New York Auto Show: NISMO 350Z shines at Nissan booth [VIDEO]
click above image to view our gallery of live shots showing the NISMO 350Z
In terms of cars with visual presence on the floor here in New York, the NISMO 350Z is very high on the list. Sporting its Super GT-inspired, highly-aggressive aero package, the NISMO Z is the standout machine at the Nissan stand. A revised, sport-tuned suspension, gunmetal grey five-spoke wheels by RAYS, Brembos, and a model specific interior featuring two-tone seating, a numbered plate on the center console, and NISMO-branded gauges are all part of the deal.
The car we photographed features black-faced instrumentation, but the US-spec car will feature white gauges when it goes into production. The total number of cars to be built has not yet been determined, but the intent is to keep it pretty limited. Despite the NISMO 350Z's completely audacious looks, the VQ35HR 6-cylinder stowed under the car's hood remains the stock 306-horsepower unit you'll find in the regular Z. Come this time next year, the hottest Nissan on the stand will wear another storied Japanese performance nameplate: GT-R. Until then, this NISMO car should do just fine as the brand's performance flagship.
Check out the gallery of high-resolution shots here, or continue after the jump for the official press release. You'll also find video of the NISMO 350Z's live reveal after the jump.
Gallery: 2007 NISMO 350Z
PRESS RELEASE:
2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z Debuts at New York International Auto Show [April 4, 07]
NEW YORK (April 4, 2007) – Nissan North America, Inc. today debuted the newest addition to the legendary Z® sports car lineup, the performance-oriented Nissan NISMO 350Z, at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. NISMO is the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles around the world. This new NISMO 350Z, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007.
The most striking visual feature of this special vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package, which strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning ZÒs. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing, the NISMO 350Z produces additional aerodynamic downforce to provide enhanced cornering and handling performance.
Additional performance features include a special NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors) and special NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires). A NISMO-branded tuned exhaust adds an even more authoritative tone to the ZÒ's 306-horsepower V6 engine.
The NISMO 350Z includes a full complement of 350Z standard features, including the new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, Traction Control System (TCS) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).
Inside, NISMO 350Z drivers receive special treatment with unique black cloth seats with red inserts, red stitching throughout the interior and special NISMO white-faced tachometer. All NISMO 350Zs include a NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console, designating its limited edition status.
Other standard equipment includes a HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, cruise control, aluminum pedals, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and auto dimming rearview mirror, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights, LED taillights, Advanced Air Bag System, side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags and Active Head Restraints.
"The combination of aerodynamic enhancements and performance tuning adds up to a Z® with enhanced cornering, steering precision and handling," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). \"The NISMO 350Z is the ideal package for true enthusiasts – adding a high level of aesthetic and performance enhancing equipment not available in the aftermarket – while retaining the reliability, durability, and comprehensive warranty found standard on every 2007 Nissan 350Z."
In addition to the new NISMO 350Z, the 2007 350Z Coupe is offered in Base, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring models. The 2007 350Z Roadster is offered in three models – Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.
In North America, Nissan\'s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
maclark 10:44PM (4/15/2009)
Only very few can really comment on the NISMO, let alone the 350z.
Unlike any american car, the NISMO 350z does fall under the word legend.
How many people can honestly say you've seen one in person. I own one and I've only seen 1 in the last year since I bought mine. This of course is from me working in at least 12 states.
Unlike the Corvette, Mustang, and Mazda-RX8 you won't find a woman behind the wheel of the NISMO. Their in garages behind locked doors and parked not parked on driveways like the other's.
I've had more compliments and head turns from those american car owners. Thumbs up at stop lights and especially finger pointing from kids.
I think this is merely an attempt to being defensive to not having the attention the NISMO now has over all the rest.
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Mazin 1:57PM (4/05/2007)
wow
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nissan fan 2:38PM (4/05/2007)
Sad Nissan didn't bring the 400 HP onto USADM.
350z is nice car in every aspect except the acceleration.
I hope Nissan corrects this in 2009 z34 .
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Bryan 2:11PM (4/05/2007)
This is uglier than the regular version!
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Bryan 2:12PM (4/05/2007)
Oh, and what is up with the interior? Looks like they went to GM's old parts bin and fished out a few of those cheap tacky looking gray plastics they used in the Cavalier and Camaro. Yuck!
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Mike 2:14PM (4/05/2007)
Yay. A NFS/2F2F version. w00t.
Seriously Nissan, ditch the crappy aero kit and throw those wheels and seats onto the Grand Touring *or* keep the aero kit, but add the extra 100hp that warrants the extra downforce.
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Dodge 2:19PM (4/05/2007)
nobody will pay attention to the 350z after the GTR comes out anyway, they better redesign it soon with a more modern flare or the Z name will be in trouble again.
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oren 2:36PM (4/05/2007)
What is so special about this one?
http://www.montrealvip.com/packages/montrealgrandprix.php
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thisislame 2:42PM (4/05/2007)
YAWN! Nissan rips you off one last time with this fancy NISMO package before they bring out the real deal - Skyline GTR
Smart, real smart.
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schlomo 6:37PM (4/05/2007)
meh. I'll keep the G37, thanks. may not be as much of a looker, but it's got some real horses under the hood. I can't believe Nissan would put the Nismo name on a stock Z with a body kit.
"OOOH LOOK IT'S A NISMO IT MUST BE FAST!!!"
"Uh, no... my Ford-Harley F150 is lighter and has more horses."
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DPC car videos 3:15PM (4/05/2007)
Wow the two tome body color is back from the 80s'. You guys remember the 84 Chevy Camaro Z28? It had identical paint job.
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
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G37 4:12PM (4/05/2007)
if only it had the vq37
----
http://www.gcoupe.com/forum/index.php
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jj 6:07PM (4/05/2007)
Still fat.
Diet, please. Maybe more power. But FIRST OF ALL LESS WEIGHT.
These things are like the ultimate secretary racer :(
BTW the VQ37 will probably be a step DOWN from the VQ35.
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chris 11:59PM (4/05/2007)
Um... it is fast. It's just behind a Z4 M Coupe in a straight line, and faster than it around a track as proven by this months Best Motoring. You don't need more power to go faster, or even less weight. NISMO make cars go fast around race tracks, using this amazing un-American concept of "improved handling", and they did a very good job with this. Especially when you look at the price difference between a Z and a Z4.
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jj 12:55AM (4/06/2007)
By "good handling" do you mean "rides like a Corvette" and "no suspension dampening"?
Because those ARE very american concepts.
Let's see this riced up Z take on a BMW in-house tuned M car, "tuned" to the point that it's just as undrivable on the street. It'll be comic.
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chris 1:19AM (4/06/2007)
jj, this is a 2007 Z, not a 2004 or something. They've made massive suspension improvements since then, just read any Nissan Z review from the past 12-18 months. The ride is now just as harsh as a sports car should be, same as a Z4 M, nothing like the over-the-top harsh ride of the car in the first few years of production.
I also fail to see how this is 'riced up'. As the aero changes actually provide downforce, improving the cars cornering speeds over a standard Nissan Z. 'Rice' when talking about cars is making a car look faster than it actually is, adding on components that do nothing to increase the performance, this car looks faster because it is quite a bit faster than the standard car. Just like a 911 GT3 over a standard Carrera for example. Is the GT3 rice because it has large front and rear spoilers that, just like in the case of this NISMO car, actually are beneficial to performance?
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Rick Lyon 9:29AM (4/06/2007)
Yawn. This is a 350z, what's the big fuss? Sans the kit, it looks like every other 250 I see on the road, maybe faster?
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Matt 5:13PM (4/06/2007)
I love how everyone that has negative comments, talks like they've owned and driven one of these. How can one put down Nismo. Nismo is a legendary tuner.I thought every enthusiast knew that, but I guess I was wrong when all these detroit fanboys commented. Anyhoo, the 350Z was never known for its explosive out of the gate acceleration, its more of a smooth powerband like the RX-8. The VQ is genius and the car has gorgeous lines. I do wish they could have done more to the engine to make a competitor against "an M tuned" car you keep bitching about. Nonetheless, great tuner, great car, can't wait for the GT-R.
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jj 5:46PM (4/07/2007)
#17 Matt
Yeah flat powerband like a minivan. Kind of like a 3.5L Quest, coincidence? Yay. That's exciting. Nothing makes me want to DRIVE quite like a NISSAN QUEST.
The "gorgeous lines" have fallen awful flat, too. They're so dated, so 2001. Too hip and cool for its own future. Blech.
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Zepolcire 11:01PM (4/07/2007)
I like the front end more as it complements the iffy buldge better than the regular front. However, I really dislike the front difuser thing (the part in black).
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