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2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary (Video Clip)

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Mathieu St-Pierre
Coupe de Highway
The seats, both comfy enough and supportive, could only be improved with a grippier sport cloth covering. The steering wheel is large in diameter but it falls well into hand. Because of the absence of a glove box, there are compartments located directly behind the seats. The cargo area is literally divided by a large brace. Room is limited and even though Nissan has instructions on how to insert two golf bags back there, it will never have the carrying capacity of a real hatchback.

Technical

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre
For 2005 and 2006, Nissan's excellent 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 has two different outputs. When coupled to the 6-speed manual transmission (only for the 35th Anniversary in 2005), it generates 300 hp at 6 400 rpm and 260 lb/ft of torque at 4 800 rpm. With the 5-speed automatic, the numbers are the same as they have been since 2003: 287 hp at 6 200 rpm and 274 lb/ft of torque at 4 800 rpm. Steering consists of engine speed sensitive variable assist and the multi-link front and 4-link rear suspension is made of aluminium. Standard wheel size is 18". For 2006, the GT package includes 19" rear wheels along with the 18" up front.

On the road

I last drove the Coupe in 2003 and the Roadster in 2004 and both were equipped with the 6-speed. What I immediately noticed this time around was the difference in off-the-line power. Although it is the same 3.5L V6, the 35A's 14 fewer lbs of torque, which do not seem like much, were obvious as I had to hold the gear longer to get up to speed. In the end, it matters not as it permits me to listen to the awesomely intoxicating baritone engine and exhaust note combination.

As the tach reaches 4 500 rpm, the CVVTCS system (variable valve timing)
Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre
awakes and the Z lunges forward. Second and third gears are especially amusing to hold as the power builds and the 350Z very quickly reaches illegal speeds. Equally impressive but more important are brakes. The 35A's front 12.76" and rear 12.68" vented discs are clamped respectively by 4-pot and 2-pot Brembo callipers. Although the pedal is firm, at first their performance seems a little disappointing however as the pads and discs heat up, stopping power increases. Steering is responsive being principally aided by grippy front P225/45R18 Bridgestone tires.

My most favourite part about driving the 350Z is shifting gears. The way the shifter's travel is dry yet precise and short make rowing through the gears more fun than going to La Ronde. Sifting through cogs in a BMW or Audi is always fun and tugging on the MX-5's stick is immensely rewarding. When the clutch and shifter action are perfectly coordinated, the synchronization is as good as any of these cars.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre
The aggressive suspension setup is chiefly geared towards high performance i.e. track driving. In other words, the ride is very stiff and does cause the occasional rattle to be heard. For those, such as I, that are able to accept being mildly jostled while driving in the city, will immediately appreciate the high levels of adherence and control afforded by the sport tuned dampers when cruising at high speeds or carving the country side.


Mathieu St-Pierre
Mathieu St-Pierre
Automotive expert
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