Nissan has returned to the promised land of cars people want to drive and be seen in.
After the Z died a gorgeous but overweight and overpriced death in 1995, Nissan brought the 350Z back to basics: distinctive styling, normally aspirated power, and a price tag that puts the car into the hands of enthusiasts. With a base price of less than $27,000, the Z is still a tremendous bargain.
The "enthusiast model" we tested back in October of 2002, which stickered for just more than $27,000, shows the good stuff is available for well under $30K. For this test, however, we asked for the more pricey "track model" just because we had yet to sample it.
Both versions are powered by the VQ35DE, which defines much of the new Z's character. Its torque curve is dead flat, like Calista Flockhart flat, and it works in perfect harmony with a stronger-than-a-Z32-or-Skyline transmission with six short cogs to provide strong thrust, rather than just acceleration.
Out back is a viscous limited slip that makes tire smokin' shenanigans the rule, and makes the rear-wheel-drive Z just damn fun to drive.
The numbers: The Z dispatches the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds at 99.3 mph.That's almost a century on the top end, normally aspirated. Big, sticky tires help this not especially light car pull 0.90g on the skidpad and wags its tail predictably through the slalom at 70.1 mph. Extremely impressive is the Z's 113-foot 60-to-zero-mph braking distance.
The "track package" spreads bigger meats over forged Rays wheels, and with gold Brembo-bling binders on all four corners is indicative of just how serious Nissan is about pleasing the enthusiast. No other rear-wheel-drive car, Rubbermaid Mustang included, offers this level of comprehensive performance at anywhere close to the price.
Inside, the seats are well shaped for hard driving, the seating position is right on and the tach is dead center-as it should be. We also dig the stubby short throw shifter, the perfectly placed aluminum pedals and the complete instrumentation that includes a real oil pressure gauge.
On the outside, depending on your taste, the Z is either as hot as Eliza Dushku or as heinous as Dr. Laura, but most like it and few cars elicit as much response from the general public as the new Z. Gear heads, geezers, matrons, hooligans and birds shoot glances of lust, amusement, desire, admiration.
Doing what the Japanese do best, the Z has Ivy League qualifications at a community college price. Pocket your Deutschmarks - Nissan has redefined the proper sports car.
| Specs |
| Base Price | $26,269 |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.9 sec. |
| Quarter mile | 14.1 sec. @ 99.3 mph |
| Slalom (700 ft.) | 70.1 mph |
| Skidpad (200 ft.) | 0.90g |
| 60-0 braking | 113 ft. |
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