king GT-R
25-11-2005, 07:26 PM
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_l1.jpg
Introduction
Storming back onto the world sportscar scene in 2003 following a seven-year hiatus, the legendary Z-car gets its first meaningful tweaks for 2006. Based on Nissan’s superb FM (front/midship engine) platform that also underpins the lauded Infiniti G35, this scintillating two-seater becomes even more competent and a touch more comfortable for 2006, while boasting minor cosmetic changes and functional mechanical upgrades. Nissan also shuffled the powertrain lineup and revised the model range of coupes and roadsters to include Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Track, and Grand Touring variants, in that order.
Exterior
A modern-day embodiment of the original 240Z styling statement, the uniquely contoured 350Z gains new bi-xenon headlamps, detail variations to its front fascia and grille, and high-intensity LEDs in place of conventional taillight bulbs. Save for the Track and new Grand Touring coupes, all other models get redesigned 18-inch cast-alloy wheels mounting W-rated 225/45 front and 245/45 rear tires. The top guns are fitted with new Rays lightweight, forged-alloy rims that now carry 245/40WR18 rubber up front and 265/35WR19s in the rear. Larger wheel offsets needed to fit those super shoes also bring wider fender flares. Roadsters have a padded power top with glass rear window.
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_int1s.jpg
Interior
The 350Z’s driver-centric cabin offers a slightly richer look for 2006. Previously hard plastic, the door panels now match softer-touch uppers with padded cloth or leather lower elements, and each also adds a cupholder. Lesser changes include revamped gauge faces, brightwork accents on the air conditioning controls, and marginally improved console storage areas—although larger items still must travel in a lockable bin behind the passenger seat or in one of two “binnettes” that flank it. While the interior is scaled to easily handle a pair of six footers, the cargo bay in all models holds a mere 4.1 cu-ft. And prominent rear suspension strut towers linked by a signature Z-logo cross-brace cover compromise even that meager space.
Cloth with manual adjusters (Base/Enthusiast/Track) or leather-swathed power units (Touring/Grand Touring), the 350Z’s torso-hugging buckets have unique support bolstering for the driver’s seat. Universal standards include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt/telescoping column with pivoting main-instrument cluster, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, dual 12V powerpoints, and 240Z-style ancillary gauges in the center of the dash for the trip computer/tire-pressure monitor/oil pressure/voltmeter. Base/Enthusiast/Track models get a six-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD sound system while the Touring/Grand Touring have a 240-watt Bose setup with a six-disc CD changer, plus new MP3 playback capability. All but the Base trim edition get steering-wheel controls. Optional in Touring/Grand Touring models, the DVD-based navigation system is now simpler and more intuitive to use
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_int2s.jpg
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_l2.jpg
Safety
All Z-cars have a rigid structure with engineered crumple zones, ABS discs with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, a breakaway brake pedal, carbon-composite driveshaft, seatbelts with pretensioners/locking retractors, and dual-stage “smart” front airbags. Side and side-curtain airbags are optional on coupes and standard on roadster Touring/Grand Touring models, with the latter also available on the Enthusiast roadster
Powertrain
The 350Z’s all-alloy 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 uses continuously variable valve timing to fatten and flatten the output curves. Paired with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, it makes 300 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, stats previously attained only by ’05 Track/Grand Touring models. Go for the optional five-speed autoshifter, and those figures hold at 287 and 274, respectively. Both combos merit 19/25-mpg city/highway EPA marks. All Z-cars have traction control and a viscous limited-slip differential, 6M versions of the Touring Coupe/Track Coupe/Grand Touring add Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control system.
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_dashs.jpg
Behind the wheel
In any trim, the 350Z embodies an exceptional blend of even temperament and enthusiastic spirit. Its steering, stopping, and suspension systems synergistically connect in a way that can effectively tame even the twistiest back roads. For 2006, new, vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering and larger standard rotors on the base four-channel ABS package (race-bred Brembos on the Track/Grand Touring Coupes are unchanged) further elevate the driving dynamic. There’s straight-line quickness, as well: A manually-shifted coupe sprints from 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and an automatic roadster needs another second or so to hit that mark. Extensive reinforcing helps the open-top variant maintain much of the coupe’s structural rigidity. Equally impressive is its twist-a-handle/touch-a-button power top and hard tonneau that require roughly 20 seconds to cycle in either direction.
For all of the Z-car’s merits, several legitimate caveats do exist. The suspension has tautness that some may find harsh. There’s a heft to its clutch that’s no fun in rush-hour traffic. Tire noise at cruising speed gets downright annoying. And more aggressive drivers are apt to ding the selectable stability control system for being slightly too intrusive. All will agree that the Z-car’s relatively small greenhouse and wide C-pillars impact side/rear sightlines.
Ownership
Starting below $30K, the 350Z remains both an aspirational and attainable goal for serious sportscar enthusiasts. Exhilarating to drive, the 350Z also has an impressive history in IC’s five-year cost of ownership ratings. The more budget-bound might consider a Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Honda S2000, or Audi TT 3.2 Quattro while the pricier Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class -- a coupe/convertible combo -- and Chevy’s own American Idol, the Corvette, stand as upside alternatives. Priced just slightly higher, the Infiniti G35 coupe offers nearly the same dynamics in a gentler package, with a better-dressed interior, modest rear seat, and the added protection of a longer warranty. But those hopelessly smitten with an incurable case of Z-ness envy know the only real choice here is coupe or roadster.
Final Word
A distinctive presence and an exceptional value, the 350Z is a true driver’s car that sets a high standard for vehicle dynamics.
What's Hot
More powerful brakes
Richer-looking interior trim
Great per-dollar performance
What's Not
Limited cargo space
Ambient road noise
Compromised side/rear sightlines
advertisement
What's New
A minor restyle inside and out brings bi-xenon headlamps, LED taillamps, upgraded interior trim, MP3 capability for the Bose audio system, steering wheel radio controls (all but base), and an improved optional navigation system. All 350Zs get new vehicle-speed sensitive power steering, and larger-diameter standard brake rotors. Engine output on manual-transmission models rises from 287 hp to 300 hp.
Key Options
350Z extras include a DVD-based navigation system (Touring/Grand Touring/Track), XM or Sirius satellite radio, side/side-impact airbags (coupes), supplemental side airbags (Enthusiast roadster) and net-style heated/ventilated seats trimmed in Burnt Orange leather (Touring/Grand Touring roadsters).
Others To Consider
Honda S2000 2006
Mitsubishi Eclipse 2006
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2006
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_review_2006_nissan_350z/index2.html
الموضوع منقول من Motor trend
Introduction
Storming back onto the world sportscar scene in 2003 following a seven-year hiatus, the legendary Z-car gets its first meaningful tweaks for 2006. Based on Nissan’s superb FM (front/midship engine) platform that also underpins the lauded Infiniti G35, this scintillating two-seater becomes even more competent and a touch more comfortable for 2006, while boasting minor cosmetic changes and functional mechanical upgrades. Nissan also shuffled the powertrain lineup and revised the model range of coupes and roadsters to include Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Track, and Grand Touring variants, in that order.
Exterior
A modern-day embodiment of the original 240Z styling statement, the uniquely contoured 350Z gains new bi-xenon headlamps, detail variations to its front fascia and grille, and high-intensity LEDs in place of conventional taillight bulbs. Save for the Track and new Grand Touring coupes, all other models get redesigned 18-inch cast-alloy wheels mounting W-rated 225/45 front and 245/45 rear tires. The top guns are fitted with new Rays lightweight, forged-alloy rims that now carry 245/40WR18 rubber up front and 265/35WR19s in the rear. Larger wheel offsets needed to fit those super shoes also bring wider fender flares. Roadsters have a padded power top with glass rear window.
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_int1s.jpg
Interior
The 350Z’s driver-centric cabin offers a slightly richer look for 2006. Previously hard plastic, the door panels now match softer-touch uppers with padded cloth or leather lower elements, and each also adds a cupholder. Lesser changes include revamped gauge faces, brightwork accents on the air conditioning controls, and marginally improved console storage areas—although larger items still must travel in a lockable bin behind the passenger seat or in one of two “binnettes” that flank it. While the interior is scaled to easily handle a pair of six footers, the cargo bay in all models holds a mere 4.1 cu-ft. And prominent rear suspension strut towers linked by a signature Z-logo cross-brace cover compromise even that meager space.
Cloth with manual adjusters (Base/Enthusiast/Track) or leather-swathed power units (Touring/Grand Touring), the 350Z’s torso-hugging buckets have unique support bolstering for the driver’s seat. Universal standards include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt/telescoping column with pivoting main-instrument cluster, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, dual 12V powerpoints, and 240Z-style ancillary gauges in the center of the dash for the trip computer/tire-pressure monitor/oil pressure/voltmeter. Base/Enthusiast/Track models get a six-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD sound system while the Touring/Grand Touring have a 240-watt Bose setup with a six-disc CD changer, plus new MP3 playback capability. All but the Base trim edition get steering-wheel controls. Optional in Touring/Grand Touring models, the DVD-based navigation system is now simpler and more intuitive to use
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_int2s.jpg
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_l2.jpg
Safety
All Z-cars have a rigid structure with engineered crumple zones, ABS discs with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, a breakaway brake pedal, carbon-composite driveshaft, seatbelts with pretensioners/locking retractors, and dual-stage “smart” front airbags. Side and side-curtain airbags are optional on coupes and standard on roadster Touring/Grand Touring models, with the latter also available on the Enthusiast roadster
Powertrain
The 350Z’s all-alloy 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 uses continuously variable valve timing to fatten and flatten the output curves. Paired with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, it makes 300 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, stats previously attained only by ’05 Track/Grand Touring models. Go for the optional five-speed autoshifter, and those figures hold at 287 and 274, respectively. Both combos merit 19/25-mpg city/highway EPA marks. All Z-cars have traction control and a viscous limited-slip differential, 6M versions of the Touring Coupe/Track Coupe/Grand Touring add Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control system.
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_nissan_350z_dashs.jpg
Behind the wheel
In any trim, the 350Z embodies an exceptional blend of even temperament and enthusiastic spirit. Its steering, stopping, and suspension systems synergistically connect in a way that can effectively tame even the twistiest back roads. For 2006, new, vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering and larger standard rotors on the base four-channel ABS package (race-bred Brembos on the Track/Grand Touring Coupes are unchanged) further elevate the driving dynamic. There’s straight-line quickness, as well: A manually-shifted coupe sprints from 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and an automatic roadster needs another second or so to hit that mark. Extensive reinforcing helps the open-top variant maintain much of the coupe’s structural rigidity. Equally impressive is its twist-a-handle/touch-a-button power top and hard tonneau that require roughly 20 seconds to cycle in either direction.
For all of the Z-car’s merits, several legitimate caveats do exist. The suspension has tautness that some may find harsh. There’s a heft to its clutch that’s no fun in rush-hour traffic. Tire noise at cruising speed gets downright annoying. And more aggressive drivers are apt to ding the selectable stability control system for being slightly too intrusive. All will agree that the Z-car’s relatively small greenhouse and wide C-pillars impact side/rear sightlines.
Ownership
Starting below $30K, the 350Z remains both an aspirational and attainable goal for serious sportscar enthusiasts. Exhilarating to drive, the 350Z also has an impressive history in IC’s five-year cost of ownership ratings. The more budget-bound might consider a Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Honda S2000, or Audi TT 3.2 Quattro while the pricier Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class -- a coupe/convertible combo -- and Chevy’s own American Idol, the Corvette, stand as upside alternatives. Priced just slightly higher, the Infiniti G35 coupe offers nearly the same dynamics in a gentler package, with a better-dressed interior, modest rear seat, and the added protection of a longer warranty. But those hopelessly smitten with an incurable case of Z-ness envy know the only real choice here is coupe or roadster.
Final Word
A distinctive presence and an exceptional value, the 350Z is a true driver’s car that sets a high standard for vehicle dynamics.
What's Hot
More powerful brakes
Richer-looking interior trim
Great per-dollar performance
What's Not
Limited cargo space
Ambient road noise
Compromised side/rear sightlines
advertisement
What's New
A minor restyle inside and out brings bi-xenon headlamps, LED taillamps, upgraded interior trim, MP3 capability for the Bose audio system, steering wheel radio controls (all but base), and an improved optional navigation system. All 350Zs get new vehicle-speed sensitive power steering, and larger-diameter standard brake rotors. Engine output on manual-transmission models rises from 287 hp to 300 hp.
Key Options
350Z extras include a DVD-based navigation system (Touring/Grand Touring/Track), XM or Sirius satellite radio, side/side-impact airbags (coupes), supplemental side airbags (Enthusiast roadster) and net-style heated/ventilated seats trimmed in Burnt Orange leather (Touring/Grand Touring roadsters).
Others To Consider
Honda S2000 2006
Mitsubishi Eclipse 2006
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2006
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_review_2006_nissan_350z/index2.html
الموضوع منقول من Motor trend