Nissan recently unveiled the NISMO 350Z; the latest in a line of already high-performance 350Zs. With only 1500 of these made for the United States, the NISMO 350Z boasts the same 306 horsepower, 3.5L V6 seen in the other 350Z models. It races from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, and runs the Quarter Mile in 13.6 seconds at 103 mph.
Where the NISMO version shines is it’s track abilities. It sports a stiffer suspension, 18″ wheels in front with 19″ in rear, and hand-welded seams on the chassis for improved rigidity. When Edmunds tested it on the slalom, it was less than one second slower than the Lotus Elise. The new Z also shows off it’s Brembo braking system that allows it to come to a dead stop from 60mph in only 190 feet. Other enhancements include the aerodynamic styling with an extended front fascia, rear diffuser, and the impossible-to-miss rear spoiler.
We recently attended the ChicagoZ meet-up at the AutoBarn Nissan dealership, where they were featuring the new NISMO 350Z, as a representative from Nissan’s new special vehicles division explained the differences in detail. I’ll post about the event very soon, with all the details.
With a price point $2,000 over the next model down (the Grand Touring model,) I would have expected a power gain out of this. Preferably a turbo setup, of course, but I guess I’d just have to add that later. Another thing I would have liked to have seen is the front fascia and rear diffuser made from carbon fiber. That was actually a little bit disappointing not to see that.
Take a look at the Edmunds.com Inside Line video reviewing the car, and some official pictures, below the video:
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