(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.
New RAYS Wheels
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 225/45 WR18 (front), 245/45
WR18 (rear) Michelin Pilot Sport or
Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tires.
New RAYS super lightweight 5-spoke forged-alloy wheels, 18x9-inch front and
19x10-inch rear, are standard on the 350Z Track and Grand Touring models. The
new wheels are mounted with 245/40 WR18 (front), 265/35
WR19 (rear) Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. All 2006 Zs feature a
standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with a separate readout for each
tire.
2006 350Z Coupe Design
The 350Z Coupe takes its cues from the original 1970 Datsun 240Z – a front
engine/rear-wheel drive drivetrain configuration, two-seat interior, a powerful
6-cylinder engine and, like the original, features a true hatchback body.
Design cues passed on from the first-generation Z include the long nose and
short deck styling, triangular cabin form and the lines extending from the
arch-shaped roof to the hatchback opening. For 2006, the front end appearance of
the Z has been refreshed with a revised front bumper, headlights and grille
design. Also new are High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam
xenon) headlights.
As always, the Z continues to offer a long wheelbase (104.3 inches), short
overhangs and wide stance; raised rear deck for enhanced aerodynamics.
The coefficient of drag is 0.30 for the base, Enthusiast and Touring models and
0.29 for the Track and Grand Touring models – which include front and rear
spoilers. Roadster coefficient of drag is 0.34.
The Z’s strong, spine-like beltline is anchored with large, distinctive
taillights, which have been changed to a LED for better visibility and quicker
lighting times than conventional lights. Other standard Z design elements
include an aluminum hood, distinctive vertical door handles and heated outside
mirrors.
Along with the three new exterior colors for 2006, the Z is available in LeMans
Sunset, Redline, Daytona Blue, Pikes Peak White and Silverstone.
Inside the stylish Z Coupe body, the interior has been revised for 2006 with new
cloth seat material, new meter styling, redesigned door panel styling, revised
HVAC controls, new storage space including the addition of a cup holder on each
door panel, a new storage net on the passenger side footwell and the addition of
steering wheel switch lighting (except base model).
Other enhancements include steering wheel audio controls (except base model),
mp3-CD capability for the available Bose audio system and available satellite
radio with body-color antenna on Coupe models. Also upgraded for 2006 is the Z’s
available Nissan Navigation System, which offers an all-new graphic interface,
new menu structure, intelligent search capabilities and key functionality
improvements – including split screen capability (allows viewing of map and
intersection simultaneously).
Unchanged is the Z’s classic driver-oriented two-passenger interior environment,
which combines classic and cutting-edge sports car interior design. The 3-bay
gauge pod is similar to original 240Z design, while the specially shaped
driver’s seat (different from passenger design) holds the body firmly in place
during enthusiastic driving.
The Z Coupe features an 8-way manual driver’s seat/4-way manual passenger’s seat
(Coupe) and choice of black woven “carbon” seat cloth or leather-appointed
seating surfaces in a choice of three colors (Frost, Charcoal and Burnt Orange).
The long list of standard equipment includes automatic temperature control, a
lockable rear luggage box behind the passenger seat, center console with solid
aluminum look, power windows with auto one-touch up and down, power door locks,
aluminum pedals (except base model) and HomeLink Universal Transceiver (except
base model). The Z Coupe is available with a Bose audio system with 6-disc CD
changer and 7 speakers, heated seats and illuminated steering wheel audio
controls.
Another interior feature on the Z Coupe is an integrated aluminum rear
suspension strut tower brace. The brace is finished to match the rest of the
rear compartment and carries a Z logo, which is visible from outside the
vehicle. In addition, the use of aluminum for the instrument finishers, door
handles and other places enhances the high-quality look of the interior.
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 Coupe is available in five models – 350Z, Enthusiast, Touring,
Track (manual transmission only) and the Grand Touring. Standard features on all
models include the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, independent multi-link suspension
with front and rear stabilizer bars, strut tower bar, power windows, 3-bay gauge
cluster, bi-xenon headlights, dual front air bags and more.
The Enthusiast model adds HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control,
Traction Control System (TCS), Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD),
aluminum pedals, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and auto dimming
rearview mirror.
The Touring model adds a Bose audio system with 6-disc CD changer and 7
speakers, leather-appointed seats with 4-way power driver’s seat, heated seats,
and, for manual transmission models only, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
The 350Z Coupe Track model comes with a close-ratio, 6-speed manual
transmission, front and rear spoilers, RAYS super lightweight 5-spoke forged
aluminum-alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
The ultimate Z Coupe model is the Grand Touring model, offering front and rear
spoilers, RAYS super lightweight 5-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels, 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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