Dubai - NISSAN'S Z series of performance cars has achieved legendary status since the first model appeared in 1970, and the 2006 edition of the current incarnation - the 350Z - has become a magnet for visitors since making its Middle East debut at this week's Dubai International Motor Show.
This is the model's first comprehensive updating since its launch in August 2002, featuring a revised front end appearance, enhanced interior, LED taillights, a new vehicle speed-sensitive power steering system, refined cruise control system, and available super lightweight 18-inch front/19-inch rear five-spoke forged alloy wheels on the coupe option.
The changes to the Z, which has sold over 100,000 units worldwide in its first three years, emphasise the sporty appeal of the car without sacrificing functionality. Its essence is performance, and the design - inside and out - reinforces that impression.
With its 310 horsepower on manual transmission and 294 horsepower on automatic transmission the engine is a destination in itself, but it is the 350Z's head-turning appearance that captivates viewers from first sight. The design is an expression of agility - very three-dimensional and moving. The 350Z is fluid and relaxed, from the curve of the door cut to the freeness and movement of the glass. It looks fast, but not just in a straight line. It's a simple yet exacting design that gives the 350Z a polished feeling.
Though executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity, with sufficient luggage space for carrying two golf bags behind the seats, as well as a lockable luggage floor-box for stowing a briefcase, and many other storage places.
For 2006, the 350Z provides sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, with a style all its own. Other enhancements for the new model year include standard 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels standard bi-xenon (low and high beam) headlights, and mp3-CD capability for the available Bose audio system.
Aluminum engine block and heads reduce weight, contributing to improved fuel economy and performance. Lighter pistons and connecting rods trim mass, allowing the engine to respond and rev more freely, while lightweight, hollow camshafts help reduce energy losses when the engine is running. The Z also features a lightweight, one-piece, carbon fibre reinforced plastic driveshaft unit.
Six-speed close-ratio manual or five-speed automatic transmissions are available. The manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from first to fifth for high-performance driving and an overdrive sixth gear for highway fuel economy and reduced engine noise. The advanced automatic transmission design includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM).
Looks-wise, the 2006 editions takes its cues from the original 1970 Datsun 240Z - a front engine/rear-wheel drive drivetrain configuration, two-seat interior, a powerful six-cylinder engine and, like the original, a true hatchback body.
Design cues passed on from the first-generation Z include the long nose and short deck styling, triangular cabin form and the lines extending from the arch-shaped roof to the hatchback opening. For 2006, the front end appearance of the Z has been refreshed with a revised front bumper, headlights and grille design. Also new are High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam xenon) headlights.
Inside the stylish Z Coupe body, the interior has been revised for 2006 revised HVAC controls, new storage space including the addition of a cupholder on each door panel, a new storage net on the passenger side footwell and the addition of steering wheel switch lighting.
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For more information you can visit through or contact:
Nibal Slim
Marketing Manager
Nissan Middle East FZE
Tel: + 971 4 8817 500
Fax: + 971 4 8819 747
Nissan Media Channel Website: www.nissan-me.com
Mirna Al-Qassim
TBWA/RAAD Middle East
Tel: + 971 4 222 6667 ext 233
Fax: + 971 4 222 6566
E-mail: mirnaq@tbwaraad.com
© Press Release 2005
