It's back. And we're glad. Having had the opportunity to drive the all-new Nissan 350Z sports coupe recently, I can attest that it's worth waiting for. Nissan pulled out all the stops to assure the Z-DNA is ever-present in this remake of a very popular sports car.
In January, Nissan began taking pre-sale orders for the 2003 350Z, reaching some 6,500 even-before-all-the-facts-were-known orders. This is faith. In the first 30 days of the posting of the Nissan Z website, 50,000 people logged on.
Since then, other Web sites have popped up, and "they are coming" to see the Z. Many Z enthusiasts are still driving a Z of one kind or another: 240, 260, 280 or 300 model. One of the largest sports car groups, the loyal Z-ers are chomping at the bit for their baby.
When beginning to design the 350Z, Nissan was striving to create a $50,000 sports car for under $30,000. Harking back to the 240 days, when the 240Z was launched, Nissan was going after the Corvette, a sports car selling for about $9,000. Positioning the Z at an affordable $3,500, the 240Z took off and gained a loyal audience. Nissan retired the Z-car in 1996 due to reduced sales and production expense. By 1996, the Z's price had climbed into the mid-40s for its turbo version, making it too expensive to produce.
The design of the 2003 350Z is a collaborative effort, created by a global team, including engineering, design, product, planning and public relations folks. Attention to detail is obvious, with attempts to capture the "Z-tail" of the Z's heritage. One nice touch: the "Z" logo is integrated into the air vents on some models. A totally new car, the 2003 350Z continues with the Z heritage of design, performance and value. Combined with this "Z-ness," is a "new" sports car that Nissan intends to make a segment leader.
Designing the new Z presented unique challenges: The Z as icon...enthusiasts didn't want to see too much change. A battle between "retro" and an all-new modern design began. The green light was given in 1998, embracing three key starting points: A true 2-seater, front engine, rear-wheel-drive and hatchback body. In its development, there were many keywords that came to mind: passion, performance/handling, value, reliability, graceful, lighter, more nimble, timeless, contemporary, practicality. From "Lust to Love" potential owners will be attracted to the Z's looks and performance, but will fall in love with it for the driving feel, reliability and practicality.
Since the introduction of Nissan's Revival Plan ( NRP ) , the company has managed to reduce debt by $3.45 billion, and increase sales by 7.9 percent. Their goal: one million additional annual vehicle sales by 2005; an 8 percent operating profit and zero automotive debt. Ambitious indeed.
Although admittedly the new 350Z is critically important to the brand image, Nissan's comeback is not totally dependent on it, say Nissan management. With the introduction of the all-new Altima last year, Nissan has seen a new, younger buyer coming into the showroom. What Nissan is aiming at is to increase its share in the North American market.
The Z is attractive in its simplicity. The interior is comfortable, well-laid out and includes a few amenities that are needed, such as some handy lockable storage boxes behind the seats; one big enough for a briefcase. This is a roomy interior, with lots of legroom ( 43.2 ) for the tallest of driver and passenger. The Z's seats fit the driver well. Below the shoulder area, the contour of the seat is "relieved" so that the driver has room for shifting. The cloth is a woven "carbon" fabric, firm and sturdy. Nissan has integrated a "mound" in the center of the driver's legs to provide femoral support for pedal operation. The steering column is a manual tilt so when it's moved, the driver can see the IP. The 3-bay gauge cluster is mounted on the console, easy to read and reminds one of the original Z interior. This is a true sports car look and lends a cockpit feel to the interior of the Z. Nissan has mounted a rear strut tower for rigidity and when spied from the outside, you can see the Z logo in it.
Are there some things we didn't like about the 350Z? Just a few nit-piks: The doors are heavy. One has to do some reaching for the seatbelts, and you sit low in the vehicle. We didn't see an ashtry, which was all right with us. If you're a passenger, don't think you'll be doing any writing. It's a little bumpy for that, and we don't mean the ride is uncomfortable. On the contrary, the Z takes the bumps and railroad tracks flawlessly, but it is a sports car, and you do ride on the rims. The Z is a heavy-feeling car, solid and integrated.
The new 2003 350Z sports coupe is available in seven models, from the base Z ( $26,269 ) to the Track model ( $34,079 ) . In between are the Enthusiast Model ( $28,249 ) , Enthusiast Model 5AT with manual mode ( $29,219 ) ; Performance Model ( $30,429 ) ; Touring Model 5AT with manual mode ( $31,589 ) ; and Touring Model with 6MT ( $33,179 ) . There are only two available options: DVD-based Navigation System ( available on the Performance, Touring and Track Models ( $1,999 ) ; side airbags with side curtain airbags, available on all models, ( $569 ) . Destination and handling is $540.
Standard features include such things as ABS, dual stage airbags, automatic temperature control, 160-watt AM/FM/CD with six speakers, power windows/door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, vehicle security system, leather steering wheel and shifter boot. As you climb the ladder moving into the Enthusiast model, you gain such things as dual illuminated visor mirrors, Traction Control, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise, viscuous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror.
See Zcar.com and my350z.com .
SPECS
Engine: 3.5L V6 DOHC, 287 horsepower
Wheelbase: 104.3 in.; Length: 169.7 in.
Width: 71.5 in.; Height: 51.8 in.
Weight: 3,188-3,247
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic with manual mode
Body Type: Unibody; 2-door coupe
Fuel Economy: TBA
Front engine/Rear-wheel-drive
Tires: Bridgestone Summer 225/50R17 ( Front ) ; 225/50R17 96W ( Rear )
Available Tires: 225/45R18 91W ( Front ) ; 245/45R18 96W ( Rear )
