Early January the Yokohama based manufacturer
Nissan announced the arrival of new 350Z (Fairlady Z) of the same generation but receiving various aesthetic and mechanical improvements including an HP upgrade.
It is back in 2003 that Nissan decided to give the famous Fairlady name a second youth with the coupe that we know now as the 350Z. Featuring a great and totally new design, this new coupe was exactly the breath of fresh air that the Japanese manufacturer needed to get out of a very difficult financial situation before the merge with Renault.
Nismo Fairlady Z Test Drive, HDTV
(WMV9HD 720p Direct Download "Right click, Save as…")
Nismo Fairlady Z Test Drive, HDTV
(WMV9HD 720p Torrent "Right click, Save as…")
Different time, different design but Nissan has been wise enough to keep the essence of what the name Fairlady means and more precisely what it meant in its golden years with the legendary Datsun 240Z (1969-1973). In the 70’s it was synonymous of style and performance, rear wheel drive, 6 cylinder engine and FR layout. During the following decades the 280 and 300ZX could never match the originality of the 340 despite being good sports cars.
Nissan had to take advantage of this great expectation from the fans for a “Fairlady revival” in Japan and around the world where it was also critically acclaimed. Many people who were young when the first Z came out had been waiting for that badge to come back under the spotlights and provide the same type of sensations as its ancestor.
Different time, different technology, like good wine the 350Z is getting better year after year both inside and outside. Compared to the 2003 version a few details have changed on the body like the new hood covering a new motor. The 3.5L V6 started at 286, reached 300 and now 313HP and 358Nm of torque.
After the test drive of the
Nissan Skyline 350GT Coupe a couple months ago, driving a “regular” Fairlady Z350 would not have made much sense as those vehicles do share a lot of components. Instead we decided to go for a much more appealing version to go with the convertible that we also had…I’m talking about the latest Fairlady Z Type Nismo! Nismo means Nissan Motorsport, the equivalent of “OPC” for Opel/Vauxhall or “SRT” for Dodge, representing the performance department of each manufacturer.
To help the
Nismo Z stand out it has been fitted with various equipments. At first look you can’t mistake it with a normal coupe or convertible 350Z, the Nismo features a full body kit with racing specs, the “long nose” front bumper is one of them, new 18 inches rims are also part of the mix. The overall look is clearly more aggressive. Under this attractive body is a tuned version of the V6 that reaches a displacement of 3.5 litres. The work on the chassis guarantees more rigidity and the weight was reduced so that, in the end, even with similar technical specifications, the car is obviously more stable and dynamic.
Inside this clearly is and remains a Fairlady Z.
If you close your eyes and switch from the 350Z to the Z NIMSO you will feel right at home. Ergonomics are comfort are enjoyable, unfortunately the wheel and various meters are the same as on any version…more differences for this Z NISMO would have been appreciated along with an increased sense of sportivity. Still, the interior is well made and we felt good inside in any condition.
With this “baby” in the hands we decided to ask our friend and professional driver
Masaki Nishihara, several times Japan Gymkhana champion, to give us some help and push further the limits of the RS.
After many “hot laps” on the Gunma prefecture mountain roads we could get a feel of the level of performance of the car. Nishihara-san and I came to the conclusion that: despite the numerous efforts brought by Nissan and Nismo on the vehicle, we felt that the real potential had not been unleashed. I was personally expecting much more from the Z NISMO, of course the car is fast but a lack of power and torque was there.
So what could be the reason? Contrary to the 300ZX and maybe for reliability matters, the 350Z (and Z NISMO) are naturally aspirated cars, perhaps the relative “lack of boost” was coming from there: no turbo.
But hold on! Before Nissan and Nismo fans start flaming I have to admit that the Z NISMO is an excellent car. It has the looks it has the performance and the sane handling makes it a very accessible sports car no matter what your level of driving is. The Nismo Z actually offers the perfect balance between drivability, style and performance.
Disappointed at first we realized that Nismo’s approach is very down-to-earth…instead of providing brute power and encourage dangerous driving; their car offers sweet sensations and safety. Now for those who want more, a couple more tweaks from the Nismo garage could turn this very good basis into a real race car! But don’t worry about that, Nismo will be back with more!
Plus:
Style
Handling
Nismo
Minus:
Performances below our expectations
Specifications too similar to a regular 350Z
Conclusion:
The Z Nismo is not the beast that we expected but at the same time it allows its owner to have great sensations, a sane and secure handling, and a unique look straight out of a Super GT race.
Posted on 29/03/07 By G-A.G
