2006 Nissan 350Z

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 cupholder 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.