Preview from Canadiandriver.com
Preview:
2003 Nissan 350Z
by Greg Wilson
As reported in CanadianDriver on February 16th, Nissan's new two-seater sports car, the 350Z, will be arriving in Canadian dealerships this August as a 2003 model. The new Z coupe will be offered in three trim levels, a Performance model ($44,900), a Touring model ($44,900) and Track Pack model ($46,500).
Since its introduction as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January, 2001, Nissan has been portraying the new Z as an evolutionary successor to the original 1969 240Z. "The new 350Z was designed with the guidance of what has became known as 'Z DNA' - the same principles used on every generation of Z cars starting in 1966," said Carlos Ghosn, president, Nissan Motor Co. (The 'Z' was introduced earlier in Japan). Similarities include a front engine/rear-wheel drive layout, six cylinder engine, two seater capacity, and a long hood and short rear deck with a hatchback.
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However, one significant difference between the two Z's is price and market position. The 2003 350Z is a premium sports car whereas the 1969 240Z was a relatively affordable mid-range sports car. It sold for about $3,500 in 1969, or about the same as an MGB GT. To put that in today's terms, a base 350Z should sell for about the price of a Mazda Miata, or about $30,000 to $40,000.
There is one consolation. The 2003 350Z is cheaper in Canada than it is in the United States. The Performance model in Canada is $44,900 while in the U.S. it is U.S.$30,429 (CAN$49,294) – and our model gets the standard 240 watt Bose audio system and side and curtain airbags which they don’t. The Touring model (with 5-speed automatic transmission) is $44,900 in Canada and in the U.S. it’s U.S.$31,589 (CAN$51,174). The top-of-the-line Track Pack model is $46,500 in Canada, while in the U.S. it is U.S.$34,079 (CAN$55,207). (conversion rate CAN$1.62=U.S.$1.00). Americans do get a base Enthusiast model which we don't but it's about the same price as our better-equipped Performance model in Canadian dollars.
And when you look at how the 350Z compares with its upscale, two-seater competitors, it starts to look pretty good. The BMW Z3 3.0, Mercedes-Benz SLK320, and Porsche Boxster S are all about $20,000 more and have less horsepower than the 350Z. Only the Honda S2000 and Audi TT Coupe Quattro are comparable in price, but they still don't have as many ponies as the 350Z.
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The radical styling of the original 350Z concept has been softened slightly on the production model – for example the oblong grille opening in the front bumper is slightly smaller and has rounded corners, and the headlights are slightly different – but overall, the exterior styling of the production model is pretty close to the concept. By the way, Nissan has also revealed that there will be a convertible version of the 350Z at some point.
The 350Z's interior, however, is quite different from the concept's most likely for reasons of safety, ergonomics, and economics. Flashy metal control knobs look great on a concept, but they often don't pass safety, utility and cost requirements for production.
The 350Z's instrument panel has three gauge pods, similar to the 240Z, as well as modern features like a navigation system with video display, and a standard 240 watt Bose AM/FM audio system with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. To add contrast, the door vents centre console, instrument trim, and door handles have a contemporary aluminum look. The rear hatchback design is quite practical: the cargo area will carry two golf bags. An interesting feature is an integrated aluminum rear suspension strut tower brace with an imprinted Z logo which is visible from outside the vehicle.
Safety features are abundant: dual-stage front supplemental air bags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, energy-absorbing steering column, vehicle security system and immobilizer, and front and rear crumple zones – the 240Z never had these things.
Under the hood is Nissan's award-winning VQ 3.5 litre DOHC 24 valve V6 engine which produces more than 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque (the 1969 240Z had 150 horsepower). Nissan expanded the 3.5 litre engine's power range by reworking the intake port design and adopting continuously variable valve timing technology. Nissan says this enables the engine to deliver excellent off-the-line acceleration, high-speed passing performance, and torque characteristics suitable for city driving.
To enhance the fun of driving, all Z's come with rack-and-pinion engine-speed-sensitive power steering and a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift modes. A fully independent front and rear multi-link suspension with large front and rear stabilizer bars and sticky 225/45WR-18 inch front tires and 245/45R-18 inch rear tires should keep this well-balanced coupe sticking to the road. But in case of trouble, the 350Z features standard traction control, vehicle dynamic skid control, and a viscous limited slip rear differential.
Vented front and rear disc brakes with a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, emergency Brake Assist, and electronic brake force distribution should haul this lightweight sports car to a stop in no time – but those who want even more braking performance can order special high-performance Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes.
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It's obvious that the 350Z is a much more sophisticated sports car than the 240Z ever was with some features that weren't even dreamed about in 1969. But wouldn't it be nice to see a 'base' model without leather upholstery, power seats, cruise control, vehicle skid control, traction control, aluminium trim, aluminium pedals, tire pressure monitoring system, 18 inch tires and alloy wheels, emergency brake assist, and side curtain airbags for a base price under $30,000? Now that would be a true spiritual successor to the 240Z.
OK, back to reality. Here's the pricing on the 2003 Nissan 350Z:
The Performance model, priced at $44,900, includes Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a tire air pressure monitoring system, 18-inch wheels and tires, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, Bose 240 watt audio system, and power seats. Optional on the Performance model is a Navi Package which adds a DVD-based Navigational System for $3,400.
The Touring model, which is the same price as the performance model at $44,900, comes with 5-speed automatic transmission with gated shifter and manual mode, Bose 240 Watt Audio System, Xenon headlights, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, cruise control and power seats. Add the DVD based Navigational System and the total is $48,300.
For the performance-minded buyer, the Track Pack model offers a rear spoiler, special 18-inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels, vented Brembo high-performance brakes, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), along with Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, viscous limited-slip differential, and aluminum pedals for $46,500.
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The new Z will be available with one cloth interior colour, Carbon, and three colours of leather upholstery - Charcoal, Burnt Orange and Frost. Eight exterior colours are offered: Glacier Pearl, Chrome Silver, Ebony, Redline, Le Mans Sunset, Brickyard, Daytona Blue and Silverstone.
You can find more information at Nissan Canada's consumer web-site at
www.nissan.ca Their web-site allows you to configure and price your 350Z, but you have to print out your order form and take it with you to your nearest Nissan dealer if you're interested in buying one.
you can get 3 350Z for the price of 1 NSX........
chill man... geez.. no one said 350Z is better then NSX, it's just a comparison...
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