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Nissan Australia has announced the arrival of a new 350Z variant, the 35th
Anniversary 350Z sports coupe, boasting enhanced performance and redesigned
alloy wheels. At the same time, the entire 350Z coupe and roadster range has
received specification upgrades for the 2005 model year line-up.
Since their Australian release in 2003, the 350Z sports coupe and roadster
have won wide acclaim for their potent, rear-wheel drive handling and dynamics,
awesome levels of power, stunning good looks, impressive appointments and
knock-out purchase price, but the 35th Anniversary 350Z sports coupe takes the
driving experience one step further.
Changes to the engine allow the 35th Anniversary 350Z to generate a
remarkable 221kW of power and 353 Nm of torque. Maximum engine speed has been
increased to 7000 rpm (up from 6600rpm) to allow the use of lower gear positions
for sportier driving.
Available with a six-speed manual transmission only, the 35th Anniversary
350Z also receives redesigned 18" alloy wheels, black leather seats and a
dedicated colour range, including a fresh Ultra Yellow which uses a new process
to achieve an almost “liquid” finish.
All vehicles in the 2005 350Z coupe and roadster range receive specification
upgrades, the most significant of which are improvements to both the manual and
automatic transmissions. Automatic variants receive Downshift Rev Matching (DRM)
which delivers smoother, faster downshifts and better chassis balance through
corners, while improvements to the manual transmission provide easier shifting
through the gears.
Other upgrades to the entire range include heated door mirrors, new polished
aluminium-type trim and improved soft-feel painted areas.
In addition, the 350Z roadster now receives – as standard fitment – Nissan’s
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and the improved stopping power of performance
Brembo brakes, as well as new upholstery to its electronic-folding roof and a
redesigned map lamp.
The line-up for the 350Z now includes the original three variants – the
Touring, Track and Roadster, as well as the 35th Anniversary model.
All models are powered by Nissan’s sensational 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC
engine, the first three variants generating 206kW of power at 6200 rpm and 363
Nm of torque at 4800 rpm.
The 35th Anniversary model’s engine has been modified using revised pistons
and camshaft and the addition of electromagnetic exhaust valve timing control
generating an impressive 221kW of power @ 6400 rpm and 353 Nm of torque @ 4800
rpm.
Standard features include composite carbon-fibre drive shaft, traction
control system, viscous limited-slip rear differential, electronic drive-by-wire
throttle, dual outlet exhaust and the improved close-ratio six-speed manual
transmission. An optional five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and
Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) is available on all models except the 35th
Anniversary variant.
Braking on the Touring model is via power-assisted 296x24mm ventilated front
and 292x16mm ventilated rear discs, with four-wheel anti-lock braking with brake
assist and electronic brake force distribution standard across the range.
All other variants now include a sports oriented Brembo® Braking System which
includes four-piston calipers with 324x30mm ventilated front and two-piston
calipers with 322x22mm ventilated rear discs and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
Independent multi-link suspension front and rear with a front strut tower
brace and an integrated rear strut tower brace combined with front and rear
stabilizer bars guarantees sure-footed handling and dynamics.
The Touring model bears 17 inch seven-spoke aluminium alloy wheels and
225/50R17 front and 235/50R17 rear high performance compound Bridgestone Potenza
tyres while the Track and Roadster receive 18 inch six-spoke aluminium alloy
wheels with 225/45R18 front and 245/45R18 rear high compound Bridgestone Potenza
performance tyres. The 35th Anniversary model receives the same tyres as the
Track and Roadster, with newly designed 18 inch 5-spoke aluminium alloy wheels.
Safety is a high priority with the 2005 Nissan 350Z and in addition to the
impressive active safety features already listed the vehicle boasts six airbags,
driver and passenger, front side impact and side curtain SRS airbags (the latter
not available on Roadster variants) and seatbelts with pretensioners and load
limiters.
Standard features on all models include heated leather sports seats,
automatic climate control air-conditioning, Bose 240 watt sound system with
seven speakers, power windows, door locks and heated exterior door mirrors and a
three-bay gauge cluster for oil pressure, voltmeter and trip computer.
The 35th Anniversary coupe comes in Black Obsidian and Pewter, as well as the
new Ultra Yellow colour, which utilises a new high-luminance and high-chroma
pearl pigment and three layers of top coat (with separate colour pigment and
pearl pigment layers) to create an almost “liquid” surface appearance.
The remainder of the 2005 Nissan 350Z line-up is available in a range of
colours, including Platinum, Black Obsidian, Pewter, Daytona Blue and Le Mans
Sunset.
Pricing on Nissan’s sensational 350Z coupe line-up remains sharp, with the
Touring and Track models unchanged at $59,990* and $65,990* (manual models),
while the Roadster, including Brembo® brakes and VDC, is now available for
$70,990*. Automatic transmission with DRM remains unchanged as a $2,800 option
on all three models.
The 35th Anniversary model, with the power boost, is available at $67,990* in
manual transmission only.
Launching the Nissan 350Z 2005 range, Nissan’s managing director and chief
executive officer, Shinya Hannya, commented on the Z’s legacy of innovation in
design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original
Datsun 240Z was first introduced.
“The 350Z is a halo vehicle for the Nissan range, encompassing performance,
imagination, heritage and passion.”
“And the 2005 350Z range – including the remarkable 35th Anniversary model -
will extend the 350Z’s reputation as one of the finest performance sports cars
on the road today,” Mr Hannya said.
All prices quoted are recommended retail pricing and do not include dealer
delivery and on-road costs.
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