Nissan 350Z Roadster gets sporty lines and an automatic lid
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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JACKSON, Miss. -- This is too easy: Just an index finger fixed on the dashboard switch is all it takes to whisk away the roof structure on Nissan's sports car, the racy 350Z.
To make the convertible conversion, a Z-car driver must first step on the brake pedal as a safety precaution, then flick a lid latch, located at the center of the windshield header. That latch releases three separate locks used to fit the lid snugly against the top of the windshield.
Now hit the dashboard switch, set to the left of the steering column, which sends a wake-up signal to the electro-hydraulic mechanism that motivates the lid.
In only 20 seconds, the top -- composed of cloth and fitted with a glass rear window with embedded heat element -- flips rearward and stows beneath a lightweight tonneau cover in a slick disappearing act.
And feast on what these mechanical gyrations reveal: A daring design for a sleek but edgy open-top sports car with the cockpit configured only for two and serious hardware concealed behind all of those muscular sheetmetal bulges.
Nissan labels this new sports car as simply the 350Z Roadster, as it offers an al fresco option to the wildly successful hardtop coupe rendition.
Essential hardware including powertrain and suspension carry over from the 350Z coupe, although the pop-top version gains some additional structural elements to ensure a rigid and stiff platform in the absence of the unifying support of a hardtop's roof.
Reinforcements for the unibody include a V-shaped cross bar in the floor tied to side sills and an A-shaped cross bar at the front. Door openings on each side are fortified, plus under-seat areas to improve rigidity of the floor.
The convertible version also carries special sport-tuned bucket seats and unique materials for the cockpit that differ from the coupe.
It's amazing what the removal of a fastback roofline will do to influence the shape and stance of the overall package -- the roadster looks like it's speeding even when parked on an asphalt lot.
Contributing to that expression of speed is the exaggerated prow fixed with huge projector-type headlamps, fenders bulging to cover oversized wheels and tires, a broad windshield cocked back at an extreme angle and the strong horizontal belt line interrupted only by the bright vertical slot of a door handle and the wedgy red streak of a lamp on the trailing edge of a clipped off tail.
Behind this too-cool package, you'll find a genuine sports car in classic format -- with the engine mounted up front and all power directed to the big wheels in back and the vehicle's weight distributed fairly evenly -- 53 percent up front and 47 percent at the rear.
350Z as a roadster comes in two different trim flavors (Enthusiast and Touring) with options for a manual or automatic transmission.
Each version stocks the same V6 engine and suspension system, along with a driveshaft composed of strong carbon-fiber material, an electronically-controlled drive-by-wire throttle and an exhaust with twin pipes at the tail.
The V6, with dual cams on top and four valves in every cylinder, displaces 3.5 liters and produces 287 hp at 6200 rpm, with the torque pumping up to 274 lb-ft at 4800 rpm.
Z's engine connects to a smooth automatic five-speed transmission with convenient manual shift mode or the six-speed close-ratio manual.
Steering mechanism is a direct rack and pinion system with only 2.6 turns needed, lock-to-lock.
A sophisticated multi-link suspension at all four wheels employs aluminum-alloy components to trim the unsprung weight.
Special shocks set up responsive control yet also deliver a stiff and sporty ride quality.
The standard 17-inch and seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels come with Bridgestone summer tires -- 225/50R17 94W in front and 235/50R17 96W in back.
Optional six-spoke alloy rollers of 18-inch diameter get Bridgestone Potenza summer tires -- 225/45R18 91W up front and 245/45R18 96W in the rear.
For keen stopping power, the brake package consists of ventilated discs at all wheels with computer linkage to an anti-lock brake system (ABS).
The ABS package adds electronic brake distribution (EBD) to modulate the force of braking against various load factors, plus brake assist (BA) that goes to work during a panic stop with full-force braking effort to reduce the emergency stopping distance, and a traction control system (TCS) to trim wheel spins.
To test it, we select the base issue Enthusiast 6MT with stick shift, plus xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and a nifty wind deflector that nestles between the bucket seats and directs wind out of the cabin.
In an instant we slip into the driver's bucket and buckle up.
The cockpit, snug in fit and oriented around the driver, is a space divided by the center console, which houses the transmission lever.
Sills on side doors rise high so you feel like you're sitting in a bathtub, while the contoured seat molds against your backside as firm bolsters on each side keep you pinned in place during hard-wrought corner maneuvers.
The face of the console flows into a dashboard that looks like chiseled aluminum.
Three round analog gauges stand at the top of the console and mimic the shape of the three larger gauges in the instrument cluster ahead of the steering wheel.
Now fire up the six-pack, shift the gear down to the bottom rung and let it rip as we run up the main drag of State Street in view of the Mississippi capitol in Jackson.
Too much traffic retards this romp, so we hop on the I-55 freeway to get the effect of Z's forceful engine. It's so strong and quick that posted speed constraints of the highway prevent a full exploration of this car's potential.
Let's leave it at this: There's a lot more action to the 350Z Roadster than you'll ever be able to use while still keeping it legal.
Nissan sets MSRP points for 350Z Roadster at $33,850 for the Enthusiast 6MT and $34,820 for the Enthusiast 5AT. The Touring 6MT comes to $36,220 and top-grade Touring 5AT is $37,190.
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| 2004 NISSAN 350 Z ROADSTER VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
2-seat performance roadster
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| Model Options: |
2-seat performance roadster
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| Wheelbase: |
104.3 inches
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| Overall Length: |
169.4 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 3.5-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Manual/6
Auto/5 with Manual Mode
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| Drive: |
Rear
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc
ABS/BA/EBD/TCS
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| Airbags: |
2 (front)
Enthusiast: + opt. 2 (side)
Touring: + 2 (side)
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| Gas Mileage: |
M/6: 20/26 mpg
A/5: 18/25 mpg
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| MSRP Price: |
Enthusiast 6MT: $ 33,850, Enthusiast 5AT: $ 34,820, Touring 6MT: $ 36,220, Touring 5AT: $ 37,190 |
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