 Click here for the Ride&Drive Index! Posted August, 2007 Road Test: 2007 Nissan 350Z
Nissan’s Z has always had a strong heritage, set into being by the first-generation more than 30 years ago. Its long nose and short deck styling, triangular cabin form and the lines extending from the arch-shaped roof to the hatchback opening are obvious design cues. This year, except for the Nismo version of the Z with some rocker panel and an air dam, the Z is pretty much the same on the outside. The body has a low center of gravity and the tires are positioned as far as possible at the four corners to emphasize the car's nimble agility. The result is a both a distinctive and a handsomely styled vehicle. The 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine has been tweaked for 2007 to produce 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, slightly higher revving power than the 2005 model. It comes, of course, with a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and downshift rev-matching. The Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology new on the 2005 model is still a major part of enhancing the The instrument panel features three gauge pods, similar in design to the 240Z—the model that started it all—consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter as well as an available navigation system with video display. The door vents and center console look like they were carved from a block of aluminum. Though the 350Z has been executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity, a lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase and other bulky items. Suspension for the rear-wheel drive vehicle is a four-wheel independent design. Both six-speed close-ratio manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are available. We could not fault the ride or handling of the 350Z. It rides like a sports car and not like a luxury sedan, of course, but that is to be expected — even desired. The 2007 350Z Coupe is available in six models – 350Z, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Track MT and the new designation called Nismo. 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. Included are the 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 now has a faster system processor. The Touring model—the car that I tested—included standard xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), aluminum pedals and auto dimming rearview mirror. The 350Z Touring has a base sticker of $33,200. Side curtain air bags ($620), destination charges ($612) with available cargo nets, trunk mats and XM Satellite radio (3 months of service) raised that to $35,135. The EPA fuel economy rating for this model with its 3.5-liter six is 19 city/26 highway, which is not so hot. The Corvette, with a 6.0-liter V8 gets 28 miles per gallon on the EPA's highway driving cycle. In general, Nissan needs to spend more attention on fuel economy. That aside, The 350Z impressed me. Distinctive looks. Very good handling. For what you get, the price won’t gouge you (that means that you can take the difference and buy gas for a year or two…). R&D
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theme—one that has been passed on through successive generations. The 2007 Z continues with many sports car features and exceptional quality. The engine even purrs like a sports car.
engine power during acceleration and high-speed passing, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving.