Devotees of the Z and Gran Turismo fans alike rejoiced at the 2007 New York auto show. Nismo—an abbreviation of NISsan MOtorsports—and now its performance part division, announced it would offer a tuned take on the venerable 350Z in North America.Whereas previous Nismo-branded hardware sold in the U.S. (Frontier truck) was little more than a mild trim package, this Nismo 350Z is a competent rework of an already sporty Z-car.
The most obvious change lies with Nismo’s exterior makeover. Modeled after Super GT championship racers, the Nismo Z wears a new front fascia, side skirts rear bumper and a wild rear wing. Signature checkered stripes contrast with one of only four exterior colors—red, white, silver or black. Inside, Nismo adds unique red-on-black cloth seating and a white-faced tachometer.
Nismo also modifies what lies beneath the car’s racy skin. Structural rigidity of the 350Z is improved (the claim is upwards of five percent) via additional welds and body dampers, while the stock multi-link independent suspension is subtly changed. Nismo Zs roll on special Rays-forged aluminum wheels (18” in front and 19” out back) shod with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. Stopping this package are four-piston front and two-piston rear Brembo disc brakes.
Sadly, Nismo doesn’t touch any of the power package underhood. The VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 produces the same 306 hp and 258 lb-ft figures as any other 2007 350Z. Transmission choice is limited to the six-speed manual transmission, which routes power through the standard viscous limited-slip differential. There is a new exhaust and some might (poorly) argue this change increases performance.
autoweek.com
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