2007 Nissan 350Z Roadster

The Nissan 350Z Roadster continues to offer sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience. For the 2007 model year, Nissan engineers have taken the award-winning sports car one step further with the next generation of its award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6. The new VQ35HR V6 produces 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque and features a twin air intake system, among other enhancements, that increases efficiency and allows for improved fuel economy.

Other new features for the 2007 350Z include a new front hood design, three new exterior colors, a new gray colored convertible top, interior improvements, a Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System (Touring, Grand Touring Coupes) and standard front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags.

New VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 Engine

The heart and soul of the Nissan Z, since the original 1970 model, is its engine. Every 350Z offers a new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, which for 2007 produces 306 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, with more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 rpm.

The fourth-generation VQ-series V6, which has been named one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward’s Auto World magazine for 14 consecutive years, has been significantly revised for use in the 2007 350Z, with approximately 80% of major parts (except bolts, O-rings and clips) redesigned.

A new symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance and increases horsepower, by up to three horsepower, as more air enters the intake at speed. Along with a powerful engine, the Z produces a powerful sports car sound to match – one without the low frequency booming or rumbling or high-pitched mechanical sounds that can grow tiresome on long trips.

Both a 6-speed close-ratio manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission are available.

Driving with the Top Down

The 350Z Roadster was first introduced as a 2004 model and continues to be a great open-air sports car for top-down driving enthusiasts. The Z® Roadster features a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, which transforms from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds.

The Z Roadster’s fully automatic soft top features a heated glass rear window, which helps provide clearer visibility in adverse weather conditions. And, unlike other convertibles in its class, the top stows compactly under a lightweight, powered tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down.

Also during the design phase of the Z Roadster, engineers devoted countless hours conducting wind tunnel tests. These tests allowed the engineers to adjust the Roadster’s design to route air flow to help minimize interior noise and turbulence while maximizing downforce at highway speeds. As a result, the Z Roadster is among the leading competitors for low interior noise with the top down.

The Interior

Like the Z Coupe, the Z Roadster’s instrument panel features three gauge pods consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as modern touches such as the enhanced, optional navigation system with 7.0-inch display.

The driver’s seat of the Z Roadster is tailored for performance. The base cushion is firm and long for additional support, while bolster cutouts under the thighs optimize pedal operation. The seatback is sculpted with large "wings," designed to help secure the driver during acceleration. The upper side bolster is sculpted in the middle for easy shifting and steering, while the lower side bolster is designed wider and deeper to keep the driver squarely behind the wheel.

Also offered on the Z Roadster are Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net seats (Touring and Grand Touring only). The net-style seats are made with a woven seat cloth center insert and feature an opening in the seatback so that the driver can feel a wind flow during top-down driving. A built-in seat heater is also available. Base Price: 2007 Nissan 350Z Roadster - $36,550