2008 Nissan 350Z Review

Specifications

If the Fast and the Furious series of DVDs would be your choice as the onlyfilms you’d be allowed to have with you on a deserted island, this is probably your dream car. Beginning this summer, Nissan will be willing to sell you a NISMO 350Z that would look right at home on the set of any of those movies. It is the crown jewel in the 350Z crown, the fifth different variant of this model range.

In 1969, Datsun (as Nissan was known back then) unveiled its 240Z sports car to the world, a vehicle that was unlike anything the brand had ever launched before. Styled by ex-BMW man Albrecht Goertz, it not only had the performance but the looks to say to the world that Datsun was serious about performance. It also brought attention to the entire brand, as if it were to say, “if you like this, check out our other cars – they’ve all got a little of me in ‘em”. Thirty-five years later, and a full circle transformation from lightweight sportster to high-tech grand tourer and back, the latest Z is the truest representation of the Z since the original.

Since the current fifth generation’s debut in 2003, the 350Z has been a compelling choice for buyers in the sports car market. By going back to the roots of the 240Z – great performance at a reasonable price, the Z has earned its way back into the hearts of enthusiasts, especially the tuner crowd. For what it’s worth, the newest Z offers more grunt and twist than its rear- and four-wheel drive contemporaries from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, not to mention it out-classes the RX-8 and S2000 when it comes to power. In many ways, the Z is Japan’s muscle car.

About a decade and a half ago, the performance car market was a completely different landscape; it was all about who could pack the most technology into a vehicle. Nissan fought valiantly against the RX-7 and NSX, but its biggest rival was Mitsubishi that packedtwo turbos, all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering into its 3000 GT VR-4, but ultimately the Z won, backed by its wide fan base and rich heritage. Unfortunately, the Z had become a very different automobile, no longer as nimble or as affordable. Nowadays, there’s much more money flowing in the direction of aftermarket performance. Nissan is acutely aware of the billions of dollars involved in this end of the industry. For instance, the sheer size of the SEMA show is a microcosm of the industry, experiencing healthy growth on an annual basis and offering product choices ranging from cold air intakes to 22-inch clear polycarbonate wheels. With that in mind, Nissan intends to save its customers some legwork in their pursuits for modifications, producing the tuner’s dream, the NISMO 350Z.

Pull up to the lights and people will instantly realize that you’re not driving a run of the mill Z if you’re behind the wheel of one of these machines.What will probably tip them off is the not-so-subtle bodywork package and the other aerodynamic accoutrements, the most obvious of which is a functional rear diffuser. The kit looks like it was purposely designed for the silver screen, but it’s really modeled after the Japanese Super GT race cars of which the 350Z participates. In terms of functionality, this special 350Z features unique body dampers that reduce road vibrations, a stiffened suspension, as well as front and rear braces to strengthen the body structure. Even the wheels haven’t been overlooked; they’re finished in a smoke grey paint scheme and are designed and built by RAYS engineering, which supplies the racing Z with its wheels. Other goodies include a NISMO exhaust, a slightly revised suspension, and some interior bits that feature a NISMO aluminum plaque on the center console.

Unfortunately, popping the hood is anti-climactic. After its boy-racer bodywork, special wheels, and so on so forth, all that lies under that hood is the standard engine. I guess that it might be a little too harsh to say it’s a disappointment, because the Z’s powerplant is excellent. For those not in the know, it’s Nissans familiar 3.5-liter VQ-series V6, which makes 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, identical to all the other Zs. For the record, that is more than twice the horsepower produced by the original Z. Perhaps Nissan is saving the new 3.7-liter engine’s debut for the next Z-Car, or a facelift later on down the road. Whatever the case may be, you’ll either have to wait or pay your local performance shop a visit. Alternately, just open a NISMO catalog to find a bevy of go-fast parts specifically designed for the Z – a perfect match for the NISMO’s wild exterior.

Preliminary Specifications: