It's probably not 100lbs, but it's got to be more than 50lbs. The lineup starts with a very attractively-priced base model. Many staffers also complained of excessive road noise from the low-profile 18-in. Reduced car weight and especially its amount is one of the aspects that is often mentioned in the vehicle's reviews when a new generation of Nissan 350Z hits the market. A relatively long wheelbase and wide track help ensure stable handling and give interior room.
Dual stage front airbags are standard, with side-impact and side-curtain bags available. Even in torrential downpours, the Z tracked true. Something like 3374 for a Touring Sport, so that gives you just under 600 lbs. There is a well-defined front face, made from the distinctive large headlights, wide rectangular grille, and prominent Nissan logo. The fit and finish are nowhere near that of the Honda S2000 or , for example, nor the Z's own brother, the Infiniti G35 Coupe.
Later, both windows would roll up to the top, and then back down several inches on their own. If the 350's namesake 287-horsepower V6 is less powerful than the last of the 300 turbos, it's still the most potent naturally-aspirated Z engine so far. I've spent time in examples of all Z generations, and this one is the best. It is important here not to confuse the terms of curb weight of 350Z and its gross weight. Nissan already knew the transmission was the weak link on first-year 350Zs, so it was replaced under warranty. A 6 speed manual 'box transmits the power to the driven wheels.
The true measured weight is considerably higher. Body lines are a great combination of rounded forms and sharp edges, with simple sides and a high shoulder line. We weren't thrilled about having to replace these, but we're guessing we drive the car a bit harder day-in and day-out than the typical owner. To use these horsepower estimators, you need to do: Curb weight - expended gallons of gas x 6. The result is high-speed stability without need for garish spoilers.
Curb weight measures the weight of the car with all of the standard equipment and amenities while passengers, cargo or any other separately loaded items are not taken into consideration. Other problems: the stoppers for both door windows left grease streaks on the glass. This powerplant features double overhead camshaft valve gear, a 60 degree V 6 cylinder layout, and 4 valves per cylinder. The synchros are already whiny. While it was far more comfortable than the 280Z a college roommate had, it was still all muscle, with no flab. When Nissan first showed the Z Concept car on the auto show circuit in 1999, hopes were high that it would end up in production. But there's no excuse for the gearbox to go that early.
There is lockable storage behind the passenger seat, and the hatchback body allows reasonable luggage capacity and ease of access. It has the soul of the first generation Z, with all of the appointments and safety equipment expected in a modern sports car. After all, look at what the 350Z Touring offers: a 287-bhp 3. It's probably not 100lbs, but it's got to be more than 50lbs. Nissan had sent us a Track model complete with big Brembo brakes and lighter aluminum rims.
And while the rear tires would last about 20,000 miles, we had a problem with premature inside wear on the fronts, which we corrected somewhat by fiddling with wheel alignment. This is no wonder because lighter cars drive faster, become more fuel efficient, have better acceleration times and potentially can boost the sales. Automotive experts have long admitted the constant attempts to decrease the average curb weight of the car simply by using lightweight materials. At 42 cents per mile, the Z was a little cheaper to operate than the Evo, but a bit higher than average against the cars we've tested. A convertible will soon be available. The main instrument cluster has an aircraft-like design and tilts with the steering wheel, for improved visibility.
Squint a little, and the proportions suggest the original 240. The standard six-speed manual gearbox has well-chosen ratios and excellent linkage, all the better to make driving enjoyable. It did, and it's here. When it dried out, the real fun began. And the Bose audio system sounded muddy from the first day we got the car, though the clarity was improved quite a bit with a new amplifier, replaced under a recall campaign.