TOKYO – Nissan Motor Co.'s iconic 36-year-old flagship sports car the Fairlady Z, known as the 350Z outside of Japan, went on sale in Japan today with new features, including a more powerful engine, as well as enhancements to its exterior and interior.
The Z, whose tagline is "SHIFT_sports," is available in more than 95 countries and has sold about 1.6 million units worldwide since 1969. The current fifth-generation Z (Z33 model) alone has sold a total of about 160,000 units globally since its release in July 2002.
As part of its remodeling, the maximum horsepower of the Fairlady Z's VQ35DE engine - the same engine that powers the 350Z anniversary model released in Japan in January - was boosted to 216 kilowatts (294 PS)/6400 revolutions per minute, up from 206 kW (280 PS)/6200 rpm. Power was boosted by increasing induction efficiency with larger-diameter air ducts and retuning the valve timing, among other improvements.
The renowned handling qualities that have always distinguished the Z have also been further improved by adopting dual-flow-path shock absorbers and vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering.
While continuing the basic design cues popular among customers, the Z's exterior styling has been enhanced thanks to a redesigned front bumper and headlamps, as well as the addition of high-brightness light-emitting diode (LED) rear combination lamps. The remodeled Z has also been given newly styled 18-inch aluminum wheel, available on all grades.
The interior features greater use of authentic aluminum accents, soft-feel materials, additional storage spaces, an optimized control switch layout and other refinements helping to enhance the Z's quality and convenience.
The remodeled Z is available in a total of eight colors, including three new choices: Premium Mystique Maroon (RP), Brilliant Silver (M) and Diamond Black (P).
Nissan also announced that Autech Japan, Inc., a wholly-owned Nissan affiliate, has equipped the Fairlady Z Driving Helper lifecare vehicle (LV)* with the Autech Drive Control Package Type e, a set of electronically controlled driving-assistance features designed for drivers with leg disabilities.
*Nissan group companies use the term lifecare vehicle (LV) to refer to vehicles that are specifically designed to assist persons with special mobility needs in their everyday lives.
Fairlady Z major specification and equipment refinements
Engine and performance
- Engine with maximum power increased from 206 kW (280 PS)/6200 rpm to 216 kW (294 PS)/6400 rpm (available on 6-speed manual transmission models)
- Adoption of dual-flow-path shock absorbers and vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering
- Standard brake size increased from 16 to 17 inches
Exterior - Redesigned front bumper and headlamps
- Adoption of high-brightness LED rear combination lamps, newly styled 18-inch aluminum wheels and Titanium Clear outside mirrors
- Selection of eight body colors, including the all-new choices of Premium Mystique Maroon** (RP), Brilliant Silver (M) and Diamond Black (P)
RP: Multi-reflective Paint M: Metallic P: Pearl
**Premium Mystique Maroon is a current revival of the Gran Prix Maroon color adopted for the long-nosed 240ZG model that was added to the first-generation Fairlady Z (S30) lineup in 1971. Embodying the themes of "newness" and "Z-ness," this new premium color is distinguished by subtle changes in hue depending on the viewing angle and ambient light condition.
Interior - Increased use of authentic aluminum accents, including for the knob of the cupholder cover, rings of the trio of ancillary gauges, shifter finisher, air-conditioner control dials, navigation joystick ring and other locations
- Adoption of soft-feel pads for the door trim
- Use of soft-feel paint on the door handle panels, hoods of the trio of main instruments and trio of ancillary gauges, center console and audio/navigation system control panel
- Additional storage spaces, including a card holder, cargo net at the bottom of the front passenger's seat, illuminated beverage holders in both doors and larger door pocket openings, among others
- Adoption of new seat fabric
Dealers selling the Fairlady Z:
All Nissan dealers
Price range:
3,328,500 yen to 4,483,500 yen