Review: Nissan Z33 350Z (2002-09)

Review: Nissan Z33.I 350Z (2002-05)

Overview

Released in December 2002, the Nissan Z33 Series I (Z33.I) 350Z was initially available as a coupe, with convertibles following in October 2003. Manufactured in Oppama (2002-03) and Tochigi (2003-05), Japan, the rear-wheel drive 350Z was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (Nissan’s VQ35DE). While the coupe models were available as Touring and Track variants, the convertibles were offered in a single variant.

VQ35DE engine

The 3.5-litre VQ35DE engine had an aluminium block, aluminium heads, four valves per cylinder, double overhead cams, variable valve timing, forged steel connecting rods, a microfinished one-piece forged crankshaft, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and a high-flow tuned induction system.

Transmission choices consisted of five-speed automatic or six-speed manual units.

Dimensions

Effectively replacing the Z32 300ZX , albeit with a six year hiatus for the Australian market, the Z33 350Z was built on Nissan’s FM platform. The 350Z coupe models were 4315 mm long, 1815 mm wide, 1320 mm tall and had a 2650 mm long wheelbase; the convertible models had the same vehicle and wheelbase lengths, but were 3 mm wider (at 1818 mm) and 9 mm taller (1329 mm). 

Suspension

The 350Z had independent, multi-link suspension front and rear with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 350Z included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The coupe models were also fitted with curtain airbags, while the Track variants were fitted with electronic stability control.

From February 2005, the convertible was equipped with electronic stability control and the Brembo braking package.

Brakes

The 350Z Touring variants and 350Z convertible models were fitted with 296 mm by 24 mm ventilated front brake discs and 292 mm by 21 mm ventilated rear discs.

The 350Z Track, however, had a Brembo braking system which consisted of 324 mm by 30 mm ventilated front discs with four-piston calipers and 322 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs with twin-piston calipers. 

Features: 350Z Coupe

Standard features for the 350Z Touring included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/50 R17 94W front and 235/50 R17 96W rear tyres, a seven speaker Bose sound system (including subwoofer) with a six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

As standard, the 350Z was also fitted with a viscous limited slip rear differential.

The 350Z Track was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R18 91W front and 245/45 R18 96W rear tyres, stiffer suspension and spoilers (front and rear).

Features: 350Z Convertible

Compared to the Touring coupe, the 350Z Convertible was similarly equipped but added 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R18 91W front and 245/45 R18 96W rear tyres, a heated glass rear window and wind deflector.

The 350Z Convertible’s power-operated soft-top roof with a three-step locking mechanism, and could extend or retract in around 20 seconds. When lowered, the top was stowed away under a lightweight composite cover to be hidden from view.

February 2005: 350Z update

In February 2005, the range underwent a minor update; the manual transmissions were upgraded for easier shifts and the automatics featured ‘Downshift Rev Matching’, adjusting the engine’s revolutions when changing gears to the exact speed of the next gear position for smoother downshifts. Standard features were also extended to include heated door mirrors, polished faux-aluminium interior highlights and soft-feel materials; new material was also used for the construction of the convertible’s soft-top roof.

2005 350Z Coupe 35^thAnniversary

In February 2005, a limited-run 35^thAnniversary 350Z Coupe was released; this model was fitted with a revised engine which produced peak power and torque of 221 kW at 6400 rpm and 353 Nm at 4800 rpm, and was solely available with a six-speed manual transmission. Like the Track variants, the 35th Anniversary coupe was also fitted with Brembo brakes and electronic stability control.

With respect to features, the 35th Anniversary variant was distinguished by its 18-inch alloys, black leather seats and dedicated colour range (including Black Obsidian, Pewter and Ultra Yellow).

Related links

• Specifications: Nissan Z33 350Z Coupe (October 2002)

Review: Nissan Z33.II 350Z (2005-07)

Overview

Released in December 2005, the Nissan Z33 Series II (Z33.II) 350Z introduced a revised line-up, more powerful engine for manual models, modified suspension and improved equipment levels. The convertible was available in Touring and Track variants, with automatic and manual transmissions respectively. Similarly, the Track coupe was only available with a manual transmission.

Visually, the Z33.II 350Z could be identified by its redesigned front bumper, xenon headlights, LED combination tail-lights and 18-inch aluminium wheels which were fitted as standard across the range. Inside, the interior featured greater use of soft-touch materials and aluminium highlights, repositioned switches and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the Z33.II 350Z was substantially the same as its predecessor, though only Track variants were fitted with electronic stability control.

Review: Nissan Z33.III 350Z (2007-09)

Overview

Released in May 2007, the Z33 Series III (Z33.III) 350Z introduced Nissan’s more powerful VQ35HR engine. With over 80 per cent of its major parts redesigned, the engine utilised a dual intake system with variable valve timing, increased compression ratio and the addition of a common length exhaust manifold for reduced back pressure. Visually, the Z33.III could be identified by its ‘power bulge’ bonnet and was fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Safety equipment and features

Safety equipment and features were substantially the same as the Z33.II 350Z.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Nissan Z33 350Z