Review 2003 Nissan 350Z Touring
SEE ALSO: Nissan Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS Of all of the new Nissan products, none symbolizes Nissan's renaissance better than the 2003 350Z. The demise of the 300ZX after 1996 was nearly followed by the demise of Nissan itself. But aggressive restructuring of its business and a number of impressive new vehicles have made Nissan into the comeback kid of the auto industry. When Nissan first showed the Z Concept car on the auto show circuit in 1999, hopes were high that it would end up in production. It did, and it's here. The 2003 350Z is the closest of all of the Z cars to the original 1970 240Z in intent and value, eschewing the luxury opulence of later 300ZXes for an emphasis on performance in style, and at a seriously competitive price. The 350Z, like its cousins the Infiniti G35 and Nissan Skyline, is built on Nissan's FM platform. ``FM'' stands for ``front-midship,'' denoting an engine position mostly rearwards of the front axle line for optimum weight distribution. A relatively long wheelbase and wide track help ensure stable handling and give interior room. If the 350's namesake 287-horsepower V6 is less powerful than the last of the 300 turbos, it's still the most potent naturally-aspirated Z engine so far. There are several different variations on the 350Z theme. The lineup starts with a very attractively-priced base model. Slightly more money gives useful equipment like traction control and a limited-slip differential in the Enthusiast model. The Performance version adds stability control and more, while the Touring model is set up for the luxury life in the fast lane. Then there is the Track version, with near competition-spec Brembo brakes and other enhancements to make autocrossers and showroom stock racers smile. A convertible will soon be available. Typically of press fleet vehicles, the Z I spent a recent week with was a fully-equipped Touring model. While it was far more comfortable than the 280Z a college roommate had, it was still all muscle, with no flab. I've spent time in examples of all Z generations, and this one is the best. It has the soul of the first generation Z, with all of the appointments and safety equipment expected in a modern sports car. APPEARANCE: There is no doubt that the Nissan 350Z is a sports car, and a serious one at that. Like the old 240Z, today's 350Z has styling that could be called derivative in details, but it comes together as a cohesive, unique, and very identifiable shape. There is a well-defined front face, made from the distinctive large headlights, wide rectangular grille, and prominent Nissan logo. Body lines are a great combination of rounded forms and sharp edges, with simple sides and a high shoulder line. Squint a little, and the proportions suggest the original 240. Character lines incised into the rocker panels suggest aero-kit sills. Look at the passenger cabin from just the right angle (above and slightly to the rear), and you can see hints of the last-generation 300ZX. At the rear, a small ducktail spoiler and large triangular taillights are the highlights. COMFORT: Nissan has achieved the perfect balance between sports and luxury inside of the new Z, making it a true Grand Touring car. ``Sport'' dominates, but comfort is not at all forgotten. The design is ultra-contemporary, with modern shapes, colors, and materials. The main instrument cluster has an aircraft-like design and tilts with the steering wheel, for improved visibility. The driver's seat is slightly different from the passenger seat, reflecting its different purpose. Both are extremely comfortable, with good support. First-rate climate control and heated leather seats (in the Touring model) add comfort; minimal cupholders and the lack of a glove box hint that this is a car for driving, not a mobile restaurant. There is lockable storage behind the passenger seat, and the hatchback body allows reasonable luggage capacity and ease of access. SAFETY: The 350Z's ``Zone Body'' construction incorporates front and rear crush zones and a central safety structure. Dual stage front airbags are standard, with side-impact and side-curtain bags available. ROADABILITY: The new Z's long wheelbase and wide track may increase interior space, but the real purpose of those design parameters is handling. And, while the styling catches the eye, the body shape was developed with careful attention to aerodynamics, especially oft-neglected underbody airflow. The result is high-speed stability without need for garish spoilers. The rigid FM platform provides solid anchorage for an innovative front and multilink rear suspension, which make extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts for lower unsprung weight and consequent improved handling. The ride is sports car firm, but not harsh because of good damping. The Z is a ``Grand Touring'' car in the original sense of the term, appropriate for fast roadwork and long distances. Thanks to El Nino, my week with the 350Z saw an incredible amount of rain. Even in torrential downpours, the Z tracked true. When it dried out, the real fun began. PERFORMANCE: In power as in handling, ``balance'' is the operative word. Its high-tech 3.5-liter V6, with 287 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 274 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm, is perfectly matched with its chassis design and tuning for great real-world performance. If it doesn't have the thrusting torque and bellow of a large V8, the Z's high-tech V6 has smooth power and a classic six-cylinder sound, more than slightly reminiscent of the 240Z but far more modern in smoothness and responsiveness. The standard six-speed manual gearbox has well-chosen ratios and excellent linkage, all the better to make driving enjoyable. CONCLUSIONS: Nissan's back, and nothing shows this better than the new 350Z. SPECIFICATIONS 2003 Nissan 350Z Touring Base Price $ 33,179 Price As Tested $ 33,719 Engine Type dual overhead cam 24-valve V6 with continuously-variable valve timing Engine Size 3.5 liters / 213 cu. in. Horsepower 287 @ 6200 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 274 @ 4800 rpm Transmission 6-speed manual Wheelbase / Length 104.3 in. / 169.6 in. Curb Weight 3,247 lbs. Pounds Per Horsepower 11.3 Fuel Capacity n/a gal. Fuel Requirement 91 octane premium unleaded Tires Front: 225/45 WR18, rear: 245/45 WR18 Bridgestone Potenza RE 040 Brakes, front/rear vented disc / vented disc, antilock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and vehicle dynamic control standard on Touring model Suspension, front/rear independent multilink with aluminum components Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 20 / 26 / 22 0 to 60 mph 5.4 sec Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.30 OPTIONS AND CHARGES Destination charge $ 540