Effective immediately, there's a higher spec Nissan Fairlady Z (that's Japan's 350Z) tuned by Nissan Motorsports in the land of Nihon. Nismo's given the Z a few tweaks to provide extra body stiffness, better cornering and more downforce. Power's still the same, at 313 hp for the JDM model, which makes a seven-horsepower mockery of US-sold 350Zs. Now is that fair? I ask you.
Press Release:
Nissan Motor Sports International Co., Ltd. and Autech Japan, Inc., wholly owned Nissan affiliates, have jointly developed a new Fairlady Z Version NISMO, which launches today at Nissan dealers across Japan.
Based on the new Fairlady Z, the Version NISMO fuses NISMO's extensive racing expertise, gained through competing in SUPER GT and other race series as the Nissan works team, with the Autech Japan's extensive experience in manufacturing completely customized vehicles. The new model provides a heightened dimension of sporty driving pleasure, backed by the Fairlady Z's renowned performance capabilities. The customl Version Nissan can be purchased at Nissan dealers nationwide and receives the same after-sales service as regular Fairlady Z models.
To help enhance driving performance, the Version NISMO's body stiffness has been improved by increasing the welded area of the body panels and adding additional reinforcement bars and panels, among other measures. High-grip Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires have been adopted to absorb high input forces from the road surface. In addition, the suspension system has been totally retuned to further boost cornering performance. An optimum balance of handling and driving comfort has also been achieved by adopting Performance Dampers that effectively damp force inputs to the body.
The exterior design was developed on the basis of meticulous studies conducted by the Design Group and the Vehicle Performance Testing Group. A supercomputer was used to run design simulations based on aerodynamic data collected with SUPER GT race cars. The distinctive body form obtained as a result provides superior handling and stability, together with aerodynamic characteristics for creating effective downforce.
The interior is also distinguished by its unique, premium-quality ambience, resulting from the use of exclusive metallic-looking genuine leather trim. Seats are upholstered with a perforated Alcantara center section that holds the body more firmly during sporty driving.
Fairlady Z Version NISMO specifications
Specification:
Version NISMO
Major equipment / specification additions / changes relative to base vehicle (Fairlady Z):
Exclusive front bumper
Exclusive combination meter cluster
Exclusive sill protectors
Exclusive aluminum accelerator pedal
Exclusive rear bumper (6-speed MT models only)
Exclusive rear spoiler
Exclusive large-diameter sports muffler
Exclusive front & rear fender moldings
Exclusive suspension
Exclusive emblem
Exclusive tires (Potenza RE-01R)
Front: 245/40R18 tires
Rear: 275/35R19 tires
Exclusive seats
Exclusive door trim
Exclusive genuine leather-wrapped seering wheel and parking brake level
Exclusive Rays
Exclusive genuine leather-wrapped shift knob forged aluminum wheels
Exclusive higher stiffness body
Exclusive Yamaha Performance Dampers
Exclusive seatbelts (Gray)
Revised Fairlady Z
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today launched nationwide sales of a new, revised Fairlady Z with a more powerful, next-generation engine, refined hood and new exterior and interior color availability.
Leading the changes to the new Fairlady Z is Nissan's new VQ35HR engine with nearly 80% of major parts redesigned, providing improved acceleration and overall power for enhanced driving pleasure.
The exterior styling continues the Fairlady Z heritage, with the new hood design closely resembling that of the first generation Fairlady Z (S30). Three new body colors include Premium Passionate Orange (3P), a revival of the Gran Prix Orange body color of the original model.
Fairlady Z Roadsters offers a new gray top color that accentuates the exterior. On the inside, gray has been added to the available interior trim colors for a heightened impression of highly refined taste. Other enhancements include larger head restraints for more comfortable head support and adoption of Potenza RE050A tires to reduce road noise.
VQ35HR engine: maximum power: 230 kW (313 PS)/6800 rpm, maximum torque: 358 N-m (36.5 kg-m)/4800 rpm. Top engine speed: 7500 rpm.
Related:
Nissan Engineers Tease the Masses: 350Z GT-S Concept; Top Secret's Fair Nissan 350Z Is No Lady [internal]