for emissions and in the Coupe produces 280g/km of CO2. In the Roadster CO2 emissions are rated at 288g/km.
Both the Coupe and Roadster are each powered by a muscular 24-valve 3.5-litre V6 engine that delivers its energy smoothly, instantly and with real verve. It channels power through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels to provide traditional sports car handling framed with the best of contemporary technology. As a result, the Roadster and Coupe have a 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. This helps to maximise the car’s traction at the front as it turns in to a corner and then shifts to a near 50:50 perfect balance as the car accelerates from the apex to the exit of a corner, promoting the sort of high-speed stability that enthusiasts appreciate.
The all-alloy 3498cc V6 is normally aspirated and employs variable valve timing so it responds instantaneously to throttle inputs and pulls strongly all the way to its 7500rpm limit. A potent 308bhp arrives at 6800rpm and with a hard-edged sporting feel. Together with 358Nm, which is generated at 4800rpm, it ensures the 350Z is a compelling, high-performance machine.