350zClub.org Links
Associated Sites
2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe and Roadster Press Kit: Overview
2008 Nissan 350Z Remains the Nissan Performance Standard
The 2008 Nissan 350Z continues to offer sports car lovers high performance excitement and a dynamic driving experience in a range of high value Coupe and Roadster models – including the dramatic NISMO 350Z (Coupe only) that was added to the lineup as part of a major Z® revision for the 2007 model year. Changes for the 2007 model year also included an all-new next-generation 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 rated at 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Enhancements for 2008 include one new premium exterior paint color, Nogaro Red. The 2008 350Z is available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models – five for the Coupe (including the NISMO 350Z) and three for the Roadster.
The NISMO 350Z, introduced in summer 2007, features an aerodynamics package with an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing. This package produces additional aerodynamic downforce for enhanced cornering and handling performance. Additional NISMO 350Z performance features include a specially tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers and NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels and NISMO-branded tuned exhaust. The NISMO 350Z is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 350Z Coupe and 350Z Roadster share a proud Z® 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 VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 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.
Both a 6-speed close-ratio manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission are available on the 350Z. 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 suspension is a 4-wheel independent multilink design with extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and standard front and rear stabilizer bars. The 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 2008 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. 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 2008 Z®s also feature a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
2008 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. 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. 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 includes front and rear spoilers.
Inside, the Z® Coupe interior features steering wheel audio controls (except base model), mp3-CD capability for the available Bose® audio system and standard XM® Satellite Radio with body-color antenna on Coupe models. Also available for 2008 is a 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 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 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.
2008 350Z Base and Enthusiast Coupe models 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 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.
2008 NISMO 350Z
The NISMO 350Z model offers a striking visual differentiation from regular Z® Coupes with a special aerodynamics package designed to resemble the Super GT championship winning Z®. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing, the NISMO 350Z produces additional aerodynamic downforce to provide enhanced cornering and handling performance.
Special consideration is given during assembly of the NISMO 350Z – structural rigidity is enhanced by additional body welds to the already rigid 350Z body and additional supports have been added front and rear. The NISMO 350Z also utilizes special body dampers mounted in the front radiator core support and in the rear cargo area, which assist in controlling body vibrations. Additional performance features include a special NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors) and special NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels measuring 18x9-inches front and 19x10-inches rear, with 245/40WR18 front and 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires.
A special NISMO-branded tuned exhaust adds an even more authoritative tone to the Z®'s 306-horsepower V6 engine. Four exterior colors are available, including Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy and Pikes Peak White. Inside, NISMO 350Z features unique black cloth seats with red inserts, red stitching throughout the interior and special NISMO white-faced tachometer. All NISMO 350Zs receive a serialized NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console, designating its limited edition status.
2008 350Z Roadster
The 350Z Roadster, first introduced as a 2004 model, continues to be the premier open-air sports car for top-down driving enthusiasts. For 2008, 350Z Roadster is offered in three models: Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.
The Z® Roadster features a power-operated soft top with heated glass rear window, which transforms from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds. The top stows compactly under a lightweight, powered tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down. The three-lock, single latch system provides a secure seal, while also making the opening and closing process easier.
Numerous structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Z® Roadster unibody (versus the 350Z 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.
A tempered glass wind deflector, located between the seats, directs wind out and over the cabin when the top is down, reducing interior noise. Seatbelt fasteners are standard to help keep seatbelts from flapping in the wind. As a result, the Z® Roadster is among the leading competitors for low top-down interior noise.
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 optional navigation system with a 7.0-inch display.
A special offering on Z® Roadster are Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net seats (Touring and Grand Touring only). The 6-way power 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 and are heated for even more comfort.
The Z® Roadster makes the most of available storage space, with a standard lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase and sufficient trunk space, even with the top retracted. The trunk has up to 4.1 cubic feet of useable room for storage.
350Z Safety Features
The 2008 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 a hatchback body design without sacrificing rear body rigidity.
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 optional on Z® 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 2008 350Z Coupe is available in five models – 350Z, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring and the newest addition, the NISMO 350Z. 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, heated leather-appointed seats with 4-way power driver's seat 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, Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
Built for the true enthusiast, the NISMO 350Z offers larger brakes, a functional body kit and unique interior touches that distinguish it from any other vehicle on the road.
The 2008 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 heated leather-appointed seats.
The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring model adds Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
Four options are available on the 2008 350Z Coupe and Roadster: a DVD-based navigation system (Touring and Grand Touring models only), a grey top (for Roadster models, substitutes for the standard black top), Burnt Orange net-style seats (Roadster Touring and Grand Touring models) and side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags (Coupe).
# # #