Nissan has introduced the 2006 350Z, with revised looks and interior and a hike in power.
First seen in the limited edition 35th Anniversary edition, launched earlier this year, the engine revisions raise power from 280PS to 300PS and move the rev limit from 6,600 rpm to a heady 7,000 rpm. Although the car's top speed remains electronically limited to 155 mph, the time taken for the 0-62 mph sprint has fallen to 5.8 seconds (6.3 for the Roadster).
'The improvements have been achieved by traditional methods,' says Nissan. 'not by simply chipping the engine's electronic brain.'
Just one change has been made to the 350Z's race-bred multi-link chassis: the adoption of speed dependent power steering. Designed to give increased assistance at parking speeds for easier manoeuvrability, the electric system weights up at higher speeds to provide steering with more positive feel and greater feedback.
The 350Z's silhouette remains largely unchanged for the 2006 model, though it does contrive to have a quite different look thanks to a subtly altered 'face'. A new front bumper incorporates a revised lower grille and a smoother profile with deeper scallops ahead of the front wheels for a more aggressive look, which is enhanced by new bi-xenon projector lamps.
Engine aside, perhaps the biggest changes on the new 350Z can be found inside the cabin. Although the basic layout of the cockpit remains unchanged, a host of small changes are said to have improved both the ergonomics and the quality of the interior.
Also new for the 2006 350Z is the availability of a factory-fitted, DVD-based satellite navigation system.
Prices will inevitably go up in line with the increased power and equipment levels. These will be announced closer to the car's April introduction. |
