My Fair Lady : Nissan 350Z

What's new you ask? well... that's a tough question, even for petrolheads like us. the car has been around awhile, but it still continues to turn heads at every junction, even in the nondescript black. motorists and pedestrians alike craned their heads to get a better look at the car.

apart from the much appreciated power hike, the 350z has undergone little cosmetic touches, with a new hood design that recalls the earlier Z cars. it's also what's now under the bonnet that will set hearts a-flutter...

the 350Z is now powered by a VQ35HR engine that churns out 313bhp and 358Nm and the critics who think this car excels in the low rpm band are in for a rude awakening. like VTEC engines, there's actually life above 7000rpm now!

the start-up is great, with a mechanical whirr before the exhausts start belching out a rousing baritone.



on the move, the controls (clutch, steering, gearshift action) are heavy, the gearshift is short and notchy, but slightly vague and not as precise as Honda's efforts. urge from standstill rises like a huge wall of torque; deceptively so even since the power delivery is flat, but press on beyond 7000rpm (7500rpm?) and it hits a second wave that flings you into the license-revoked-for-LIFE type of terminal velocities... or so we hear



and with the Brembo brakes, hauling the car to a halt has never been a simpler affair. the 'stop' pedal offers stupendous feel and is easy to modulate.



other equipment niceties include the integrated monitor that displays sat-nav and reverse camera.

at full pelt, the sound is disappointingly agricultural and gets boomy in the mid-range (from inside the cabin). moreover, the engine feels almost restrained in delivery, but im sure this can quickly be sorted out by bolting on a full titanium exhaust system matched to an appropriate intake system... :)



Fast Facts: Nissan 350Z 6MT
Engine: 3498cc, 24-valves V6
Maximum power: 313bhp at 6800rpm
Maximum torque: 358Nm at 4800rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
LxBxH: 4315x1815x1320mm
Wheelbase: 2650 mm
Kerbweight: 1525kg
Price: $159,000 (with COE)
Agent: Tan Chong Motors, tel: 6466-7711