2004 Nissan 350Z Press Kit

2004 Nissan 350Z Coupe Press Kit: Overview

The Nissan 350Z sports car, which was introduced in August 2002, has quickly become the best-selling sports car (Ward’s sport performance segment) in the United States, selling nearly 40,000 units (through August 2003) since launch and representing over 25% of the sports car segment (based on R.L. Polk registrations). The stylish, 287-horsepower 350Z continues the Z® heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was introduced 34 years ago as a 1970 model.

For 2004, the Z® lineup adds a new convertible version, the 350Z Roadster (details available separately). Other enhancements for the 2004 350Z include a new power operated face door for the navigation system, pre-wiring for satellite radio, the addition of a driver and passenger side knee pad and a new exterior color – Liquid Aluminum (late availability).

“Z® DNA” Guides Designers
In setting the concept for the new 350Z, the creative team of designers and engineers were guided by “Z® DNA” – the combination of passion, performance, practicality and value that has marked every generation of Z® since the original.

For the 350Z, this meant developing a perfect combination of performance and handling, value, design, and durability.

“The newest generation Z® inspires both appeal and appreciation,” said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president, design, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML). “First, the design offers strong visual and driving appeal. But the Z® can also be appreciated for the more practical side that comes with everyday ownership – durability, utility, comfort, reliability and low maintenance.”

Other “must haves” for the 350Z were also taken from the first generation 240Z – a front engine/rear-wheel drive drivetrain configuration, two-seat interior, a powerful 6-cylinder engine and, of course, a simple and honest design. The 350Z, like the original, features a true hatchback body (350Z Roadster also available in 2004).

Design That Offers Strong Visual Appeal
The 350Z was designed to impress viewers at first sight with its newness as a sports car and to remain an object of unending adoration for ages to come. While inheriting the “Z®-ness” passed on through successive generations, this Z® embodies many new features for a sports car, all of which have been perfected to exceptionally high quality.

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. To that heritage, a newness has been added to contrast the soft, warm body shape with the geometrical forms of the headlamps and other parts.

Fitting of its sports performance essence, the Z®’s design is anchored by very aggressive wheel forms pushed all the way out to the corners. Like a race car, the body’s center of gravity is placed in the middle and the tires are positioned as far as possible at the four corners to emphasize the car’s nimble agility.

“A long wheelbase and wide stance provided a great starting place,” said Diane Allen, chief designer, Red Studio at Nissan Design America Inc. (NDA). “Our first thought was to recreate the sensation of an open-wheeled Formula 1 car – all wheels and an intimate center structure.”

The Z’s beltline provides a distinctive spine, which crosses over the form in the rear and is anchored in the Z’s strongly visual taillights. The body surfaces are rendered with a certain roundness to impart a soft impression. While the design strongly accentuates the bulge of the fenders, the volume at each corner has been pared to emphasize the shortness of the overhangs. The 17-inch wheels also serve as a design element that hints at superb driving performance.

The projector-type headlamps provide a wider illumination pattern and greater brightness. Careful attention was also paid to the fine design details, including the look of built-in quality and the perceived impression of the materials. The car’s stellar quality is also expressed by the distinctive vertical door handles and the twin exhaust tailpipes.

“We wanted the design to be an expression of agility – very three-dimensional and moving,” said Mamoru Aoki, product chief designer, Nissan Technical Center (NTC). “The Z® is very fluid and relaxed, from the curve of the door cut to the freeness and movement of the glass. It looks fast, but not just in a straight line. It’s a simple yet exacting design, which gives the Z® a polished feeling.”

Sporty Two-Seater with Functional Interior
“The inside of the 350Z is a realm of sensation,” said Allen. “We wanted to emphasize the sport appeal of the car without sacrificing the functionality. The essence of the Z® is performance and we wanted the design, inside and out, to reinforce that impression.”

The instrument panel features three gauge pods, similar in design to the 240Z, consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter as well as modern touches such as a navigation system with video display. The door vents and center console have a solid, chiseled-from-a-block-of-aluminum look.

In 2004 the 350Z receives two minor interior enhancements. Pre-wiring for satellite radio is standard on all models, along with a new powered face door for the navigation system.

The hatchback design is accentuated by functional storage space. Though the 350Z has been executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity, with sufficient luggage space for carrying two golf bags behind the seats, a lockable luggage floor box capable of storing a briefcase and other storage places. Another interior feature is an integrated aluminum rear suspension strut tower brace. The 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.

Performance That Delivers
The 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine produces 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque, power range that comes as a result of the intake port design and adopting Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology. This enables the engine to deliver not only outstanding start-off acceleration and high-speed passing performance, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving. Drivability has been further improved by adopting an electronically controlled throttle, and the use of a highly rigid cylinder block combines with other measures to produce engine sounds worthy of a sports car.

Suspension for the rear-wheel drive vehicle is a 4-wheel independent design. Both 6-speed close-ratio manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Models and Packages
The 2004 350Z is available in 6 models – 350Z, Enthusiast Model, Performance Model, Touring Model, Touring Model 6MT and the Track Model. Standard features on all models include the 3.5-liter, 287-horsepower V6 engine, independent multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, strut tower bar, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, dual front air bags and more.

The Enthusiast Model adds xenon headlamps, universal garage door opener (UGDO), cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals and auto dimming rear view mirror; Performance Model adds Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and 18-inch tires with aluminum wheels; Touring Model adds Bose® audio system with 6CD, cassette with 7 speakers, leather seats with 4-way power passenger seat and heated seats and outside mirrors; Touring Model 6MT adds a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission; Track Model includes a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, front and rear spoiler, forged aluminum wheels and Brembo® brakes.

Two options are available, a DVD-based navigation system (Touring, Performance and Track Models) and curtain and side-impact supplemental air bags.

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Evoking the adrenaline-pumping spirit of the 350Z, the much-anticipated 350Z Roadster continues to offer sports car lovers the Z® Coupe’s high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Z® Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds.

The 2003 350Z, which went on sale in August 2002, has quickly become one of the hottest selling vehicles in the automotive industry and the number one selling sports car – outselling Corvette and representing 25% of the segment (based on R.L. Polk registrations). Cumulative Z® sales have reached nearly 40,000 units (August 2002 through August 2003).

“The Z® has always been Nissan’s halo car, representing the heart, soul and passion of the company,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “The addition of the Z® Roadster further expresses Nissan’s commitment to offering bold, exciting, performance vehicles.”

The Z® Roadster went on sale in the summer of 2003.

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

Activating the top is a simple process. Push the brake pedal and hold the button (located to the left of the steering column) and the top opens or closes.

The top is released from or secured to the windshield header with a unique three-lock, single latch located directly above the middle windshield area. The three-lock, single latch system was created to give a more secure seal, while also making the closing process easier. The Z® Roadster is the only convertible in its class to offer this type of latch system*.
(* Ward’s Sports Car Class)

Designed for Comfortable, Quiet Top-Down Cruising
“One of the biggest drawbacks to top-down cruising is the considerable amount of wind noise and rattles associated with most convertible designs. With the Z® Roadster, a heavy emphasis was put on eliminating as much interior buffeting as possible, providing an unparalleled journey,” said McNabb.

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 minimize interior noise and turbulence while maximizing downforce at highway speeds.

A key component to minimizing interior noise is a tempered glass wind deflector located between the seats that 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 expected to be among the leading competitors for low interior noise with the top down.

The FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, used on the 350Z Coupe, is adopted for use in the Z® Roadster. Structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Z® Roadster unibody, 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.

Interior Suitable for a Roadster
Unique to all convertibles is the high visibility of the interior. Knowing this, the designers of the Z® Roadster put a heavy emphasis on the interior design of the car.

“When the top is down, the interior, in essence, becomes part of the exterior layout of the vehicle,” said McNabb. “We fused the two together to create one harmoniously visual design.”

Since the heart and soul of the Z® is performance, the design, inside and out, needs to reflect that. Like the Z® Coupe, the instrument panel features three gauge pods consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as modern touches such as an optional navigation system with 7-inch display. The door vents and center console have a solid, chiseled-from-a-block-of-aluminum look.

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 optimizes pedal operation. The seatback is sculpted with large “wings,” designed to help secure drivers 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 unique, Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net seats. 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 for those sundown rides.

Though the Z® Roadster is executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity – storage designed for a convertible. A lockable luggage floor box capable of storing a briefcase and other storage places are 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.

Performance Worthy of Z® Status
The Z® Roadster shares all of the hardtop Z®’s key performance features. Power is provided by the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine used in the Z® Coupe, producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque, a power range that comes as a result of the engine’s intake port design and Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology. This enables the engine to deliver not only outstanding start-off acceleration and high-speed passing performance, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving.

Drivability has been further improved for use in the Z® Coupe and Roadster by adopting an electronically controlled throttle, and the use of a highly rigid cylinder block combines with other measures to produce engine sounds worthy of a sports car.

Suspension for the rear-wheel drive Z® Roadster is a 4-wheel independent design. Both 6-speed close-ratio manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Models and Options
The 2004 350Z Roadster will be offered in two well-equipped models – 350Z Roadster Enthusiast Model and 350Z Roadster Touring Model. Standard 350Z Roadster Enthusiast features include power seats, power-operated soft top, rear wind deflector, 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission and more.

The 350Z Roadster Touring Model adds a Bose® audio system with 6-disc CD changer and seven speakers, leather-appointed seats with heater and heated mirrors.

Side-impact supplemental air bags are available on both models, while a DVD-based navigation system and 18-inch alloy wheels are stand-alone options available for the Touring Model.

“The Z® Roadster was designed and engineered with the objective of making the best possible convertible sports car on the road,” said McNabb. “Attention to every little detail has been designed for the low interior noise, an easy, effortless latching system, high chassis rigidity, powerful driveline and head-turning looks to name a few. Objective met.”

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2004 Nissan 350Z Coupe Press Kit: At a Glance

The Nissan 350Z sports car, which was introduced in August 2002, has quickly become the best-selling sports car (Ward’s sport performance segment) in the United States, selling nearly 40,000 units (through August 2003) since launch and representing over 25% of the sports car segment (based on R.L. Polk registrations). The stylish, 287-horsepower 350Z continues the Z® heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was introduced 34 years ago as a 1970 model.

For 2004, the Z® lineup adds a new convertible version, the 350Z Roadster (details available separately). Other enhancements for the 2004 350Z include a new power operated face door for the navigation system, pre-wiring for satellite radio, the addition of a driver and passenger side knee pad and a new exterior color – Liquid Aluminum (late availability).

“Z® DNA” Guides Designers
In setting the concept for the new 350Z, the creative team of designers and engineers were guided by “Z® DNA” – the combination of passion, performance, practicality and value that has marked every generation of Z® since the original.

For the 350Z, this meant developing a perfect combination of performance and handling, value, design, and durability.

“The newest generation Z® inspires both appeal and appreciation,” said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president, design, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML). “First, the design offers strong visual and driving appeal. But the Z® can also be appreciated for the more practical side that comes with everyday ownership – durability, utility, comfort, reliability and low maintenance.”

Other “must haves” for the 350Z were also taken from the first generation 240Z – a front engine/rear-wheel drive drivetrain configuration, two-seat interior, a powerful 6-cylinder engine and, of course, a simple and honest design. The 350Z, like the original, features a true hatchback body (350Z Roadster also available in 2004).

Design That Offers Strong Visual Appeal
The 350Z was designed to impress viewers at first sight with its newness as a sports car and to remain an object of unending adoration for ages to come. While inheriting the “Z®-ness” passed on through successive generations, this Z® embodies many new features for a sports car, all of which have been perfected to exceptionally high quality.

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. To that heritage, a newness has been added to contrast the soft, warm body shape with the geometrical forms of the headlamps and other parts.

Fitting of its sports performance essence, the Z®’s design is anchored by very aggressive wheel forms pushed all the way out to the corners. Like a race car, the body’s center of gravity is placed in the middle and the tires are positioned as far as possible at the four corners to emphasize the car’s nimble agility.

“A long wheelbase and wide stance provided a great starting place,” said Diane Allen, chief designer, Red Studio at Nissan Design America Inc. (NDA). “Our first thought was to recreate the sensation of an open-wheeled Formula 1 car – all wheels and an intimate center structure.”

The Z’s beltline provides a distinctive spine, which crosses over the form in the rear and is anchored in the Z’s strongly visual taillights. The body surfaces are rendered with a certain roundness to impart a soft impression. While the design strongly accentuates the bulge of the fenders, the volume at each corner has been pared to emphasize the shortness of the overhangs. The 17-inch wheels also serve as a design element that hints at superb driving performance.

The projector-type headlamps provide a wider illumination pattern and greater brightness. Careful attention was also paid to the fine design details, including the look of built-in quality and the perceived impression of the materials. The car’s stellar quality is also expressed by the distinctive vertical door handles and the twin exhaust tailpipes.

“We wanted the design to be an expression of agility – very three-dimensional and moving,” said Mamoru Aoki, product chief designer, Nissan Technical Center (NTC). “The Z® is very fluid and relaxed, from the curve of the door cut to the freeness and movement of the glass. It looks fast, but not just in a straight line. It’s a simple yet exacting design, which gives the Z® a polished feeling.”

Sporty Two-Seater with Functional Interior
“The inside of the 350Z is a realm of sensation,” said Allen. “We wanted to emphasize the sport appeal of the car without sacrificing the functionality. The essence of the Z® is performance and we wanted the design, inside and out, to reinforce that impression.”

The instrument panel features three gauge pods, similar in design to the 240Z, consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter as well as modern touches such as a navigation system with video display. The door vents and center console have a solid, chiseled-from-a-block-of-aluminum look.

In 2004 the 350Z receives two minor interior enhancements. Pre-wiring for satellite radio is standard on all models, along with a new powered face door for the navigation system.

The hatchback design is accentuated by functional storage space. Though the 350Z has been executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity, with sufficient luggage space for carrying two golf bags behind the seats, a lockable luggage floor box capable of storing a briefcase and other storage places. Another interior feature is an integrated aluminum rear suspension strut tower brace. The 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.

Performance That Delivers
The 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine produces 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque, power range that comes as a result of the intake port design and adopting Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology. This enables the engine to deliver not only outstanding start-off acceleration and high-speed passing performance, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving. Drivability has been further improved by adopting an electronically controlled throttle, and the use of a highly rigid cylinder block combines with other measures to produce engine sounds worthy of a sports car.

Suspension for the rear-wheel drive vehicle is a 4-wheel independent design. Both 6-speed close-ratio manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Models and Packages
The 2004 350Z is available in 6 models – 350Z, Enthusiast Model, Performance Model, Touring Model, Touring Model 6MT and the Track Model. Standard features on all models include the 3.5-liter, 287-horsepower V6 engine, independent multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, strut tower bar, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, dual front air bags and more.

The Enthusiast Model adds xenon headlamps, universal garage door opener (UGDO), cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals and auto dimming rear view mirror; Performance Model adds Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and 18-inch tires with aluminum wheels; Touring Model adds Bose® audio system with 6CD, cassette with 7 speakers, leather seats with 4-way power passenger seat and heated seats and outside mirrors; Touring Model 6MT adds a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission; Track Model includes a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, front and rear spoiler, forged aluminum wheels and Brembo® brakes.

Two options are available, a DVD-based navigation system (Touring, Performance and Track Models) and curtain and side-impact supplemental air bags.

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2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster Press Kit: At a Glance

In the summer of 2003, Nissan rolled out the much-anticipated 350Z Roadster, which continues to offer sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Z® Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in 20 seconds. The fully automatic soft top stows compactly under a lightweight tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down. Powering the Z® Roadster is the same potent 287-horsepower V6 engine found in the hardtop Z®. Highlights of the 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster include:

Body:

• Power-operated soft top with glass rear window and defroster
• Lightweight powered tonneau cover that completely hides soft top when down
• Unique three-lock, single center latch system securely fastens top when up
• Long wheelbase (104.3 inches), short overhangs and wide stance
• Additional body structure incorporated into Z® Roadster design 
• Incorporated seat bars behind seats

Engine and Driveline

• 3.5-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque
• Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS)
• Electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
• Small pitch, silent cam chain
• Front engine/rear-wheel drive
• Dual outlet exhaust
• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) driveshaft

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension with use of lightweight aluminum components
• Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars
• Rack-and-pinion engine speed-sensitive power steering
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/50WR17 (front), 235/50WR17 (rear) tires
• Available 18-inch wheels and tires

Interior Features

• Driver-oriented interior environment
• Tempered glass rear wind deflector 
• Black woven seat cloth with available Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net seats with heater
• Automatic Temperature Control 
• Lockable rear luggage box behind passenger seat
• Combination of classic and cutting-edge sports car interior design with metal and leather-appointed materials
• 3-bay gauge pods – similar to original 240Z design
• Center console with solid aluminum look
• Available Nissan navigation system with power center console box

Safety and Security

• Dual-stage front supplemental air bags
• 3-point ALR/ELR seatbelts (driver’s seatbelt ELR only)
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
• Zone Body construction with front and rear crushable zones
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Available driver and passenger side-impact supplemental air bags (std. On 350Z Touring)
• Standard vehicle security system and immobilizer

Models

• Offered in two models: 350Z Roadster Enthusiast Model and 350Z Roadster Touring Model

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