2007 Nissan 350Z

The 2007 Nissan 350Z offers a number of enhancements for the new model year, including the next generation of its award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 engine with 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Also added are three new exterior colors – Carbon Silver, San Marino Blue and Solar Orange. A Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System has been added to the Touring and Grand Touring Coupe models.

Other new features for the 2007 350Z include a new front hood design, three new exterior colors, interior improvements and a Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System (Touring, Grand Touring Coupes).

Next-Generation 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.

Exterior and Interior

The 350Z Coupe takes its cues from the original 1970 Datsun 240Z – a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, two-seat interior, a powerful 6-cylinder engine and, like the original, features a true hatchback body.

Design cues passed on from the first-generation Z include the long nose and short deck styling, triangular cabin form and the lines extending from the arch-shaped roof to the hatchback opening. The front end’s sleek, aggressive design includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam xenon) headlights.

The Z’s strong, spine-like beltline is anchored with large, distinctive LED taillights for better visibility and quicker lighting times than conventional lights. Other standard Z body elements include an aluminum hood, distinctive vertical door handles and heated outside mirrors.

In 2006, the Z Coupe interior received new cloth seat material, new meter styling, redesigned door panel styling, revised HVAC controls, new storage space including the addition of a cupholder on each door panel, a new storage net on the passenger side footwell and the addition of steering wheel switch lighting (except base model) – enhancements that continue for 2007.

Other amenities include steering wheel audio controls (except base model), mp3-CD capability for the available Bose audio system and available satellite radio with body-color antenna on Coupe models. Also available for 2007 is the Z’s Nissan Navigation System, which offers intelligent search capabilities and split screen capability (allows viewing of map and intersection simultaneously).

The Chassis

The 350Z’s FM (Front Mid-Ship) platform positions the engine behind the front axle, providing an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 53/47. The FM platform, derived from racing technology, also places a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body.

The Z’s standard rack-and-pinion steering system features a vehicle speed-sensitive power assist, which provides comfortable steering effort at both low and high speeds. The system’s two orifice sets (compared with one set for traditional power steering systems) work together to generate the appropriate level of steering effort for nearly every driving condition. The orifice sets are controlled by a solenoid valve and electrical control units.

The Z’s suspension is a 4-wheel independent multilink design with extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and standard front and rear stabilizer bars. Base Price: 2007 Nissan 350Z - $27,900