2005 Nissan 350Z Coupe Press Kit

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2005 Nissan 350z Coupe Overview

Thirty-five years since its first appearance in North America, the high performance Z® sports car returns in 2005 with a special commemorative 35th Anniversary model, along with a number of other enhancements, continuing the Z® heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was introduced as a 1970 model.

The 35th Anniversary Z®, available along with the 2005 350Z Track model, will offer some unique features, including enhanced horsepower from the standard Z’s 3.5-liter DOHC V6.

All 2005 350Z models receive a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), heated outside mirrors, wider view side mirrors and front seat lifter. Automatic transmission equipped models are now outfitted with downshift rev matching for smoother shifting, and manual transmission models now come with reduced clutch pedal effort for easier operation. The optional navigation system now has a faster system processor.

A new Ultra Yellow exterior color, which utilizes a new high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment and three layers of top coat (with separate color pigment and pearl pigment layers) to create an almost “liquid” surface appearance, is also available for 2005.

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Z®
The 350Z takes its cues 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 Coupe, like the original, features a true hatchback body.

While inheriting the “Z®-ness” passed on through successive generations, this Z® embodies many sports car features, all of which have been executed 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.

Sporty Two-Seater with Functional Interior
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 an available navigation system with video display. The door vents and center console have a solid, chiseled-from-a-block-of-aluminum look.

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 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 2005 350Z Coupe is available in six models – 350Z, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Track MT and the 35th Anniversary. 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, dual front air bags and more.

The Enthusiast model adds xenon headlamps, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), aluminum pedals and auto dimming rearview mirror.

The Performance model includes all of the Enthusiast equipment plus Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 18-inch tires with aluminum wheels. The Touring model adds a Bose® audio system with 6CD, cassette with seven speakers, leather seats with 4-way power driver’s seat and heated seats. The Touring 6MT adds a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, Vehicle Dynamic Control and 18-inch wheels and tires.

The 2005 350Z Track comes with 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 and 35th Anniversary models only); and side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.

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2005 Nissan 350z Roadster Overview

The dynamic driving experience that for 35 years has been associated with the Z® comes equipped with a little less these days – it’s topless. First introduced as a 2004 model, the 350Z Roadster features a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, which transforms from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds.

“The Z® Roadster offers a fresh look at the modern convertible, the styling is an updated take on the classic roadster, but the heart is all Z®,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “The Z® Roadster further expresses Nissan’s commitment to offering bold, exciting, performance vehicles.”

New for 2005 is a 350Z Roadster Grand Touring Edition with 6-speed manual, which is scheduled to be available in late 2004. It comes equipped with Brembo® brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 18-inch aluminum–alloy wheels.

All 2005 350Z Roadster models receive a number of other enhancements, including standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), driver’s seat front and rear lifter (except for net seat design), reduced clutch pedal effort for manual transmission models and downshift rev matching for automatic transmission models, heated outside mirrors and a faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times (for optional navigation system).

Also new for 2005 is an Ultra Yellow exterior color, which utilizes a new high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment and three layers of top coat (with separate color pigment and pearl pigment layers) to create an almost “liquid” surface appearance.

One-Touch Conversion
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.

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.

Quiet Cruising
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.

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 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 among the leading competitors for low interior noise with the top down.

Contemporary Styling, Inside and Out
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.

“The Z® Roadster incorporates a seamless flow between the exterior and interior 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 optimize 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.

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.

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 2005 350Z Roadster is offered in three well-equipped models – 350Z Roadster Enthusiast, 350Z Roadster Touring and 350Z Roadster Grand Touring. Standard 350Z Roadster Enthusiast features include power seats, power-operated soft top, electrically operated storage cover, 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 features a Bose® audio system with 6-disc CD changer and seven speakers, leather-appointed seats and standard side-impact air bags.

The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring model, which is available only with the 6-speed manual transmission, adds Brembo® brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control and 18-inch wheels and tires.

Only a few options are offered for the well-equipped 350Z Roadster. Side-impact supplemental air bags are available on the Enthusiast model and standard on the Touring and Grand Touring models, 18-inch alloy wheels are available for Enthusiast and Touring models, and ventilated leather-trimmed net seats are available for the Touring and Grand Touring models. The DVD-based navigation system is available on the Touring model only.

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2005 Nissan 350z Coupe: At a Glance

Continuing the 35-year Z® legacy of innovation in design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was introduced in 1970, the 2005 350Z sport car maintains its position as one of the finest performance sports cars on the road today.

2005 ushers in the celebration of the Z history with the release of the 35th anniversary edition. The 35th anniversary Z® and 350Z Track model offers some unique features, including 300 horsepower from the standard Z’s® 3.5-liter DOHC V6.

All 2005 350Z models receive a number of other enhancements for the new model year, including standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), driver’s seat front and rear lifter, reduced clutch pedal effort for manual transmission models and downshift rev matching for automatic transmission models, heated outside mirrors and a faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times (for optional navigation system, Touring and 35th Anniversary model only).

A new Ultra Yellow exterior color, which utilizes a new high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment and three layers of top coat (with separate color pigment and pearl pigment layers) to create an almost “liquid” surface appearance, is also available for 2005.

Highlights of the 2005 350Z include:

Body

• Long wheelbase (104.3 inches) and wide stance
• Contemporary design with elements of 240Z and 300ZX
• Strong, spine-like beltline anchored with large, distinctive taillights
• Raised rear deck for enhanced aerodynamics
• Wider view side mirror surfaces
• Heated outside mirrors 
• New exterior color – Ultra Yellow

Engine and Driveline

• 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque
• Available 300 horsepower (35th Anniversary, Track models)
• Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS)
• Electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
• Front engine/rear-wheel drive
• Dual outlet exhaust
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

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
• Available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 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)
• Available Brembo® brakes
• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/50WR17 (front), 235/50WR17 (rear) tires (350Z 6MT, Enthusiast 5AT/6MT, Touring 5AT models)
• Available 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires (Performance 6MT, Touring 6MT models)
• Special 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (35th Anniversary)
• 18-inch forged super light aluminum-alloy wheels (Track 6MT)

Interior Features

• Driver-oriented interior environment
• Pre-wiring for satellite radio
• Powered face door for navigation system (Touring and 35th Anniversary models only)
• Combination of classic and cutting-edge sports car interior design with metal and leather-appointed surface materials
• 3-bay gauge pods – similar to original 240Z design
• Center console with solid aluminum look
• Exposed rear strut tower brace in rear cargo area with “Z” logo
• Front and rear driver seat lifter

Safety and Security

• Dual-stage front supplemental air bags
• 3-point ALR/ELR seatbelts (driver’s seat ELR only)
• Front seatbelt 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 and inflatable curtain supplemental air bags
• Standard Vehicle Security System and Immobilizer

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The 2005 Nissan 350Z Roadster offers sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, with a style all its own. The Z® Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in 20 seconds. The fully automatic, glass rear window equipped soft top stows compactly under a lightweight tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down. For 2005, the Z® Roadster continues to be offered with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft torque and with a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions.

New for 2005 is the Z® Roadster Grand Touring Edition with 6-speed manual, which comes equipped with Brembo® brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. All 350Z Roadster models receive a number of other enhancements for the new model year, including standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), driver’s seat front and rear lifter (except for net seat design), reduced clutch pedal effort for manual transmission models and downshift rev matching for automatic transmission models, heated outside mirrors and a faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times (for optional navigation system, Touring model only).

A new Ultra Yellow exterior color, which utilizes a new high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment and three layers of top coat (with separate color pigment and pearl pigment layers) to create an almost “liquid” surface appearance, is also available for 2005.

Highlights of the 2005 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
• Wider view side mirror surface
• Heated outside mirrors
• Newly available Ultra Yellow exterior color

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
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

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
• Available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with 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)
• Available Brembo® brakes
• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/50WR17 (front), 235/50WR17 (rear) tires
• Available 18-inch wheels and 225/45R18 (front), 245/45R18 (rear) 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 
• Front and rear driver seat lifter (not available with net seats)

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 Roadster Touring and Roadster Grand Touring)
• Standard Vehicle Security System and Immobilizer

Models

• Offered in three models: 350Z Roadster Enthusiast, 350Z Touring and 350Z Roadster Grand Touring (late availability)

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