This is all about the 350z.

The Nissan 350Z appeared in the market in America in 2003, however the line of Z cars started back in 1969. The aging low performance 240Z wimped its way out the door. Nissan had a winner with the 300Z and decided to get back to the performance models. Needless to say the critics and customers were chomping at the bit to get their hand on the new model. It came out as the roadster or the two door coupe. Originally there were five trim packages but many customers felt this was not enough.

When the 350Z came to market it only have the option of the 287 horsepower V6 3.5 engine. Most came with the six speed transmission for those who like to shift gears. An automatic five speed transmission was also available. The roadster and coupe had both options. However the 2005 350Z came with a 300 horsepower new engine. Again Nissan just went with the one engine. Some people wanted more selection. This is the car I own and I love it. Well in 2007 Nissan added another 6 horses under the hood and changed the hood design slightly as well by raising the center line.

The 350Z is racing performance car and has placed well in many big races. The international media have also give the car various awards. It was “Japanese Performance Car of the Year” in 2007. It had already won the “Best New Design” for a sports car in 2003 from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. Other awards in 2003 were Road & Travel Magazine’s “Most Sex Appeal” in 2003 as well as “Driver’s Choice Best Performance Car” from Motorweek.

The car has been embraced by Holleywood and appeared in numerous TV shows from Gilmour Girls to Dexter and One Tree Hill. Like most good things Nissan decided to give the Z another overhall in 2009 and brought out the 370Z with more horsepower yet. Retractable roofs are the rage these days so the Z will follow in that modern tradition.

Tags: , , ,