The striking Nissan 350Z was one of the stars of the Auto Africa Expo in Johannesburg in October. CARtoday.com brings you details of the new Z.
The striking Nissan 350Z was one of the stars of the Auto Africa Expo in Johannesburg in October?
CARtoday.com provided coverage of the show’s most notable exhibits. And, we have found it difficult to compare the impact of new grand saloons like the Audi A8, Jaguar XJ with trendy light cars such as the Mazda 2 and Renault Mégane.
In a similar vein, the sheer presence of the Lamborghini Murciélago supercar cannot be compared with the simplistic elegance of the Daihatsu Copen, for example.
But could any car be as significant to the future of its manufacturer as the Nissan 350Z? The spectacular sportscar impressed many visitors to Auto Africa with its economy of design, uncompromising sportiness and sheer sex appeal.
It went on sale at the end of July and sales have reached more than 7 800 world-wide. There is an order backlog, with numerous orders received before the car was launched.
Nissan SA spokesman Peter Burroughes told CARtoday.com that said the manufacturer “would like it to come here”. “It’s almost certain to come to South Africa, but at a later date,” he said.
The original Z made the company’s name in the United States and Nissan hopes the 350Z will symbolise the rebirth of its brand. Nissan said it planned to sell 42 000 350Zs worldwide in the first year and 33 000 on average during its lifecycle.
The 350Z continues the tradition of the original Datsun 240Z of the 1970s, echoing its styling with tight lines and hatchback design.
Furthermore, there’s a classic sports car layout: the engine is in the front and the rear wheels are driven. Its bonnet curves around an all-aluminium 214 kW 3,5-litre V6 engine with variable valve timing. It produces 371 N.m of torque, Nissan claims.
The 350Z reportedly weighs a little over 1400 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 148 kW per ton. It has a top speed of 250 km/h and does 0-100 km/h in 6,3 seconds.
The steering system is a rack-and-pinion design with speed-sensitive power assistance for 2,6 turns lock-to-lock turning circle. The car’s ABS braking system features ventilated discs, which measure almost 300 mm in diameter both front and rear, mated to Brembo calipers.
The 350Z’s 17-inch, 50-profile tyres are complemented by multi-link suspension and stabiliser bars.
Inside, the instrument panel features three gauge pods, similar in design to the 240Z, consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter as well as a navigation system with video display.
The luggage space can carry two golf bags behind the seats and a lockable floor box can take a briefcase.
