Nissan 350Z

theninj November 20, 2011 0

Nissan 350Z

Old skool front engined rear drive coupe. Great for a spot of roundabout drifting! Tacky plastic interior but engine and chassis always entertaining.

Launched in the UK in 2003 with a 276 bhp 3.5 litre v6 coupe, rear wheel drive and retro styling reminicent of old Datsun Z cars of the past. Originally intended as a Japanese and US market only car, it was apparently a last minute decision to bing it to the UK. Good job they did, because this muscular GT car was an instant success both with customers and the press alike.

Motoring hacks loved the torquey v6 lump and praised it’s old school manners. The chassis was blessed with a flexibility that balances outright grip with fluidity and adjustability. In short, it’s a proper rear wheel drive hooligan.

In 2006 the engine was uprated to produce 300 bhp and in 2007 the 80% revised engine produced 309 bhp. This final version sported a power bulge hump on the bonnet.