Jaguar_MBA

Nissan Marks 35th Anniversary of the Z(r) In North America

300 Horsepower V6 Announced for Special 2005 35th Anniversary Model -

GARDENA, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2004) - Nissan North America, Inc. this week marked the 35th anniversary of the debut of the original Datsun 240Z sports car by announcing details of the special Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary model.
The commemorative model, one of six 350Z Coupe models offered in 2005 (along with three 2005 Nissan 350Z Roadster models), is highlighted by a higher performance version of the Z(r)'s standard 3.5-liter V6. The engine, which is available only with the 6-speed manual transmission, produces 300 horsepower versus the standard 287-horsepower V6. The 35th Anniversary Z(r) makes its industry debut at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on November 2nd, followed by its first public appearance at the Miami Auto Show in early November. It is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in January 2005.

"Surviving 35 years does not make a sports car a classic. But power, style and class leadership certainly does," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "This new 35th Anniversary represents the highest _expression so far of the Z(r) - and Nissan - and takes its place in a long line of extraordinary performance vehicles."

The 35th Anniversary Z(r)'s engine has been modified using revised pistons and camshaft and the addition of electronic exhaust valve timing control.
The same engine will also be available as standard equipment on the 2005 350Z Track model (6MT only), which also goes on sale in early 2005.

Other key 35th Anniversary Z(r) equipment (standard on both 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic equipped versions) includes unique 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo(r) brakes and special Z(r) badging.

The 35th Anniversary Z(r) is offered in just three colors - Ultra Yellow, Super Black and Silverstone. The new Ultra Yellow exterior color utilizes a new high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment and three layers of top coat (with separate color pigment and pearl pigment layers) to create an almost "liquid" surface appearance.

The 35th Anniversary Z(r) also is available with unique, optional black-and-tan leather-appointed seats (except with the Ultra Yellow interior).
All 2005 350Z models, including the new 35th Anniversary model, receive a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), heated outside mirrors, wider view side mirrors and front seat lifter. Automatic transmission equipped models are now outfitted with downshift rev matching for smoother shifting, and manual transmission models now come with reduced clutch pedal effort for easier operation. The optional navigation system (available on 35th Anniversary and Touring models only) now has a faster system processor.

The 2005 350Z Coupe is available in six models - 350Z, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Track MT and the 35th Anniversary. Standard features on all models include the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, independent multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, strut tower bar, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, dual front air bags, available seat mounted side impact air bags and more.

The 2005 350Z Roadster is offered in Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring models. The Grand Touring, offered for the first time in 2005, includes standard Brembo brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 18-inch wheels and tires.

TyrellCorpNexus8

I saw a base model 2005 in Ultra Yellow. There's not that much pearl in it such that at certain angles and sunlight it looks like a flat color. Sort of mango. Nice color but if only it had more pearl to make it more electric.

RXE16T

Sure beats the hell out of Mazda's weak *** "limited edition" Shinka model in terms of the power department.

TyrellCorpNexus8

Shinka model? Ooooohhhhhhh riiiiiiggggghhhhht, oh right I see now. Wait. I'm not sure I see.

RXE16T

WTF?

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/pics-rx-8-limited-shinka-edition-better-pics-44652/

TyrellCorpNexus8

Oh, it really is called Shinka. I thought that was some Aussie insider word you were using.

crossbow

I would have rather they kept the same horsepower but dropped 500 lbs.

DreRX8

If you could merge the best attributes of both cars it'd be a perfect world--I like the 350Z-not sure if I'd pay the extra money for 13HP--you could pick that up with a decent intake/exhaust setup on the 3.5L. What would be interesting is if Nissan could drop the weight on the 350Z track model and go the Viper ACR or EVO RS route and have a real bare bones track car.

DOMINION

You know they could get off there butts and put put a SKYLINE. Hint hint.

m477

Price = ??

If it's gonna cost even more than the 'Track' model ($35k), I think I would rather just get a Corvette.

DreRX8

Yeah it starts at $36,660 for the 300HP 6-speed, $37,660 for the 287HP Automatic--too much. You really would have to consider the competition at this point extra money for a Corvette, used M3, a number of others or get at $28,000 base 350Z and put $8,000 into performance--that'll get you Forced INduction and then some.

MTLbroker

True, but then again, the marketing guys prolly figure they get more sales by trumpeting 300hp as opposed to dropping 500lbs.

MTLbroker

I wonder if it's cheaper for the manufacturer to bump up horsepower or put a car on a weight saving diet?

RXE16T

IMO it's definitely cheaper to bump hp than reduce weight since manufacturers would have do a lot more R&D to figure out where to remove the weight from yet not compromise structural integrity and comfort.

picosrx8

Now if you can only get a Chevy dealer to knock 10k off the price! :D

Lock & Load

Agree 100% well said.

cheers
michael

Icemastr

I like the shinka so all you n00bs STFU!!! Mazda could come out with a 25 anniversary RX-8 but uhh that would have been 2004 model year hehe.

RXE16T

Damn..... that means we have to wait at least another 5 years for an anniversary model.

m477

With the new 2005 models coming out and winter fast approaching, you just might be able to get such a discount on a leftover 2004... One of my friends just bought a new Z4 at $9k off MSRP.

I must have missed the part where the RX-8 came out in 25 years ago....

RXE16T

The 350Z didn't come out 35 years ago either....... but Nissan's decided to release a special model to commemorate the original Zed.

I guess Mazda can release a 35th anniversary model in 2008 to commemorate 35 years of the 13B engine if they really wanted..... hopefully with more power.