Nissan's old Zed new again

An unexpected final facelift of Nissan's iconic 350Z has unlocked the full potential of the model. First launched in 2003, the tweaks transform the Zed into a new value and performance benchmark even by 2007 standards.

Although little has changed outside, the 350Z now comes with a new engine with 80 per cent new components and further suspension and tyre tweaks. Despite the significant lift in performance -- especially in the automatic models -- there has been no increase in price or fuel consumption.

Nissan Australia executives concede that they didn't see the new model coming so soon after the fairly extensive MY06 revisions announced at the close of 2005.  However, Japanese engineers have been working round the clock to address the detailed criticisms as levelled at the facelifted MY06 model (more here).

The big news is an all-new engine block which is taller and more rigid than the previous design and has been relocated 15mm lower in the chassis to enhance the 350Z's centre of gravity. It is now topped with a new dual intake system with ram effect straight air intakes. A new power bulge bonnet recalling the original Datsun 240Z has been added to clear the new inlet system.

Revised variable valve timing, larger common length exhaust manifolds, bigger crank journals and crank pins, a higher compression ratio (was 10.3, now 10.6:1), improved coolant flow and a ladder frame crankshaft stiffener at the base of the block are just some of the many improvements in the new VQ35HR engine.

The bottom line is that power goes up by 9kW on manual transmission models and a whopping 24kW on automatic transmission models -- now that the same 230kW engine is specified for both transmissions. The redline increases by 500rpm to 7500rpm.

Torque goes up by 5Nm over the previous manual model to 358Nm but is still 5Nm less than the previous 206kW/363Nm engine fitted to automatic models. However, the new engine brings a fatter torque curve earlier in the rev range.

Together with the engine's stronger and much smoother performance at higher engine speeds, the new engine fills the gaps in power and torque delivery that marred previous models.

All models wear 18-inch alloys with a heavily sculptured five-spoke style and fitted with new Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, similar to those fitted to local high-performance Commodore models. In conjunction with minor suspension tweaks, these tyres offer a far smoother ride, lower noise levels and extra grip over demanding Australian road surfaces.

Nissan Australia also anticipates that the new tyre specification would alleviate some of the unusual wear patterns of previous high performance tyres which have set up vibration and extra noise.

Active front head restraints are now specified for extra safety. Three new colours are added including a premium multi-layered solar orange with green highlights, San Marino blue and Carbon silver.

As for the previous model, there are two specifications: Touring and Track -- available in both coupe and roadster body styles. The Coupe Track adds Vehicle Dynamic Control, front spoiler, rear underbody diffuser, rear spoiler, Brembo brakes and optional Burnt Orange seats. The Roadster Track is similar but doesn't get the spoilers or the curtain airbags which are deleted from all soft-top models.

The new model range includes a Coupe Touring with six-speed manual for $62,990 and a five-speed auto version for $64,990. The Roadster Touring comes only as an automatic for $73,990. The Coupe Track is available only as a six-speed manual for $67,990 while the Roadster Track, which is also manual-only, is priced at $73,990, the same as the Roadster Touring with auto.

The first examples hit Nissan showrooms at the end of last month. Although it is the last major facelift for this 350Z series, Nissan Australia says further special editions are under consideration to maintain interest in the model.

A launch drive around Tasmania confirmed Nissan expectations that the revised model will stimulate a sales revival for the 350Z when tractability and response have been transformed.

Revised figures that move the 0-100km/h figure from over six seconds to well under also seem realistic when the new engine powers on between gear changes without the loss of momentum so evident in previous models.

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