The 350Z demonstrated that Nissan could create a sports car that was reliable, well-built, and exciting to drive. It was a finely styled two-seater that also comes in a roadster version. Since its introduction in 2003, the Z underwent various changes, including more powerful engines and much-needed interior upgrades in 2006. It was renovated once more in 2007, with a significantly modified engine.
The 350Z was particularly popular for one simple reason: it was cheaper than other contemporary sports cars, but it was generous when it came to horsepower and performance. The 280 horsepower Nissan 350Z had a base price of $26,809, cheaper than its competition, Mazda and Toyota.
A Stylish Sporty Exterior
The Nissan 350Z was available in a two-seater, two-door coupe and roadster trims with a slanted roof that gave it an aerodynamic advantage. The car had a gross weight of 4010 pounds with 4315 mm length and 1818 mm width. There were 18-inch alloy wheels in all four wells, forming a wheelbase of 2650 mm.
The 350Z had an extremely rigid body, a low center of gravity, and near-perfect weight distribution, making it feel highly responsive and well-balanced on the road. Body-colored bumpers and front fog lights with headlamp washers completed the stunning body design. Electronic mirrors on the sides and bulged-out wheel wells completed the appearance.
Its Comfortable Interior
The 350Z offered some excellent features in its interior design. For the 2006 model, materials were updated, and customers can now select an integrated factory-fit satellite navigation system for the first time. The instrument binnacle moved with the steering wheel, so it never obstructed, and there were some pleasant additions, such as the digital read-out, which displayed a variety of information, including the adjustable rev limit.
The cast-magnesium three-spoke steering wheel with thick rims offers a beguiling blend of stability and instant responsiveness. The steering was precise, linear, and well-balanced. With a direct mechanical feel, the shifter was crisp and accurate. The brakes were powerful, proportionate, and simple to apply with properly positioned pedals for better heel-toe shifting.
The 350Z was a two-seater with plenty of legroom and headroom for both passengers and supportive yet plush sports seats. Both the seats were electrically adjustable on GT models, but they have to be moved manually in regular cars. Some standard features included climate control and power windows. There was a decent cubby between the front seats and a pop-out cup holder, and covered storage behind the seats. Models from 2006 had more functional door pockets and a built-in bottle holder.
Whereas the 350Z's interior wasn't made of high-end materials, the general blend of plastic panels in various colors and textures of dark gray was appealing. The cast aluminum door handles, as well as the metallic trim on the steering wheel, instrument surrounds, shifter, numerous switches, and door-mounted air registers, added to the interior's appeal.
The Powerful Nissan Engines
The 350Z produced a pleasant thrust with every transmission shift because of its big 3498 cc engine and well-chosen ratios in the six-speed gearbox. The 350Z was powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and had a 0 to 62 MPH timing of 5.9 seconds. With a well-tuned exhaust system, the engine and exhaust tone was fantastic. In 2005, a special edition variant with 300 horsepower was released too.
In 2006, the 300 HP engine became the standard power plant, with a 0 to 62 MPH timing of 5.8 seconds. In mid-2007, about 80% of essential engine parts were upgraded, resulting in a power increase to 313 HP and a rev limit increase to 7,500 rpm. It reduced the 0 to 62 MPH time by another 0.1 seconds in subsequent years, with a top speed of 156 mph.
The 350Z didn't have an official Euro NCAP crash rating, but it did come standard with ABS, electronic stability control, high-performance Brembo brakes, and front, side, and curtain airbags on all variants. A lightweight carbon fiber safety propeller shaft was also available, which was sturdy, had no weak links, and was considered to be safer in the event of an accident. Remote central locking and an immobilizer provide some added security.
Nissan stopped the production of 350Zs in 2009, although the car continues to compete in racing events like National Solo Championships and other local and national SCCA events. The automobile was a fantastic blend of performance, sports car aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. Because of its excellent performance features, this car successfully competed against other big names like BMW X4, Porsche Macan, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz C-Coupe, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 Coupe, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus RX, and BMW X6.