Nicked from this weeks Autoexpress - Mums the word !

 

Nissan 350Z

That's the fastest-selling sports car of all-time? The MGB? The Mazda MX-5? Wrong - and wrong again: it's the Datsun 240Z. Launched in 1969 with slick looks, great handling and a bargain price, it established the Japanese firm both here and in the US - and proved the last nail in the coffin of the British sports car industry.

And here's the proof that the Z is far from dead. It's making a comeback in six months' time - and in some style. We couldn't wait until then to see if it is as good to drive as it is to look at, so we climbed behind the wheel of of an early development car at Nissan's Tochigi Proving Ground in Japan. And we can now reveal that the European sports car elite had better start worrying!

 

The new Z, which will be known as the 350Z in the UK, has all the right ingredients for a great driver's car. Riding on a rear-wheel-drive platform which incorporates a new multi-link design at both ends, it will be powered by a Boxster-bashing 3.5-litre V6 engine that pumps out 286bhp.

 

It's a combination which is perfect for this type of machine. On the track, the chassis felt supple, with excellent stability even at high speed on Nissan's banked oval. Then we headed for the gruelling handling course, where the 350Z proved that it could conquer kinks and hairpins without fuss, turning in keenly and feeling as well balanced as any BMW. Gas-pressurised dampers absorb most of the surface imperfections, although the low-profile performance tyres - 225/45R18 at the front, 245/45R18 at the rear - mean that some surface imperfections are felt in the cabin.

 

The thinner rubber does result in good feedback through the steering, though, and the variable-assistance system gives fine on-centre feel. Power is not something the engine is short of, either. The V6 is shared with the new Skyline saloon and the Stagea estate, and will be used in turbo form for the awesome GT-R we revealed last week.

 

Our test car lacked the full sound-proofing kit and exhaust set-up of the final production model, but still proved refined and incredibly responsive. Nissan has yet to release any official performance figures, but a 150mph top speed and 0-60mph time of six seconds are easily achievable.

 

Despite being designed primarily for the automatic-loving American market, the 350Z's V6 is mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. Its short throws give exactly the right feel for this type of car, while the nicely spaced cogs mean that you can always keep the Z right in its power band or at a relaxed cruise.

 

The Nissan may handle like a race car but the newcomer will have all the trappings of a luxury coupe. These include form-fitting leather-trimmed bucket seats, metal trim around the steering wheel and major controls, and all the comfort and safety accessories which buyers in this class will expect such as climate control, a full complement of six airbags and a high-quality stereo. Among the other touches is an instrument binnacle that tilts with the steering column to give the best visibility of the dials - a feature inspired by the original 240Z cockpit.

 

The good news isn't only from the driver's seat, either - the price will be right, too. Nissan hopes to pitch the car at around £27,000 in the UK, undercutting less-powerful rivals such as the Audi TT and Porsche Boxster. There is also the mouthwatering prospect of a roadster version. Production of the 350Z will be limited in the first year, though, so if you harbour desires to be among the UK's first Z-Car owners, you may want to consider placing an order long before next summer.

 

Our first taste of the awesome 350Z has left us with a thirst for more. Nissan's most stylish and desirable car since the original 240Z is set to revolutionise the manufacturer's image in the UK. With as much panache as an Audi TT and the power, handling and performance to take on a Porsche Boxster, the Z is a serious sports car. And the expected price of £27,000 should be enough to convince even the most snobby of coupe buyers to take a look.

 

At a glance

 

* All-new Nissan sports coupe is on sale in summer next year. Priced from £27,000

 

* Roadster version is expected to follow on later in 2002

 

* Newcomer powered by 286bhp 3.5-litre V6. A 335bhp 350Z Turbo and 197bhp 3.0-litre V6 are also due in 2003

I'd still cane it in a race LOL

Tho I read in EVO that the 350z isnt going to be available in the UK...

I hope it is.. and as for the new Skylines and NSX.... hmmmm... I like Japan

 

GLen

Dont like either of the new nissans shown in EVO. The new Z is horrid.

 

Mind you the 6 speed box would be nice. Hopefully it will the Z32.

 

Leigh.

 

 

Saw that question asked on the Z-car-digest and the conclusion was that it would not be a direct fit.

Sounds delightful! LMAO

 

Should keep Pete in business for decades to come all this new Nelson sports car malarkey