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Image credits: © Nissan.
MSRP: $28,510-41,980
Invoice: $26,715-38,875
2008 Nissan 350Z news, pictures, and information | ||
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2008 Nissan 350Z Remains the Nissan Performance Standard
The 2008 Nissan 350Z continues to offer sports car lovers high performance excitement and a dynamic driving experience in a range of high value Coupe and Roadster models – including the dramatic NISMO 350Z (Coupe only) that was added to the lineup as part of a major Z® revision for the 2007 model year. Changes for the 2007 model year also included an all-new next-generation 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 rated at 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Enhancements for 2008 include one new premium exterior paint color, Nogaro Red. The 2008 350Z is available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models – five for the Coupe (including the NISMO 350Z) and three for the Roadster. The NISMO 350Z, introduced in summer 2007, features an aerodynamics package wîth an aggressive front fascia wîth chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia wîth underbody diffuser and a rear wing. This package produces additional aerodynamic downforce for enhanced cornering and handling performance. Additional NISMO 350Z performance features include a specially tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes wîth four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers and NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels and NISMO-branded tuned exhaust. The NISMO 350Z is available only wîth a 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The 350Z Coupe and 350Z Roadster share a proud Z® performance heritage, including a state-of-the-art platform, engine, suspension and braking systems. The heart and soul of the Nissan Z®, since the original 1970 model, is its engine. Every 350Z offers a VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower @ 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 RPM, wîth more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 RPM.
Both a 6-speed close-ratio manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission are available on the 350Z. The manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st to 5th speed ranges for high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for long-legged highway fuel economy and reduced engine noise. The advanced automatic transmission design includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), which provides smooth downshifting by automatically blipping the throttle.
The Z®'s FM (Front Mid-Ship) platform positions the engine behind the front axle, providing an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 53/47. The FM platform, derived from racing technology, also places a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body.
The Z®'s suspension is a 4-wheel independent multilink design wîth extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and standard front and rear stabilizer bars. The standard rack-and-pinion §teering system features a vehicle speed-sensitive power assist, which provides comfortable §teering effort at both low and high speeds. The system's two orifice sets (compared wîth one set for traditional power §teering systems) work together to generate the appropriate level of §teering effort for nearly every driving condition. The orifice sets are controlled by a solenoid valve and electrical control units.
The 2008 350Z offers a power-assisted 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Brembo brakes, featuring four-piston front caliper pistons and two-piston rear calipers, larger brake pads and larger rotors, are standard on the Coupe and Roadster Grand Touring models for even more superb stopping power. Traction Control System (TCS) and available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) work in conjunction wîth the Z's braking system. The Z® features standard 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, mounted wîth 225/45WR18 (front), 245/45WR18 (rear) Bridgestone® Potenza RE050A tires.
RAYS super lightweight 5-spoke forged-alloy wheels, 18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear, are standard on 350Z Grand Touring models. The wheels are mounted wîth 245/40WR18 (front), 265/35WR19 (rear) Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. All 2008 Z®s also feature a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
2008 350Z Coupe
The 350Z Coupe takes its cues from the original 1970 Datsun 240Z – a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, two-seat interior, a powerful 6-cylinder engine and, like the original, features a true hatchback body. Design cues passed on from the first-generation Z® include the long nose and short deck styling, triangular cabin form and the lines extending from the arch-shaped roof to the hatchback opening.
The front end's sleek, aggressive design includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam xenon) headlights. The Z®'s strong, spine-like beltline is anchored wîth large, distinctive LED taillights for better visibility and quicker lighting times than conventional lights. Other standard Z® body elements include an aluminum hood, distinctive vertical door handles and heated outside mirrors. The coupe models' coefficient of drag is 0.30 for the Base, Enthusiast and Touring models and 0.29 for the Grand Touring model – which includes front and rear spoilers.
Inside, the Z® Coupe interior features §teering wheel audio controls (except base model), mp3-CD capability for the available Bose® audio system and standard XM® Satellite Radio wîth body-color antenna on Coupe models. Also available for 2008 is a Nissan Navigation System, which offers intelligent search capabilities and split screen capability (allows viewing of map and intersection simultaneously).
The Z®'s classic 3-bay gauge pod is similar to original 240Z design, while the specially shaped driver's seat (different from passenger design) holds the body firmly in place during enthusiastic driving.
The driver's seat of the Z® Roadster is tailored for performance. The base cushion is firm and long for additional support, while bolster cutouts under the thighs optimize pedal operation. The upper side bolster is sculpted in the middle for easy shifting and §teering, while the lower side bolster is designed wider and deeper to keep the driver squarely behind the wheel.
2008 350Z Base and Enthusiast Coupe models feature an 8-way manual driver's seat/4-way manual passenger's seat and black woven 'carbon' seat cloth. Touring and Grand Touring Coupes come standard wîth 8-way power driver/4-way power passenger leather-appointed seats in a choice of three colors (Frost, Charcoal and Burnt Orange).
The long list of standard equipment includes automatic temperature control, a lockable rear luggage box behind the passenger seat, center console wîth solid aluminum look, power windows wîth auto one-touch up and down, power door locks, aluminum pedals (except Base model) and HomeLink® Úniversal Transceiver (except Base model). The Z® Coupe is available wîth a Bose® audio system wîth 6-disc CD changer and 7 speakers, heated seats and illuminated §teering wheel audio controls.
2008 NISMO 350Z
The NISMO 350Z model offers a striking visual differentiation from regular Z® Coupes wîth a special aerodynamics package designed to resemble the Super GT championship winning Z®. Featuring an aggressive front fascia wîth chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia wîth 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 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 wîth 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 measuring 18x9-inches front and 19x10-inches rear, wîth 245/40WR18 front and 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. Four exterior colors are available, including Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy and Pikes Peak White. Inside, NISMO 350Z features unique black cloth seats wîth 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.
2008 350Z Roadster 
The 350Z Roadster, first introduced as a 2004 model, continues to be the premier open-air sports car for top-down driving enthusiasts. For 2008, 350Z Roadster is offered in three models: Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.
The Z® Roadster features a power-operated soft top wîth heated glass rear window, which transforms from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds. The top stows compactly under a lightweight, powered tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down. The three-lock, single latch system provides a secure seal, while also making the opening and closing process easier.
Numerous structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Z® Roadster unibody (versus the 350Z Coupe), including a center floor V-shaped cross bar connecting the side sills and a front A-shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end. Additional reinforcement was added at the door openings and a triple-member was added to the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure to provide enhanced rigidity.
A tempered glass wind deflector, located between the seats, directs wind out and over the cabin when the top is down, reducing interior noise. Seatbelt fasteners are standard to help keep seatbelts from flapping in the wind. As a result, the Z® Roadster is among the leading competitors for low top-down interior noise.
Like the Z® Coupe, the Z® Roadster's instrument panel features three gauge pods consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as modern touches such as the optional navigation system wîth a 7.0-inch display.
A special offering on Z® Roadster are Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net seats (Touring and Grand Touring only). The 6-way power net-style seats are made wîth a woven seat cloth center insert and feature an opening in the seatback so that the driver can feel a wind flow during top-down driving and are heated for even more comfort.
The Z® Roadster makes the most of available storage space, wîth a standard lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase and sufficient trunk space, even wîth the top retracted. The trunk has up to 4.1 cubic feet of useable room for storage.
350Z Safety Features 
The 2008 Nissan Z® utilizes Nissan's 'Zone Body' construction, providing front and rear 'crushable' zones and a secure center occupant zone. The Z®'s body structure has been designed to create a high degree of structural and torsional rigidity. Key features include a double-panel floor, a double front bulkhead and large-section doorsills.
In addition, roof rails and side panels are laser-welded for a strong, accurate fit. The rear strut tower brace is bolted and welded in place, allowing use of a hatchback body design without sacrificing rear body rigidity.
The Z® features standard dual-stage supplemental front air bags wîth seat belt sensors, and seat belts wîth pretensioners and load limiters.
Supplemental front seat side-impact side air bags (standard on Roadster) and side-impact curtain air bags are optional on Z® Coupe to further enhance side-impact protection (side-impact curtain air bags are not available on the Z® Roadster due to the lack of a fixed hardtop).
Models and Options
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 306 hp Torque: 268 ft-lbs | |
6-speed Manual, 5-speed Automatic | |
The Enthusiast model adds HomeLink® Úniversal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), aluminum pedals, illuminated §teering wheel audio controls and auto dimming rearview mirror.
The Touring model adds a Bose® audio system wîth 6-disc CD changer and 7 speakers, heated leather-appointed seats wîth 4-way power driver's seat and Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System. Manual transmission Touring models add standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The ultimate Z® Coupe model is the Grand Touring model, offering front and rear spoilers, RAYS super lightweight 5-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
Built for the true enthusiast, the NISMO 350Z offers larger brakes, a functional body kit and unique interior touches that distinguish it from any other vehicle on the road.
The 2008 350Z Roadster is offered in three well-equipped models – Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.
Standard 350Z Roadster Enthusiast features include power seats, power-operated soft top and tonneau, rear wind deflector, 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, standard side-impact air bags and more.
The 350Z Roadster Touring model features a 7-speaker Bose® audio system wîth 6-disc CD changer and heated leather-appointed seats.
The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring model adds Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
Four options are available on the 2008 350Z Coupe and Roadster: a DVD-based navigation system (Touring and Grand Touring models only), a grey top (for Roadster models, substitutes for the standard black top), Burnt Orange net-style seats (Roadster Touring and Grand Touring models) and side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags (Coupe).
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
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2008| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Audi A4 | ($28,900-81,900) |
| BMW 135i | ($28,600-39,100) |
| Saab 9-3 | ($28,080-45,640) |
| Saturn Sky | ($25,525-29,785) |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Honda | Jaguar |
| Saab | Subaru |
| Toyota | Volkswagen |
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| Nissan: 2001-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Nissan History |
| Other models by Nissan |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Vehicle Recall Information |
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| 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 |
| 2007 350Z | 2007 350Z | 2009 350Z |
