Since the popular 200 SX and 300 ZX models were discontinued in South Africa five years ago, Nissan has not had strong representation in the sports car market. Perhaps the 350Z, scheduled to go into production next year, could change all that…
Since the popular 200 SX and 300 ZX models were discontinued in South Africa five years ago, Nissan has not had strong representation in the sports car market. Perhaps the 350Z, scheduled to go into production next year, could change all that.
The concept Z car captures the spirit of the original Z – the immortal 240 and 260 models of the early to mid 1970s – with its semi-retro styling created in the company’s Californian design studios, but it also features cutting edge technology.
The vehicle is designed with a long wheelbase and wide stance, with large alloy wheels pushed out to the corners of the formula car-style body.
Inside, the new Z has clear sports car overtones with space for driver and front seat passenger only in what has been described as very much a driver-oriented environment.
But far from being a concept only, Nissan has approved production, which will begin next year with an on-sale date in the United Kingdom and Australia slated for early 2003.
First up will be the 350Z, which is powered by a 3,5-litre V6 mounted in the front and driven through the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. It can develop over 193 kW and the company claims it can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds.
At the top of the range, and likely to hit the streets in a few years’ time, is the 249 kW 350Z Turbo. It will share its twin-turbo version of the V6 with the next Skyline GT-R. And, it’s believed, it should safely outrun the Porsche 911.
