from another nissan enthusiast forum
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
from another nissan enthusiast forum
truth????
it looks as though Nissan has gone all soft! Plans to equip the convertible version of the 350Z with an electric folding hard-top have been axed, and the pictures in the current issue of Auto Express magazine prove it.
Exclusive spy shots in the current issue of Auto Express magazine - which have had the background removed and the car's windows blanked out to protect our sources - show the Japanese-spec version in the late stages of development testing. And it's not only the innovative roof that's got the chop in a round of cost-cutting. The open-air models won't get the im-proved brakes or six-speed manual gearbox that will be offered on the coupé when it hits UK roads next year.
Despite the lack of a retractable hard-top, the roof still promises to be refined and flush fitting, dropping into the bodywork at the push of a button in 15 seconds. It's not fully automatic - the driver has to release a latch in the cabin first - but the process is said to be easy to operate. The hood will disappear into a compartment at the top of the car's boot, although Nissan claims that luggage space will not be badly compromised by the mechanism. Lockable stowage bins to store small or valuable items will be provided behind the front seats. The firm refuses to confirm whether or not the soft-top 350Z is destined for the UK, claiming it will see how strong demand for the coupé is before making a decision. If that car proves to be a hit, expect the cabrio to reach British shores in the summer of 2004. The model goes on sale in Japan and the US next spring.
Under the bonnet, the convertible uses the same 287bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine as the coupé, but Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn says the car will only be available with a five-speed automatic gearbox. "Coupé versions will have a six-speed manual 'box, but this will not appear in the convertible
models," he confirmed. Meanwhile, a 300bhp 350Z for European markets only is rumoured to be in development, and will become the range flagship when it goes on sale in late 2003.
Also missing from the cabriolet will be the coupé's Brembo brakes, which were ditched by the firm's engineers on cost grounds. A Nissan insider said: "Adding Brembos would have taken the 350Z's retail price over acceptable levels. Even without the uprated brakes, the car is going to be more expensive than we hoped for."
In fact, the newcomer could cost as much as £30,000 when it goes on sale in Britain - slightly more expensive than the Audi TT Roadster, which will be the car's main rival. But the Z will be well equipped. Designed for the demands of the American market, where the 350Z is expected to notch up its best sales, the car will have leather trim, climate control and electric heated seats as standard, while options will include
18-inch alloy wheels as well as a sporty bodykit. Reductions in structural rigidity caused by removing the roof are compensated for by strong cross-bracing, while safety will be enhanced by driver, passenger and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control. Peter Lyon
it looks as though Nissan has gone all soft! Plans to equip the convertible version of the 350Z with an electric folding hard-top have been axed, and the pictures in the current issue of Auto Express magazine prove it.
Exclusive spy shots in the current issue of Auto Express magazine - which have had the background removed and the car's windows blanked out to protect our sources - show the Japanese-spec version in the late stages of development testing. And it's not only the innovative roof that's got the chop in a round of cost-cutting. The open-air models won't get the im-proved brakes or six-speed manual gearbox that will be offered on the coupé when it hits UK roads next year.
Despite the lack of a retractable hard-top, the roof still promises to be refined and flush fitting, dropping into the bodywork at the push of a button in 15 seconds. It's not fully automatic - the driver has to release a latch in the cabin first - but the process is said to be easy to operate. The hood will disappear into a compartment at the top of the car's boot, although Nissan claims that luggage space will not be badly compromised by the mechanism. Lockable stowage bins to store small or valuable items will be provided behind the front seats. The firm refuses to confirm whether or not the soft-top 350Z is destined for the UK, claiming it will see how strong demand for the coupé is before making a decision. If that car proves to be a hit, expect the cabrio to reach British shores in the summer of 2004. The model goes on sale in Japan and the US next spring.
Under the bonnet, the convertible uses the same 287bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine as the coupé, but Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn says the car will only be available with a five-speed automatic gearbox. "Coupé versions will have a six-speed manual 'box, but this will not appear in the convertible
models," he confirmed. Meanwhile, a 300bhp 350Z for European markets only is rumoured to be in development, and will become the range flagship when it goes on sale in late 2003.
Also missing from the cabriolet will be the coupé's Brembo brakes, which were ditched by the firm's engineers on cost grounds. A Nissan insider said: "Adding Brembos would have taken the 350Z's retail price over acceptable levels. Even without the uprated brakes, the car is going to be more expensive than we hoped for."
In fact, the newcomer could cost as much as £30,000 when it goes on sale in Britain - slightly more expensive than the Audi TT Roadster, which will be the car's main rival. But the Z will be well equipped. Designed for the demands of the American market, where the 350Z is expected to notch up its best sales, the car will have leather trim, climate control and electric heated seats as standard, while options will include
18-inch alloy wheels as well as a sporty bodykit. Reductions in structural rigidity caused by removing the roof are compensated for by strong cross-bracing, while safety will be enhanced by driver, passenger and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control. Peter Lyon
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post