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2004 Nismo 350Z news, pictures, and information

Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd has developed a 350Z NISMO concept just for the 2004 Goodwood Festival of Speed fitted wîth racing and styling parts designed by Nissan's mad motorsport arm in Japan. Some of the bits are available now while others could be on sale soon depending on how much of a noise the Z concept makes at the event.

Noise is very much part of the Goodwood experience. And the same goes for the 350Z, too. As if the standard 350Z doesn't sound intoxicating enough (for the car nut, that is), the NISMO sports exhaust fitted to the Goodwood concept gives it an even more spine tingling note. 10.7 cm wide, twin oval tailpipes are the only external sign of an exhaust system developed for even sharper engine response during fast driving. The cost is likely to be around £1000. Assuming it gets through our noise and emissions regulations, that is. Rules can be so dull.

The 350Z made its debut at last year's Goodwood Festival and turned more heads than cars costing 10 times as much. More jaws will drop at the 350Z being entered into the 2004 Supercar Run as it's fitted wîth the most dramatic visual item in NISMO's range, the Aero Kit developed in conjunction wîth Polyphony Digital producer of ‘GRAN TÚRISMO'. The images created by the game's development team were translated into production reality by NISMO after being aerodynamically tested. So as well as lòòking the business, the Aero Kit increases the forces on the front and rear of the car – there's more grip at the front and added traction at the rear.

The standard front bumper is replaced by a deeper one wîth a low lip spoiler which is colour coded to the vehicle. And an additional louvre in the bumper grille gives the 350Z an even wider and meaner look. Side skirts rectify irregular air stream around the tyres at high speeds. Their function is linked to that of the rear under-skirt and along wîth the front lip spoiler, make the 350Z look literally sucked to the road. But all of this wouldn't be complete without the high mounted rear spoiler or wing that sits on top of the tailgate below the rear window. An exact price for the NISMO Aero Kit hasn't been confirmed but it's going to be around £2500 including VAT and fitting. Initially the kit will only be available on new Zs but later Nissan GB is hoping to establish a retro-fit programme for cars that are already out there.

Available now and fitted to the Goodwood NISMO concept are a set of dramatic, five spoke 19 inch alloy wheels. Yes, you read that right – 19 inch. The front pair are 19 inch x 8.5J and the rear are even wider at 19 inch x 9.5J. The price of a set is around £1765 not including VAT or the tyres. Rather more affordable at £40 plus VAT is the NISMO radiator cap that keeps the cooling system pressure at a higher level. This leads to a higher coolant vaporising point that in turn helps to prevent overheating when the car is being thrashed over a sustained period. No price yet on the NISMO suspension kit fitted to Nissan GB's concept. So for now just admire the menacing, road licking effect.

There have been a few changes to the interior of this car, too. NISMO kick plates, floormats and a titanium gear knob add to the Z's cabin jewellery. Nissan GB has also thrown in a pair of NISMO sports seats which are even more hip hugging than the originals. They're upholstered in Alcantara and have a special type of foam in their cushions designed to absorb vibration and shock transmitted up from the tarmac. Just as well given this car's 19 inch wheels and even stiffer suspension.

All these parts come from NISMO's S-tune range which is designed for performance improvements during road driving. NISMO is a new name to Nissan ÚK's accessories range. And it's being applied to the 350Z only. But it's not so new to anyone who plays ‘GRAN TÚRISMO' or drives a Nissan Skyline GT-R. NISsan MOtorsports was established in Japan in 1984 to provide manufacturer backed performance parts for Nissan cars. And the 2004 Goodwood Festival of Speed is the natural event at which to highlight the range in the ÚK – not least because there will be many fans there who lust after a 350Z.

Source - Nissan
The 240Z was not a new idea. Sturdy engineering, excellent performance, low price, attractive styling, and average interior had been achieved by many manufacturers prior to the Z-car. The reason the 240Z car was so great was because it capitalized on all these criteria and perfected the concept of a low-cost, reliable, sports car. Mr. Yutaka Katayama is considered the 'Father of the Z Car' and is responsible for the design and creation of this legendary vehicle. As recognition of his contributions to the automotive world, in 1998 he was inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame.

The Datsun 240Z was introduced in 1969 as a 1970 model. The engine was a derivation of the Datsun 1600. The Datsun 1600 engine was a copy of the 1960's six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 220 engine, but with two less cylinders. By adding two extra cylinders in the 240Z the cylinder count was back to six. With 151 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque the vehicle could propel from zero-to-sixty in eight seconds. The independent suspension and the rack-and-pinion steering added to its quick response, performance, and handling. The front disc brakes brought the car to a stop from high speeds in just seconds. With a price tag of just over $3,500, it cost much less than anything else on the market. Due to demand, a year later Kelly Blue Book rated the value of a used 240Z at $4,000.

The 240Z dominated the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) C-class production category for 10 years ranging from 1970 through 1979. In 1970 and 1971 John Morton, driving for Brock Racing Enterprises, was the first to claim victory in SCCA C-Class production racing using a 240Z. Bob Sharp claimed his first win in that category in 1972 and again in 1973 and 1975. Walt Maas continued the streak in 1974. The Z-car competed in the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) where it captured many victories, including the IMSA GTU title. In 1982, Devendorf and his Electromotive racing team win Datsun's first ever IMSA GTO championship.

In 1985, Paul Newman set 10 track records in a 280ZX Turbo.

In 1994, a race-modified Z car won the 24 Hors of Daytona and the 12 Hours at Sebring. It also captured the GTS Class at the 24 Hours of LeMans, making it the only car ever to accomplish such a record within the same year.

In 1974, the engine displacement was increased to 2.6 liters and the vehicle was dubbed the 260Z. This brought an end to the 240Z series which had sold 116,712 examples during its life-span. The United States emissions regulations were increasing every year. Thus, the 260Z had less horsepower than its predecessor and was rated at 139.

The 260Z was available in 2+2 configuration. With the fold-down rear seats, the 260Z offered a higher level of practicality over the 240Z. During its first and only model year, 63,963 examples were produced giving it the all-time Z-car sales record to date.

In 1975 the displacement was increased to 2.8 liters and the vehicle dubbed the 280Z. A Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system was included which helped bring increase the horsepower to 149.

In 1977, the horsepower rating was 170. A five-speed overdrive transmission was now offered, giving the vehicle better performance and fuel economy. The sales of the Z car once again hit a record high, with 67,331 units sold.

In 1979, the second generation of the Z-car was introduced as the 280ZX. It was more refined and luxurious than the previous Z's. The formula was correct and it was named Motor Trends 'Import Car of the Year'. A new all-time sales record was achieved with 86,007 units being sold.

In 1980, over 500,000 cumulative American Z-cars had been sold. It had reached the half-million sales mark faster than any other sport car. A new T-bar roof option was now being offered.

To add to the appeal and performance of the 280ZX, a turbocharged engine became available in 1981. Sales continued to remain strong through 1983.

In 1984 the third generation of the Z-car was introduced and was dubbed the 300ZX. It featured distinct styling and a new 3.0 liter V6 engine. The normal-aspirated engine produced 160 horsepower, while the turbocharged version offers 200 horsepower.

In 1989, the American automotive economy was continuing to evolve. Minivan's and sport utility vehicles were gaining in popularity. In response, Nissan introduced the fourth-generation Z-car in 1990. The new 300ZX featured improvements both mechanically and aesthetically. Under the hood sat an all-new DOHC 3.0-liter engine with a horsepower rating of 222. A twin-turbocharged version of the engine was available and brought the total horsepower output to 300. The body of the vehicle had been improved giving it a more aggressive stance.

Motor Trend awarded the Z00ZXTT 'Import Car of the Year' and 'One of the Top Ten Performance Cars'. Automobile Magazine honored the car with 'Design of the Year' and was added to its 'All Stars' list. Not to be outdone, Road & Track named the car 'One of the Ten Best Cars in the World'. Car and driver named it 'One of the Ten Best Cars'.

During the 1990 model year the one-million sales mark was achieved making it the all-time best selling sports car. The car continued to receive great reviews and awards by Magazines and publications. The year 1995 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Z-car. To commemorate this occasion, a limited edition was produced with the help of Steve Millen Sport Cars.

In 1996, the production of the Z-car ceased in North America. Decreasing Sales figures, and increased smog regulations and production costs were to blame. The price of the twin-turbo 300ZX was priced at $45,000, a cost that was to expensive for most consumers. Production of the Z-car continued in Japan until 1999, although it had undergone a major redesign in 1998.

In August of 2002, Nissan introduced the 350Z. This six-gear, two-seater was the fifth generation of the Z-car. Offered in five trim packages that included Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track Editions, the vehicle was an instant success. Base price was around $26,000 with the fully-loaded Track option costing over $34,000. Aesthetic and performance upgrades were available through Nismo, Nissan's motorsport and performance division.

In 2004, a roadster option was offered. The roadster was available in two trim packages which included the Enthusiast and Touring editions.

A special 35th Anniversary model was released in 2005 featuring twice the output of the original 1969 model.

Sales figures, race results, and satisfied customers have proven this to be one of the best sports vehicles ever produced.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click here

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Arrow Right 2004 Nissan models
Nissan 350Z
Nissan Altima
Nissan Armada
Nissan Frontier
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Quest
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Titan
Nissan Xterra
2004 Nissan Concepts
Nissan Actic Concept
Nissan Dunehawk
Nissan Qashqai Concept

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Nissan: 2001-2010
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Nissan History
Other models by Nissan
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Vehicle Recall Information

Nissan
Monthly Sales FiguresVolume
April 201380,003 
March 2013126,623 
February 201390,489 
January 201373,793 
December 201286,663 
November 201284,300 
October 201270,928 
September 201282,462 
August 201287,360 
July 201286,722 
June 201281,801 
May 201281,202 
(More Details)

 
200SX
240
300
370Z
Altima
Armada
Cube
Frontier
Fuga
GT-R
GTP ZX-Turbo
Juke
Leaf
Maxima
Murano
Navara
NV
Pathfinder
Quest
Rogue
Sentra
Silvia
Titan
Versa
X-Trail
Xterra
Z-Car

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