The 350 clamps down to standstill from high speed with amazing ability, due as much to its P225/45WR-18 front and P245/45WR-18 rear tires as it is to its ABS and EBD equipped 296 x 24 mm (11.7 x 1.0 in) vented front and 292 x 16 mm (11.5 x 0.6 in) vented rear disc brakes - 325 x 30.5 mm (12.8 x 1.2 in) front and 323 x 22.9 mm (12.7 x 0.9 in) rear vented brakes are part of the Track package. The best safety equipment, of course, helps to avoid accidents in the first place, bringing to light the Z's standard high intensity discharge (HID) xenon headlights. That said it's easy to see the road in front but only a sliver of rear window is visible through the rearview mirror, due mostly to the thick strut brace. Incidentally, hidden under the aluminum hood a slimmer strut brace straddles the engine compartment for added structural rigidity.
In the end the 350Z is everything I had hoped it would be. Stimulating styling, adrenaline inducing performance and just the right amount of creature comforts to be acceptable in the $40,000+ club, give the new Nissan the right stuff to battle it out in a sports car niche that will become increasingly competitive over the next few years.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP):$44,900 - $48,585
- Body Type: 2-door coupe with hatch
- Layout: Front engine, RWD
- Engine: 287 hp, 274 lb-ft, 3.5-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Transmission: 6-spd man (opt 5-spd auto with manual mode)
- Performance (0 - 100 km/h): 5.5 seconds
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS and EBD
- Curb Weight: 1,463 - 1,473 kg (3,226 - 3,247 lb)
- Seating Capacity:2
- Cargo Volume (hatch): 193 L (6.8 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.9 / 8.2 L/100km (24 / 34 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km):36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors:Audi TT, Chevrolet Corvette
- Web Site: www.nissan.ca
