2003 Nissan 350Z - Cheaper, Lighter and Fast
On sale this summer, Nissan's 2003 350Z will be lighter and more affordable than the previous version 300ZX. A 287-hp version of their award-winning 3.5-L V6 - also available in the Altima, Maxima, Pathfinder and Infiniti I35, QX4 and G35 - will drive the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. A sequentially shifting 5-speed automatic will also be available.
While totally modern from every angle, its subtle 240Z and 300ZX styling cues won't let you forget where it came from. The new Z promises to fill a high-performance sports coupe niche left virtually unoccupied in its price range, and give Nissan a halo car to further boost its image. Still this exclusivity won't last for long. Mazda's new RX8 is due out shortly and rival Toyota - according to a company insider - is planning a RWD Supra to challenge, probably based on the next generation Lexus IS 300.
Likewise, the 350Z shares its FM (front mid-engine) platform with the brilliant Infiniti G35 sedan, a vehicle that will also sport a coupe version this fall. If the Z even comes even close to the G35's nimble road manners, and it should surpass it, expect to be overwhelmed. Its 53% front and 47% rear weight distribution should be closer to 50/50 when accelerating.
Speaking of accelerating, despite a healthy 1,507 kg (3,322 lb) curb weight, 0 - 100 km/h sprints of about 5.5 seconds can be expected, that is if you manage to shift the short-throw gearbox within the engines sweet spot just prior to the 6,600 rpm redline, at 6,200 rpm. Speed maxes out at just over 250 km/h (155 mph) which should be more than adequate considering our restrictive speed limits.