(continued)
Aluminum block and heads reduce engine weight, contributing to improved fuel
economy and performance. Lighter pistons and connecting rods trim mass, allowing
the engine to respond and rev more freely, while lightweight, hollow camshafts
help reduce energy losses when the engine is running. The Z also features a
lightweight, one-piece, carbon fiber reinforced plastic driveshaft unit.
Along with a powerful engine, the Z produces a powerful sports car sound to
match – one without the low frequency booming or rumbling that can grow tiresome
on long trips or high-pitched mechanical sounds. The exhaust sound is maximized
at low RPM (1,000-3,500 RPM), but quiet at normal cruising range. Intake sound
is maximized at high RPM (3,500-6,000 RPM), especially at wide throttle
openings, but toned down during cruising.
Both a 6-speed close-ratio manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are
available (manual transmission only on Coupe Track model). The manual
transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st to 5th speed ranges for
high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for long-legged highway fuel
economy and reduced engine noise. The advanced automatic transmission design
includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), which provides smooth downshifting.
The redline is 7,000 rpm for manual transmission models and 6,600 rpm for
automatic transmission Zs.
For 2006, the standard rack-and-pinion steering system receives a new vehicle
speed-sensitive power assist, which provides comfortable steering effort at both
low and high speeds. The system’s two orifice sets (compared with one set for
traditional power steering systems) work together (based on vehicle speed) to
generate the appropriate level of steering effort for nearly every driving
condition. The orifice sets are controlled by a solenoid valve and electrical
control units.
Suspension and Brakes
The Z’s suspension is a 4-wheel independent multilink design with extensive use
of lightweight aluminum components and standard front and rear stabilizer bars.
The 2006 350Z offers a power-assisted 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. (BA).
Brembo brakes, featuring four front caliper pistons and two rear and larger pads
and rotors, are standard on the Coupe Track and Coupe and Roadster Grand Touring
models.
Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) (not available
on all models) work in conjunction with the braking package. TCS uses the ABS
wheel speed sensors to detect if the rear wheels are accelerating faster than
the fronts. If so, torque is reduced to the drive wheels by altering the fuel
injector pulse and controlling the Electronic Throttle Control motor.
Working hand-in-hand with the Anti-lock Braking System and the Traction Control
System, VDC can reduce engine torque or apply individual brakes as necessary to
help stabilize the car under severe cornering situations or adverse weather
conditions.
One of the other major changes for 2006 is the use of standard 18-inch cast
aluminum-alloy wheels (17-inch wheels were standard in previous years). They are
mounted with 225/45WR18 (front), 245/45WR18 (rear) Michelin Pilot Sport or
Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tires.
2006 350Z Roadster Design
First introduced as a 2004 model, the 350Z Roadster receives most of the
enhancements of the Z Coupe for 2006 (except the forged alloy wheels), making a
great open-air sports car even more attractive. The Z Roadster features a
power-operated soft top with glass rear window, which transforms from top-up to
top-down in about 20 seconds.
The 2006 350Z Roadster is offered in three models: Enthusiast, Touring and Grand
Touring. The Grand Touring model, which comes equipped with Brembo brakes and
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is available in both the 300-horsepower 6-speed
manual version or 287-horsepower 5-speed automatic version. The Roadster Grand
Touring automatic is new for 2006.
The Z Roadster’s fully automatic soft top features a heated glass rear window,
which helps provide clearer visibility in adverse weather conditions. And,
unlike other convertibles in its class, the top stows compactly under a
lightweight powered tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down.
The three-lock, single latch system was created to give a more secure seal,
while also making the opening and closing process easier. Activating the top is
a simple process. To open, with the transmission in Park or Neutral (manual
transmissions), release the latch (located directly above the middle windshield
area), push the brake pedal and hold the button (located to the left of the
steering column) and the top opens. To close, reverse the process.
Structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Z Roadster unibody
(versus the Z Coupe), including a center floor V-shaped cross bar connecting the
side sills and a front A-shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end. Additional
reinforcement was added at the door openings and a triple-member was added to
the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure to provide enhanced
rigidity.
Also during the design phase of the Z Roadster, engineers devoted countless
hours conducting wind tunnel tests. These tests allowed the engineers to adjust
the Roadster’s design to route air flow to help minimize interior noise and
turbulence while maximizing downforce at highway speeds.
A key component to reducing interior noise is a tempered glass wind deflector
located between the seats that directs wind out and over the cabin. Seatbelt
fasteners were also added to help keep seatbelts from flapping in the wind. As a
result, the Z Roadster is among the leading competitors for low interior noise
with the top down.
Like the Z Coupe, the Z Roadster’s instrument panel features three gauge pods
consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as
modern touches such as the enhanced, optional navigation system with 7-inch
display.
The driver’s seat of the Z Roadster is tailored for performance. The base
cushion is firm and long for additional support, while bolster cutouts under the
thighs optimize pedal operation. The seatback is sculpted with large “wings,”
designed to help secure drivers during acceleration. The upper side bolster is
sculpted in the middle for easy shifting and steering, while the lower side
bolster is designed wider and deeper to keep the driver squarely behind the
wheel.
Also offered on the Z Roadster are Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net
seats (Touring and Grand Touring only). The net-style seats are made with a
woven seat cloth center insert and feature an opening in the seatback so that
the driver can feel a wind flow during top-down driving. A built-in seat heater
is also available for those sundown rides.
A lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase is standard. There is also
sufficient luggage space in the trunk even though the top is stored in the trunk
area when down. The trunk has up to 4.1 cubic feet of useable room for storage.
Safety Features
The 2006 Z utilizes Nissan’s “Zone Body” construction, providing front and rear
“crush” zones and a secure center occupant zone. The Z’s body structure has been
designed to create a high degree of structural and torsional rigidity. Key
features include a double-panel floor, a double front bulkhead and large-section
doorsills.
In addition, roof rails and side panels are laser-welded for a strong, accurate
fit. The rear strut tower brace is bolted and welded in place, allowing use of
the hatchback body design without sacrificing rear body rigidity.
In addition, the Z features standard dual-stage supplemental front air bags with
seat belt sensors, seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Supplemental front seat side-impact side air bags and side-impact curtain air
bags are optionally available to further enhance side-impact protection
(side-impact curtain air bags are not available on the Z Roadster due to the
lack of a fixed hardtop).
Models and Options
The 2006 350Z Roadster is offered in three well-equipped models – Enthusiast,
Touring and Grand Touring.
Standard 350Z Roadster Enthusiast features include power seats, power-operated
soft top, electrically operated storage cover, rear wind deflector, 18-inch cast
aluminum-alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a choice
of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission and more.
The 350Z Roadster Touring model features a Bose audio system with 6-disc CD
changer and 7 speakers, leather-appointed seats and standard side-impact air
bags.
The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring model adds Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic
Control.
Four options are available, on the 2006 350Z Coupe and Roadster: a DVD-based
navigation system (Touring, Grand Touring and Coupe Track models only);
satellite radio (with choice of XM or Sirius service), side and curtain
side-impact supplemental air bags (Coupe) and side supplemental air bags
(Roadster Enthusiast model).
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