For 2006, the dramatic Nissan 350Z sports car receives its first comprehensive updating since its introduction in the United States market in August 2002. The changes to the Z®, which has sold over 100,000 units in its first three years, include a revised front end appearance, enhanced interior, LED taillights, a new vehicle speed-sensitive power steering system, refined optional navigation system and available RAYS® super lightweight 18-inch front/19-inch rear 5-spoke forged alloy wheels (Coupe only).

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A new Grand Touring Coupe model featuring the 18/19-inch wheels, Brembo® brakes, front and rear spoiler and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) has been added to the model lineup and all 6-speed manual transmission models now receive the 300-horsepower* tuning of the Z®’s standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6. Models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission are rated at 287 horsepower.

For 2006, the 350Z is again available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models – five for the Coupe and three for the Roadster. Each provides sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, with a style all its own. Other enhancements for the new model year include standard 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels (except Coupe Track and Grand Touring models), increased brake rotor size for non-Brembo models, standard bi-xenon (low and high beam) headlights, and mp3-CD capability for the available Bose® audio system.

Three new exterior colors are available for 2006: Silver Alloy, Magnetic Black, and Interlagos Fire.

The 350Z Coupe and 350Z Roadster share their proud performance heritage, including state-of-the-art platform, engine, suspension and braking systems. The Z®’s FM (Front Mid-Ship) platform positions the engine behind the front axle, providing an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 53/47. The FM platform, derived from racing technology, also places a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body.

The heart and soul of the Z®, since the original 1970 model, is its engine. Again for 2006, every 350Z offers a standard 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine, which delivers not only outstanding start-off acceleration and high-speed passing performance, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving. The engine utilizes an advanced intake port design and Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology. Drivability has been further improved by adopting an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle and the use of a highly rigid cylinder block.

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.

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.

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.

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).