Future Car Trends: 2007 Nissan 350Z 306Hp – Official press release & images

Nissan USA announced the availability and pricing of its revised 2007 Nissan 350Z Coupe & Roadster models. Like the 2007 Japanese version, the updated 350Z benefits from a new hood design reminiscent of the classic first generation 240Z and most importantly, from the adoption of the fourth generation VQ35 engine. Albeit in Japan the 3.5 V6 VQ35HR produces 313 Hp, in the US it lost a few “ponies” as it delivers 306Hp. That makes the 2007 350Z a whopping… 6Hp stronger than the 2006 version. Likewise, torque is up at 268 lb-ft from 260 lb-ft while the rev limit is increased to 7,500 rpm. Unfortunately Nissan hasn’t released any official performance figures yet.

PRESS RELEASE: The Nissan 350Z continues to offer sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience. For the 2007 model year, Nissan engineers have taken the award-winning sports car one step further with the next generation of its award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6. The new VQ35HR V6 produces 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque and features a twin air intake system, among other enhancements, that increases efficiency and allows for improved fuel economy.

Other new features for the 2007 350Z include a new front hood design, three new exterior colors, a new gray colored convertible top (Roadster models), interior improvements, a Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System (Touring, Grand Touring Coupes) and standard front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags (Roadster models). These new features enhance the already well-equipped sports car, which features speed-sensitive power steering system, LED taillights, refined optional navigation system and available RAYS super lightweight 18-inch front/19-inch rear 5-spoke forged alloy wheels (Coupe only).

For 2007, the 350Z is again available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models – four for the Coupe and three for the Roadster. Each provides sports car lovers high performance excitement and a dynamic driving experience, with a style all its own.

New 3.5 V6 VQ35HR Engine: The fourth-generation VQ-series V6, which has been named one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward’s Auto World magazine for 14 consecutive years, has been significantly revised for use in the 2007 350Z, with approximately 80% of major parts (except bolts, O-rings and clips) redesigned.

The block features ladder frame construction for greater rigidity, crank journal and pin diameters have been increased and the block height has been increased by 8.4 millimeters to reduce piston side force. Also, the engine center has been lowered 15 millimeters. Other engine enhancements include variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a higher rev limit (increased to 7,500 rpm) and higher compression ratio (from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, improved coolant flow and new Iridium-tipped spark plugs.

A new symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance and increases horsepower, by up to three horsepower, as more air enters the intake at speed. Along with a powerful engine, the Z produces a powerful sports car sound to match – one without the low frequency booming or rumbling or high-pitched mechanical sounds that can grow tiresome on long trips.

Prices: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2007 Nissan 350Z increases only $250 from 2006 on all models except the 350Z Roadster Enthusiast model, which increases $500 and includes front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags that are now standard on all Z Roadsters.

For 2007, the Nissan 350Z Coupe is available in four models – 350Z 6MT, 350Z Enthusiast, 350Z Touring and 350Z Grand Touring: Starting MSRP for the 350Z Coupe with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is $27,900. The Enthusiast Coupe adds cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD), aluminum pedals and more, and is available in a 6-speed manual configuration starting at $29,600 or in a 5-speed automatic configuration starting at $30,600. The 2007 Nissan 350Z Coupe Touring model is available with a 6-speed manual starting at $32,700 and with a 5-speed automatic configuration starting at $33,200. Touring models add a 7-speaker Boseâ audio system, heated power leather seats and, with manual transmission, standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Nissan 350Z Coupe Grand Touring models start at $36,100 for the 6-speed manual configuration and $37,100 for the 5-speed automatic configuration, and add super-lightweight forged-alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo brakes and VDC for both the manual and automatic transmissions.

For 2007, the 350Z Roadster is offered in three models – Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring: The 2007 Nissan 350Z Roadster Enthusiast with a 6-speed manual configuration starts at $35,550, while the 5-speed automatic configuration starts at $36,550. Both feature power seats, a glass rear window with rear defroster and a rear wind deflector. The 350Z Roadster Touring trim adds a 7-speaker Bose audio system and heated leather seats and starts at $37,900 for the 6-speed manual configuration and $38,900 for the 5-speed automatic configuration. The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring model adds Brembo brakes and standard VDC for both the 6-speed manual configuration, which starts at $40,250, and the 5-speed automatic configuration, which starts at $41,250.