2008 Nissan Nismo 350Z coming to New York, sales start in the US in July

Nissan’s stunning Nismo 350Z will be available for the first time in the US market with sales starting in July. Like its recently introduced Japanese counterpart, the American version retains the stock 3.5 V6 that produces 306Hp but it gets a full aerodynamics package resembling that of the Super GT Zs with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing. Other features include revised suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear callipers, gunmetal gray alloys and a new… “rhythm & bass” exhaust. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery and the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: At a Glance: 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z

For the first time ever in the Nissan Z’s 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the extensive Z lineup. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only.

The most striking visual feature of this special vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package, which strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning Zs. 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 the use of 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 the rear cargo area, which assist in controlling body vibrations.

Additional performance features include a specially 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 (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 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.

The 2007 NISMO 350Z is scheduled to go on sale in July 2007.

Highlights of the 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z include:

Body:

NISMO aerodynamics package, including front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, rear fascia with diffuser and rear wing
Additional body structure measures, including additional body welds and front and rear reinforcements
Special body dampers mounted in the front radiator core support and rear cargo area
High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights and LED brake lights
Long wheelbase (104.3 inches), short overhangs and wide stance; raised rear deck for enhanced aerodynamics
TBD coefficient of drag
Strong, spine-like beltline anchored with large, distinctive taillights
Aluminum hood, distinctive vertical door handles, heated outside mirrors
Four available exterior colors – Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy, Pikes Peak White

Engine and Driveline

Next-generation 3.5-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 (VQ35HR), 306 horsepower @ 6800 RPM, 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4800 RPM
Ram air dual intake, equal length exhaust manifold and dual exhaust system with laser-welded rear mufflers
High compression ratio (10.6:1), 7500 rpm redline, eCVTCS (electromagnetic variable exhaust cam timing), twin knock sensors, improved cooling and stiffer engine block structure, small pitch silent cam chain
NISMO-branded tuned dual exhaust with chrome exhaust tips
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
Front engine/rear-wheel drive
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) driveshaft

Suspension, Steering and Braking

NISMO-tuned 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension with use of lightweight aluminum components
Brembo power-assisted vented 4-wheel disc brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors), 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels, 18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear
Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars
Vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD)
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

Interior Features

Unique black cloth seats with red inserts
Red stitching throughout the interior
Special NISMO white-faced tachometer
Serialized NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console
Driver-oriented two-passenger interior environment with a combination of classic and cutting-edge sports car interior design
3-bay gauge pods – similar to the original 240Z design
Specially shaped driver’s seat (different from passenger design) to hold the body firmly
8-way manual driver’s seat/4-way manual passenger’s seat
Standard automatic temperature control
Lockable rear luggage box behind passenger seat
Center console with aluminum trim
Power windows with auto one-touch up and down, power door locks
Aluminum pedals
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver

Safety and Security

Nissan Advanced Air Bag System
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
Active Head Restraints
Standard Vehicle Security System and Immobilizer

Models and Manufacturing

One well-equipped NISMO 350Z model

2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z Continues Tradition of Performance With Super GT Race-Inspired Styling and Features

Taking Performance One Step Further With the 2007 NISMO 350Z

For the first time ever in the Nissan Z’s 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the extensive Z lineup. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z, which makes its North American debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007.

NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles in the United States since 2003, previously participated in the development of the NISMO Frontier off-road pickup truck, introduced in 2005. The NISMO 350Z is the second Nissan model to be branded with the legendary marque. Like the Frontier model, which is specially equipped for off-road excursions, the 2007 NISMO 350Z is optimized for enthusiast drivers.

"With the combination of the new VQ35HR engine found on all 2007 350Zs and NISMO performance and design enhancements, the NISMO 350Z represents the pinnacle of Nissan performance machines," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA).

"The NISMO 350Z is the ideal package for true enthusiasts – adding a high level of aesthetic and performance enhancing equipment which is not available in the aftermarket – while retaining the reliability, durability, and comprehensive warranty found standard on every 2007 Nissan 350Z," he continued.

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 (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 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.

"The combination of aerodynamic enhancements and performance tuning adds up to a Z with enhanced cornering, steering precision and handling," said Bosley. "Every exterior and mechanical improvement made to the NISMO 350Z isn’t just for show, it’s also for performance."

Four exterior colors are available, including Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy and Pikes Peak White.

Inside, NISMO 350Z drivers receive special treatment with 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.

The NISMO 350Z includes a full complement of 350Z standard features, including the new 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. Engine features include variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a 7,500 rpm rev limit and a symmetric twin ram air intake system.

The standard 6-speed manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st through 5th gears for high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for highway fuel economy. For performance handling, standard on the NISMO 350Z is a Traction Control System (TCS) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Also standard is electronically-controlled vehicle speed-sensitive dual-orifice rack-and-pinion power steering system, front and rear strut tower bracing, 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, cruise control, aluminum pedals, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and auto dimming rearview mirror, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights, LED taillights, Advanced Air Bag System, side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags and Active Head Restraints.

"The NISMO 350Z is geared towards enthusiasts who want the ultimate 350Z straight from the factory performance experts,” said Bosley. “They also want a Z that makes a statement and is a testament to their love of driving."

In addition to the new NISMO 350Z, the 2007 350Z Coupe is offered in Base, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring models. The 2007 350Z Roadster is offered in three models – Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.

About NISMO

NISMO originated in Japan in 1984 and has established itself as the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles in Japan and, since 2003, in the United States. NISMO components in the U.S. cover three areas - NISMO "S-tune" (which are backed by Nissan’s Parts and Accessory Limited Warranty, see warranty and dealer for details), "R-tune" suited for closed-track and off-road use and NISMO apparel and lifestyle items. Also available are Legacy components for older Nissan and Datsun vehicles. R-tune and Legacy components are designated for off-highway use and are not warranted. NISMO parts are available only through participating Nissan dealers.

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