Japan Report: New Nissan 350Z At Toyko Auto Salon

Nissan’s 350Z has now shifted up several gears in Japan, gaining a new V-6, more power and refinement and fresh array of colors. Making its world debut at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon this weekend and identified straightaway by its new hood bulge, the re-engined 350Z gets Nissan’s new VQ35HR series V6, the same motor featured in the latest Infiniti G35. It’s a worthwhile upgrade, as it revs higher, runs smoother, and has more power than the sturdy, well-proven but now outgoing VQ35DE.

As seen in Japan where the Z car still sells by the quaint Fairlady Z nameplate, the 3498 cc HR V-6 pumps out an improved, free revving 309 brake horsepower at 6800 rpm. That’s a significant jump from the current 3.5-liter V-6’s 287/300 bhp output. What’s more, the engine’s 7500 rpm redline now runs 500 rpm higher than before.

At the same time, both manual and auto box Z’s now get the same power (hitherto, the auto’s always been detuned). Torque is up too, rising to 264 pound-feet at 4800 rpm in Japan spec and again that’s the same for both manual and auto Z’s, coupe and roadster.
The facelift package brings some new colors too, including a racy Grand Prix Orange. Inside, Nissan’s improved the design of the headrests and re-specced the tires to Bridgestone Potenza RE050As to cut down on road noise.

Written By: Peter Nunn