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2007 Nissan Z? Receives 306 Horsepower Next-Generation 3.5-liter V6, Other Refinements

The 2007 Nissan 350Z, scheduled to go on sale in January 2007, offers a number of enhancements for the new model year, including the next generation of its award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 engine with 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Also added are three new exterior colors ? Carbon Silver, San Marino Blue and Solar Orange. A Bluetooth? Hands-Free Phone System has been added to the Touring and Grand Touring Coupe models, and a gray Roadster soft top replaces the previous blue top (in addition to the available black soft top).

For 2007, the 350Z is available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models ? four for the Coupe and three for the Roadster. Each provides sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, with a style all its own.

The 350Z Coupe and 350Z Roadster share a proud performance heritage, including a state-of-the-art platform, engine, suspension and braking systems. The heart and soul of the Nissan Z?, since the original 1970 model, is its engine. Every 350Z offers a new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, which for 2007 produces 306 horsepower @ 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 RPM, with more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 RPM.

The fourth-generation VQ-series V6, which has been named one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward?s Auto World magazine for 14 consecutive years, has been significantly revised for use in the 2007 350Z, with approximately 80% of major parts (except bolts, O-rings and clips) redesigned.

The block features ladder frame construction for greater rigidity, crank journal and pin diameters have been increased and the block height has been increased by 8.4 millimeters to reduce piston side force. Also, the engine center has been lowered 15 millimeters. Other engine enhancements include variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a higher rev limit (increased to 7,500 rpm) and higher compression ratio (from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, improved coolant flow and new Iridium-tipped spark plugs.

A new symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance and increases horsepower, by up to three horsepower, as more air enters the intake at speed. Along with a powerful engine, the Z? produces a powerful sports car sound to match ? one without the low frequency booming or rumbling or high-pitched mechanical sounds that can grow tiresome on long trips.

"With the new VQ35HR engine, we?re able to offer the true sports car enthusiast more power, a better sound, and an improved overall driving experience," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "At the same time, we?ve kept the beautiful balance of the Z? in terms of unique style, comfort and value."

Both a 6-speed close-ratio manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission are available. The manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st to 5th speed ranges for high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for long-legged highway fuel economy and reduced engine noise. The advanced automatic transmission design includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), which provides smooth downshifting by automatically blipping the throttle.

The Z??s FM (Front Mid-Ship) platform positions the engine behind the front axle, providing an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 53/47. The FM platform, derived from racing technology, also places a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body.

The Z??s standard rack-and-pinion steering system features a vehicle speed-sensitive power assist, which provides comfortable steering effort at both low and high speeds. The system?s two orifice sets (compared with one set for traditional power steering systems) work together to generate the appropriate level of steering effort for nearly every driving condition. The orifice sets are controlled by a solenoid valve and electrical control units.

The Z??s suspension is a 4-wheel independent multilink design with extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and standard front and rear stabilizer bars.

The 2007 350Z offers a power-assisted 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. (BA)

Brembo brakes, featuring four-piston front caliper pistons and two-piston rear calipers, larger brake pads and larger rotors are standard on the Coupe and Roadster Grand Touring models for even more superb stopping power.

Traction Control System (TCS) and available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) work in conjunction with the Z?s braking system. TCS uses the ABS wheel speed sensors to detect if the rear wheels are accelerating faster than the front wheels. If so, torque is reduced to the drive wheels by altering the fuel injector pulse and controlling the Electronic Throttle Control motor. Working hand-in-hand with the ABS and the TCS, VDC can reduce engine torque or apply individual brakes as necessary to help stabilize the car under severe cornering situations or adverse weather conditions.

The Z? features standard 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, mounted with 225/45WR18 (front), 245/45WR18 (rear) Bridgestone? Potenza RE050A tires.

RAYS super lightweight 5-spoke forged-alloy wheels, 18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear, are standard on 350Z Grand Touring models. The wheels are mounted with 245/40WR18 (front), 265/35WR19 (rear) Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. All 2007 Z?s also feature a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

2007 350Z Coupe

The 350Z Coupe takes its cues from the original 1970 Datsun 240Z ? a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, two-seat interior, a powerful 6-cylinder engine and, like the original, features a true hatchback body.

Design cues passed on from the first-generation Z? include the long nose and short deck styling, triangular cabin form and the lines extending from the arch-shaped roof to the hatchback opening. The front end?s sleek, aggressive design includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam xenon) headlights.

As always, the Z? continues to offer a long wheelbase (104.3 inches), short overhangs, wide stance and a raised rear deck for enhanced aerodynamics.

The coupe models? coefficient of drag is 0.30 for the Base, Enthusiast and Touring models and 0.29 for the Grand Touring model ? which include front and rear spoilers. The Roadster?s coefficient of drag is 0.34.

The Z??s strong, spine-like beltline is anchored with large, distinctive LED taillights for better visibility and quicker lighting times than conventional lights. Other standard Z? body elements include an aluminum hood, distinctive vertical door handles and heated outside mirrors.

Along with the three new exterior colors for 2007 (Carbon Silver, San Marino Blue and Solar Orange), the Z? is available in Magnetic Black, Redline, Daytona Blue, Pikes Peak White and Silver Alloy.

In 2006, the Z? Coupe interior received new cloth seat material, new meter styling, redesigned door panel styling, revised HVAC controls, new storage space including the addition of a cupholder on each door panel, a new storage net on the passenger side footwell and the addition of steering wheel switch lighting (except base model) ? enhancements that continue for 2007.

Other amenities include steering wheel audio controls (except base model), mp3-CD capability for the available Bose? audio system and available satellite radio with body-color antenna on Coupe models. Also available for 2007 is the Z??s Nissan Navigation System, which offers intelligent search capabilities and split screen capability (allows viewing of map and intersection simultaneously).

The Z??s classic 3-bay gauge pod is similar to original 240Z design, while the specially shaped driver?s seat (different from passenger design) holds the body firmly in place during enthusiastic driving. The Z? Base and Enthusiast Coupes feature an 8-way manual driver?s seat/4-way manual passenger?s seat and black woven "carbon" seat cloth. Touring and Grand Touring Coupes and Roadsters come standard with 8-way power driver/4-way power passenger leather-appointed seats in a choice of three colors (Frost, Charcoal and Burnt Orange).

The long list of standard equipment includes automatic temperature control, a lockable rear luggage box behind the passenger seat, center console with solid aluminum look, power windows with auto one-touch up and down, power door locks, aluminum pedals (except Base model) and HomeLink? Universal Transceiver (except base model). The Z? Coupe is available with a Bose? audio system with 6-disc CD changer and 7 speakers, heated seats and illuminated steering wheel audio controls.

Another interior feature on the Z? Coupe is an integrated aluminum rear suspension strut tower brace. The functional brace is finished to match the rest of the rear compartment and carries a Z? logo, which is visible from outside the vehicle. In addition, the use of aluminum for the instrument finishers, door handles and other places enhances the high-quality look of the interior.

2007 350Z Roadster

The 350Z Roadster was first introduced as a 2004 model and continues to be a great open-air sports car for top-down driving enthusiasts. The Z? Roadster features a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, which transforms from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds.

The 2007 350Z Roadster is offered in three models: Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring. The Grand Touring model, which comes equipped with Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is available with either 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions.

The Z? Roadster?s fully automatic soft top features a heated glass rear window, which helps provide clearer visibility in adverse weather conditions. And, unlike other convertibles in its class, the top stows compactly under a lightweight, powered tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down.

The three-lock, single latch system was created to give a more secure seal, while also making the opening and closing process easier. Activating the top is a simple process. To open, place the transmission in Park or Neutral (manual transmissions), release the latch (located directly above the middle windshield area), push the brake pedal and hold the button (located to the left of the steering column) and the top opens. Closing the top is also quick and convenient.

Structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Z? Roadster unibody (versus the Z? Coupe), including a center floor V-shaped cross bar connecting the side sills and a front A-shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end. Additional reinforcement was added at the door openings and a triple-member was added to the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure to provide enhanced rigidity.

Also during the design phase of the Z? Roadster, engineers devoted countless hours conducting wind tunnel tests. These tests allowed the engineers to adjust the Roadster?s design to route air flow to help minimize interior noise and turbulence while maximizing downforce at highway speeds.

A key component to reducing interior noise is a tempered glass wind deflector located between the seats, which directs wind out and over the cabin. Seatbelt fasteners were also added to help keep seatbelts from flapping in the wind. As a result, the Z? Roadster is among the leading competitors for low interior noise with the top down.

Like the Z? Coupe, the Z? Roadster?s instrument panel features three gauge pods consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as modern touches such as the enhanced, optional navigation system with 7.0-inch display.

The driver?s seat of the Z? Roadster is tailored for performance. The base cushion is firm and long for additional support, while bolster cutouts under the thighs optimize pedal operation. The seatback is sculpted with large "wings," designed to help secure the driver during acceleration. The upper side bolster is sculpted in the middle for easy shifting and steering, while the lower side bolster is designed wider and deeper to keep the driver squarely behind the wheel.

Also offered on the Z? Roadster are Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net seats (Touring and Grand Touring only). The net-style seats are made with a woven seat cloth center insert and feature an opening in the seatback so that the driver can feel a wind flow during top-down driving. A built-in seat heater is also available.

A lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase is standard. There is also sufficient luggage space in the trunk even though the top is stored in the trunk area when down. The trunk has up to 4.1 cubic feet of useable room for storage.

Safety Features

The 2007 Nissan Z? utilizes Nissan?s "Zone Body" construction, providing front and rear "crushable" zones and a secure center occupant zone. The Z??s body structure has been designed to create a high degree of structural and torsional rigidity. Key features include a double-panel floor, a double front bulkhead and large-section doorsills.

In addition, roof rails and side panels are laser-welded for a strong, accurate fit. The rear strut tower brace is bolted and welded in place, allowing use of the hatchback body design without sacrificing rear body rigidity.

Also, the Z? features standard dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors, and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Supplemental front seat side-impact side air bags (standard on Roadster) and side-impact curtain air bags are optionally available on Coupe to further enhance side-impact protection (side-impact curtain air bags are not available on the Z? Roadster due to the lack of a fixed hardtop).

Models and Options

The 2007 350Z Coupe is available in four models ? 350Z, Enthusiast, Touring and the Grand Touring. Standard features on all models include the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, independent multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, strut tower bar, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, bi-xenon headlights, dual front air bags and more.

The Enthusiast model adds HomeLink? Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), aluminum pedals, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and auto dimming rearview mirror.

The Touring model adds a Bose? audio system with 6-disc CD changer and 7 speakers, leather-appointed seats with 4-way power driver?s seat, heated seats and Bluetooth? Hands-Free Phone System. Manual transmission touring models add standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

The ultimate Z? Coupe model is the Grand Touring model, offering front and rear spoilers, RAYS super lightweight 5-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels and Brembo brakes. Vehicle Dynamic Control is standard with both the Grand Touring?s transmissions.

The 2007 350Z Roadster is offered in three well-equipped models ? Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring. Standard 350Z Roadster Enthusiast features include power seats, power-operated soft top and tonneau, rear wind deflector, 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, standard side-impact air bags and more.

The 350Z Roadster Touring model features a 7-speaker Bose? audio system with 6-disc CD changer and leather-appointed seats. The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring model adds Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control.

Three options are available on the 2007 350Z Coupe and Roadster: a DVD-based navigation system (Touring and Grand Touring models only); satellite radio (Coupe Touring and Grand Touring models only, with choice of XM? or Sirius? service), and side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags (Coupe).