2007 Nissan 350Z Coupe Track Road Test
30 Sep, 2007
19 Comments 
2007 Nissan 350Z Coupe Track Road Test
CarAdvice Rating: 
Recommended Retail Price: $67,990 - 6sp Manual.
Options Fitted: None.
- by Paul Maric
Although the changes to the new 350Z are hard to spot, the main – and most important – lies under the bonnet. Power has risen by 9kW to 230kW and torque has also ventured north by 5Nm, now producing 358Nm of torque. Along with increased power output, several discreet styling changes have also been issued, one of the most visible being the bonnet bulge which is required to house the more powerful, next generation engine.
Step inside and immediately you feel encased and low to the ground – in line with how proper sports cars should feel. Don’t consider the 350Z if you’re often hauling kids or pets, two seats is all you get in the 350Z Track – the rear seats have their rights removed in place of a stabiliser bar. You can also forget the glove box, which has its storage relegated to cubby holes behind the driver and passenger seats.
Despite the interior’s sporty feel, there is an air of cheapness to the dashboard and door trims. Plastic materials dominate the interior, making the asking price a somewhat farfetched proposition. That is of course until you turn the key.
It took a bit of poking and prodding to get the seating position right, I found that the steering wheel couldn’t be pushed high enough to sufficiently clear my knees, hinting that this car isn’t made for those with a high BMI…
Our test vehicle was fitted with a 6-speed manual ‘box. Getting used to the Zed’s brutal clutch takes a bit of work – lending to the fact this sports car isn’t built for posers. Everything about the driving position, along with operation of gears and clutch is race-like. There is perfect spacing for heel-toe manoeuvres and the throttle response is rapid and thoughtful. The Track version receives 4-pot front and 2-pot rear Brembo brakes and 18” performance tyres all round.
Head to the track – or your favourite mountain stretch – and be prepared to be amazed. The heavy steering is dead accurate and offers ultimate in-corner response with a near perfect steering ratio. Turn in to a corner and the lack of body roll is stupendous. Although power is sent through the rear wheels, grip is seemingly endless. Changing direction rapidly offers pinpoint accuracy and rarely falters the driving line.
Drop the anchors before a corner and straight line composure is kept, as is the non-existence of brake fade. My only gripe lied with the all too intrusive Electronic Stability Program (ESP). It would cut a big chunk of torque being sent to the wheels and in some circumstances it would brake wheels to stop even the slightest loss of traction. The system needs to allow more foreplay before stepping in.
The 350Z range includes both Coupe and Roadster (convertible). Priced from $62,990, the Track version of the Coupe costs an additional $5,000, whilst the Roadster starts at $73,990, with the Track version a no cost option.
An array of standard features fill the 350Z, including Bi-Xenon headlights and a stellar sound system. Safety features are also common place, including ESP, ABS, dual front airbags, side impact and side curtain airbags.
Suffice to say, the 350Z is the ultimate track weapon – hands down. This thing simply does not relent when pushing through a series of intense bends. It requires sufficient man-handling to get going too – which in the case of a true sports car, I actually admire. If, like me, you never thought much of the 350Z, take one for a test drive, it will absolutely blow you away. Respect to the Zed.
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September 30th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
The size of the rear brace bar is extraordinary - no doubt there is ZERO body roll on the Z
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September 30th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Hey Paul it seems most mid size ranged Coupes are not meant for a large BMI , saying that its equally strange that 50 % of the current M3s will be destined for the USA.
When you say brutal clutch ,you meaning its heavy?
That rear brace looks weird,it almost looks like an after thought,never seen one before.
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September 30th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Bavarian Missile:
I’m around 6′-something and I’m an average weight and I struggled to fit it.
I’d hate to think what it would be like for someone larger than me!
The clutch is heavy - but it’s brutal due to the ‘on-off’ nature of it. It’s hard to slip the clutch as it takes minute movements, so moving from a standing start isn’t easy until you have mastered the clutch.
The rear brace is large - isn’t it?! It does a brilliant job though, body roll is simply impossible to achieve, it holds the road so well.
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September 30th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Yep my hubby is 6.3 and its a tight fit in my car for him too.
It seems heavy clutches in performance cars almost go hand in hand now ha.
The brace is telling me there is too much body torque ,which means bad chassis,this brace looks budget. I guess it would handle well now ,but how is it with out it?
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September 30th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Bavarian Missile:
Having driven both the Audi RS 4 and Mitsubishi Evo IX through this same stretch of private road previously, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Zed kept up with them for the most part - that’s how good this thing is.
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September 30th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
thats not a brace thats something for the jamaican bobsled guys to push it by before they jump in
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October 1st, 2007 at 1:02 am
there should be more cars like the 350z made.
hey i like the topgun sunglasses shot.
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October 1st, 2007 at 10:36 am
HAHAHA,Andrew ……….
Paul I would imagine it does handle,but my point was the brace looks budget and an after thought and something added to compensate for a bad chassis.
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October 1st, 2007 at 11:13 pm
I’m sure you’ve all heard this before, and I love my Nissans, but 68 large for a (admittedly good) 230KW, 358nm V6 is extremely hard to understand. Why is it so expensive?
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October 1st, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Yep ,a Dato……….lol .230kws pftt nothing special !
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October 1st, 2007 at 11:41 pm
Hey ImportJap,
When you consider the competition for the Germans (such as BMW and Merc) their equivalent products are much more expensive - and probably not as good. Not to mention the options list that never actually ends.
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October 1st, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Stop talking crap…….Germans are the innovators not the imitators .This car has a crap Chassis,when was the last time you saw a production road car with rear brace ? Come on !
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Well I bought one today…..
With the dollar at all time highs I picked up a brand new Track up for $65000.00 inc on road, with a few options, and had 3 dealers match that price.
To me that is a better deal than the $60000.00 for a WRX STI, and the Audi TT for near $85000.00.
Seeing as I wont be using it to win the Bathurst 1000 or hold my lap times to work at ten tenths, I dont think I will notice anything wrong with the chassis, or not having 400kw under the hood, while I obey the 110k speed limit the same as every other traffic racer. As for track days, well you wont be able to wipe the smile off my face lap after lap…….
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October 3rd, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I recently spent some track time with a 350Z Nismo edition. All I can say is it is one of the best track cars I’ve ever driven. Yes, the ESP can be a tad intrusive, but then again it makes heros out of drivers who are really more like zeros.
As for the fit, I’m only 5′ 10″, but I also weigh in at close to 270. For track work, the 350 fits like a glove, couldn’t be better.
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December 11th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Trackman which state did you buy that 350Z, as I am looking to buy either a RX8 or 350Z. The main problem I have with the 350Z is it just seems a little too expensive. If the interior was a little nicer, I would find it easier to swallow the RRP. But if they are willing to deal…
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December 12th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Hi Trackman same question as Stone am looking at buying a 350z for the wife this weekend have got a couple of prices but sure we can get them down further. I am in NSW where did you buy yours THANKS
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December 15th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Hi Stone, I am also in the market for an RX8 or 350Z be interesting what you decide. My quotes in Victoria as of this morning are the RX8 $58343.00 for the luxury pack with sunroof on the road. Compared with $63,000. for the basic touring 350z coupe on the road. I am probably leaning toward the RX8. Would like to hear why you deide on which one in the end.
Regards
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December 28th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
alot better than a Mazda RX8
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January 8th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Hi Stone;
I have just ordered a Carbon Silver 350 Touring, it’s on the water as we speak due to drive away from the dealer (hopefully) in early March.
I was looking for a two door coupe, test drove the RX8, Boxster and TT.
My decision was based on the school boy approach of both looks and power… I’ve always liked the porsche and the audi but unless you are looking at the high spec’d models i couldn’t justify spending the cash, they both have the looks but nothing to back it up!!
The RX-8 was nice, but just didn’t have the same presence as the Zed
The 350 will do me for a couple of years, until the pressures on to “grow up” and get some family friendly wheels. :)
If your in Vic, i know that Blackburn Nissan has a black touring auto coupe in stock, a track ex demo, and a ex demo black roadster auto too.
Hope this helps,
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