The New 350Z 2007

[1X83Z]

Or 4WS with AWD, leading to cars that weigh as much as Texas (take a guess).

Couldn't be the 3000GT, since it's as much as Alaska plus Texas times Asia Minor.

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

19bhp more for automatics--but only 6bhp more for manual transmissions? Did I read that right?

In the previous (still current, I guess.) model, the 6SPD version made 13HP more than the automatic model. (300 in the 6SPD, 281 in the Auto) I believe this was due to the fact that the automatic had a lower rev-limit than the manual, due to durability/reliability issues. (Evidently, the Auto that Nissan's got mated to the VQ35 can't hold up to RPMs over 6600.)

Now that the updated motor's been released, I assume Nissan has managed to make peak power lower in the RPM range, and therefore the peak HP falls within the range of the Auto model. Because of that, both cars are now rated at the same output, so the auto only gains the extra 13HP because it was previously 13BHP behind the 6SPD model. Why the new 6SPD revs 900RPM higher than the Auto, and yet makes the same power output, though, doesn't make sense to me. Is it that the 6SPD is tuned for power at higher RPM, or does it simply keep on revving past the peak power RPM until it hits its own redline, without any HP gain? It seems odd that they'd bother to make the redline so much higher, if a version that hits the limiter 900RPM earlier is peaking at the same output.

 

[Tornado]

Maybe the horspower curve flattens out past peak power until the redline.

 

[///M-Spec]

In the previous (still current, I guess.) model, the 6SPD version made 13HP more than the automatic model. (300 in the 6SPD, 281 in the Auto) I believe this was due to the fact that the automatic had a lower rev-limit than the manual, due to durability/reliability issues. (Evidently, the Auto that Nissan's got mated to the VQ35 can't hold up to RPMs over 6600.)

Now that the updated motor's been released, I assume Nissan has managed to make peak power lower in the RPM range, and therefore the peak HP falls within the range of the Auto model. Because of that, both cars are now rated at the same output, so the auto only gains the extra 13HP because it was previously 13BHP behind the 6SPD model. Why the new 6SPD revs 900RPM higher than the Auto, and yet makes the same power output, though, doesn't make sense to me. Is it that the 6SPD is tuned for power at higher RPM, or does it simply keep on revving past the peak power RPM until it hits its own redline, without any HP gain? It seems odd that they'd bother to make the redline so much higher, if a version that hits the limiter 900RPM earlier is peaking at the same output.

Nissan lists the '07 Z VQ35HR at 306 hp @ 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM. That is far short of the 7,500 RPM redline. Nissan also shows the same output regardless of which transmission is chosen at nissanmotors.com

Even though the 6MT doesn't make more power, Nissan can still play with the final drive and improve acceleration slightly due to the higher redline.


M

 

[KAMKA-Z]

Hmmm, that new hood bulge is a shorter, fatter version of the one on the original 240Z. Now if they'd copy the original Z's C-pillar and headlight shapes (with covers) and push that windshield back about 8 inches they'd get my attention. Nissan needs to go back to the original basic shape. Look what it did for Ford's Mustang sales. They need a design that looks like an evolution of the original design. (Think like the Porsche 911, Forty years ago and Now)

 

[YSSMAN]

...And then you get everyone complaining that nobody can do an origional car design anymore...

I've always liked the look of the 350Z, but then again I've always thought the G35 SC looked better anyway. They could just throw a more aggressive body kit on it, maybe trim down the look of the car just a bit, and it would look a lot better. But then again, they may as well just do a whole new car. Its been around since what, 2003?

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

Nissan lists the '07 Z VQ35HR at 306 hp @ 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM. That is far short of the 7,500 RPM redline. Nissan also shows the same output regardless of which transmission is chosen at nissanmotors.com

Even though the 6MT doesn't make more power, Nissan can still play with the final drive and improve acceleration slightly due to the higher redline.


M

Bizarre, then. If that's the case, how can the Auto model make 306HP, considering that the redline is 200RPM short of peak power?

My suspicion, now, is that the versions of the motor are tuned to make peak power at different RPM, depending on whether it's the Auto or 6MT version, and have only listed the specs for the 6MT version of the motor online. (I don't doubt that they both make the specified 306HP, it's just about where in the rev range they make that power.) It's the only possibility I can think of... unless Nissan is only listing the specs from a version of the motor, tested on an engine dyno, and is simply putting it in the Auto version without an accessible power peak!

Oh, by the way, I did actually mean to say that the power curve would flatten out or be affected by different gearing, through the RPM range between peak power and redline, I was just half asleep and didn't manage to express such.

 

[Escalade_dude]

Nothing is wrong with this 350Z. It is an awesome car. I've liked 350Zs for the last 3 tears. I can't wait for the 2008 model!!

 

[iceburns288]

I own a 2005 Z. Went to several dealerships to check these out, but left thinking the upgrade was not worth the cost. However, if you are going to buy a Z, DEFINITELY buy a 2007.

If you've got a Z, it's not worth the trade. If you want a Z, go for the 2007.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Or you could be a smart person and buy a 2007 Mustang GT...

(lol)

 

[Escalade_dude]

Both of those cars are very nice. I wouldn't know which one to pick. The 350Z is nice, while the Mustang GT has lots of power. I think I'd have to read a C&D before making this decision.

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, an indirect comparison of the two cars around VIR doesn't make the Mustang look like a good deal. The GT falls behind by eight seconds around the track, and more than three miles per hour in average speed. Much of that could probably be blamed on the LRA and the softer suspension compared to the "advanced" 350Z Track Spec.

...Does that ruin the vehicle? Certainly not. But I'm absolutely insane when it comes to picking some new cars, and the Mustang GT is certainly a favorite. A few parts from the Ford Racing catalog should fix some of it, or I could outright buy a Shelby GT, but that would be silly.