Edmunds Nismo Z Full Test & Video

[jmark]

For those Nismo 350Z doubters check out this full road test & video. This car definetly has 240Z roots.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...topanel..1 .*

Sweet review & video. I agree with most of it except that the ride is better than stated & I don't hear the boominess in the cabin. Look at the measured times! I am telling you folks this car is much more than the specs.......

This Nismo Z test car posts some very impressive acceleration numbers — 5.1 seconds to 60 mph, 13.6 seconds through the quarter-mile at 103 mph. Among front-engine, rear-drive coupes on the near side of $50K, BMW's twin-turbo, 300-hp 335i is quicker, as are the Corvette and Shelby GT500. But these cars will take a few thousand more from your bank account than the Nismo Z.

As good as the Nismo feels on public roads, the true gains of its seam-welded chassis can only be realized in a track environment. For a car that weighs 3,354 pounds, a 71.0-mph slalom speed and 0.91g on the skid pad are signs of talent — the last Lotus Elise we tested had less than a 1-mph advantage in the slalom. Mount up the Nismo Z with stickier tires and you'll have a capable if portly track-day car straight from the Nissan dealership.

[jmark]

Here is the correct link.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=121814?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*

[Jeff G 78]

I'll have to try again at home. Edmunds videos always buffer several times and then crap out completely for me at work.

[Jeff G 78]

Here is the correct link.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=121814?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*

Just an FYI, You might want to update the link in the other 350Z post as well.

[jmark]

Jeff, If you get a chance drive one.

[jmark]

Check out the video link above.

[=Enigma=]

I'll have to try again at home. Edmunds videos always buffer several times and then crap out completely for me at work.

Same issue for me. I'm pretty sure it's just their video streaming server or a general lack of bandwidth. Turning down the quality might help but I hate doing that when I have 15Mbit of throughput available to me.

[jmark]

Weird. Works fine at work or home for me.

[Palmer]

Sounds like it was specifically made for the track. I'm just not a fan of the too fast too furious high school driftin' mtv fin on the rear...but, if it's made for the track...

[jmark]

It would be OK as a daily driver. The ride is firm but controlled. Actually better than my stock 03 350Z. The OEM shocks were horrible. The body kit looks better in person.

[nismospek]

I was wondering, is that the first Nismo branded car in the U.S. other than the

frontier?

[jmark]

Per Nissannews.com

2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z Continues Tradition of Performance With Super GT Race-Inspired Styling and Features

Taking Performance One Step Further With the 2007 NISMO 350Z

For the first time ever in the Nissan Z’s 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the extensive Z lineup. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z, which makes its North American debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007.

NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles in the United States since 2003, previously participated in the development of the NISMO Frontier off-road pickup truck, introduced in 2005. The NISMO 350Z is the second Nissan model to be branded with the legendary marque. Like the Frontier model, which is specially equipped for off-road excursions, the 2007 NISMO 350Z is optimized for enthusiast drivers.

"With the combination of the new VQ35HR engine found on all 2007 350Zs and NISMO performance and design enhancements, the NISMO 350Z represents the pinnacle of Nissan performance machines," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA).

"The NISMO 350Z is the ideal package for true enthusiasts – adding a high level of aesthetic and performance enhancing equipment which is not available in the aftermarket – while retaining the reliability, durability, and comprehensive warranty found standard on every 2007 Nissan 350Z," he continued.

The most striking visual feature of this special vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package, which strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning Zs. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with 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 with 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 (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 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.

"The combination of aerodynamic enhancements and performance tuning adds up to a Z with enhanced cornering, steering precision and handling," said Bosley. "Every exterior and mechanical improvement made to the NISMO 350Z isn’t just for show, it’s also for performance."

Four exterior colors are available, including Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy and Pikes Peak White.

Inside, NISMO 350Z drivers receive special treatment with unique black cloth seats with 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.

The NISMO 350Z includes a full complement of 350Z standard features, including the new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower @ 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 RPM – with more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 RPM. Engine features include variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a 7,500 rpm rev limit and a symmetric twin ram air intake system.

The standard 6-speed manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st through 5th gears for high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for highway fuel economy. For performance handling, standard on the NISMO 350Z is a Traction Control System (TCS) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Also standard is electronically-controlled vehicle speed-sensitive dual-orifice rack-and-pinion power steering system, front and rear strut tower bracing, 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, cruise control, aluminum pedals, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and auto dimming rearview mirror, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights, LED taillights, Advanced Air Bag System, side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags and Active Head Restraints.

"The NISMO 350Z is geared towards enthusiasts who want the ultimate 350Z straight from the factory performance experts,” said Bosley. “They also want a Z that makes a statement and is a testament to their love of driving."

In addition to the new NISMO 350Z, the 2007 350Z Coupe is offered in Base, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring models. The 2007 350Z Roadster is offered in three models – Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.