2006 Z combines responsiveness and refinement

[AZhitman]

The Nissan 350Z was hatched in 2003 as a two-seat coupe and became an immediate hit and a strong seller in the sports car segment. The 350Z is available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models -- five for the Coupe and three for the Roadster.

For 2006, the Nissan 350Z gets its first comprehensive updating since it was introduced. The 2006 Z features a revised front end appearance, enhanced interior, LED taillights, a new vehicle speed-sensitive power steering system, refined optional navigation system and very sharp Rays ultra lightweight 18-inch front/19-inch rear 5-spoke forged alloy wheels. The latter is only available on Coupe models such as our test car.

I've grown perhaps overly familiar with the Z's external design and at this point I find it rather boring. The body looks large and shapeless, while the so-called greenhouse (glass area) and roofline look truncated, just like a person with a large body and small head. When push comes to shove, I still prefer the elegant styling of its ancestor, the legendary 240Z. On the other hand, the 350Z's close relative, the Infiniti G35 Coupe, is like a fine wine that seems to improve with age, at least visually.

The Nissan Z's price range stretches from $27,650 to $36,850 without options. On the low end, the Z is quite a bargain. But even at a base price of $34,350 for the Track model, you'll have to order the side-impact and curtain air bags as a $620 option. It's surprising that Nissan considers safety components as options, particularly in a luxury sports car. On the other hand, I can forgive Nissan to some degree because highly efficient Brembo brakes, featuring four front caliper pistons and two rear and larger pads and rotors, are standard on the Coupe Track model. And these babies are both smooth and highly effective.

Our Track is supplied with a 300- horsepower engine mated to an easy-to-shift six-speed manual transmission. The Z's 3.5-liter V-6 is a high-performance variation of Nissan's highly acclaimed VQ engine family and propels the car from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds. VQ engines are noted for smoothness, power and efficiency through reduced internal reciprocating mass that keeps vibration in check. Crank journals and cam lobes are micro-finished and pistons molybdenum-coated to minimize friction.

The result is an engine that combines both refinement and responsiveness right up to the red line. If your mantra is power, the 350Z is the road to enlightenment.

One interesting aspect to the Z's engine tuning is that exhaust sound is maximized at low RPM (1,000-3,500 RPM), but quiet at normal cruising range. This means you get a nice bark when you blow off a Porsche at a stoplight and a quiet murmur at cruising speeds.

On the road, the Z Track is a killer. The car features an exceptionally long wheelbase and a wide track pushing the wheels out to the car's corners for cutting-edge responsiveness. The turn-in is very quick and responsive and the car can thread its way down a country road with the best of them. As an unexpected bonus, the ride quality also is excellent. I never felt any pain, even on some very rough stretches of road. The car keeps its composure under less-than-perfect circumstances.

On the inside, the Z Coupe gets new interior styling tweaks and revised HVAC controls. The interior is generally well laid out and controls are easy to find and use. The seats are comfortable and can definitely support the body, both on wild romps in the back country as well as on long Interstate excursions.

Nissan 350Z Track Price as tested: $35,665Engine type: 3.5-liter V-6Horsepower: 300 @ 6,400 rpmTorque: 260-ft. lbs. @ 4,800 rpmFuel economy (manual): City - 19 mpg, Highway - 25 mpgCurb Weight: 3,400 lbs.