Editing Nissan Z-car (section)

===Fifth generation: Nissan 350Z (Z33)===
:{{main|Nissan 350Z}}
[[File:Nissan 350Z flickr.jpg|thumb|Nissan 350Z (Z33, Germany)]]
In 1999, the French company [[Renault]] bought 44.4% of Nissan and [[Carlos Ghosn]] became its [[chief operating officer]], but it would not be until 2001 when Ghosn became [[CEO]] that he would tell reporters: "We will build the ''Z''. And we will make it profitable."<ref>[http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=18 ROADandTRACK.com - First Drives - 2003 Nissan 350Z (12/2001)<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005313/http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=18 |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>

On January 8, 2001, Nissan introduced the Z Concept. Much like the previous Z concept, it debuted at the [[North American International Auto Show]] and was painted bright orange. The squat, long-hood/short-deck styling resulted from a competition between Nissan's Japanese, European, and American design studios, with the [[La Jolla]], [[California]] studio's design being chosen in March 2000. The product planners hoped to avoid the price problems that plagued the last few years of the [[Nissan 300ZX|300ZX]] with a target [[suggested retail price|MSRP]] of $30,000 while using the [[Porsche Boxster]] as a benchmark.<ref>[http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/3115/2003-nissan-z.html 2003 Nissan Z - First Drive Review / Japanese Performance / High Performance / Hot Lists / Reviews / Car and Driver - Car And Driver<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

In the summer of 2002, the 350Z was released to wide acclaim. It employed a slightly improved version of the 3.5-liter [[Nissan VQ engine#VQ35DE|VQ35DE]] DOHC V6 engine found in multiple Nissan cars at the time, including the [[Nissan Skyline#V35|Skyline]] and [[Nissan Pathfinder|Pathfinder]]. Released in July 2002 in Japan at reorganized Nissan Japanese dealerships called ''[[Nissan Motor Company#Japan|Nissan Blue Stage]]'', and on August 20, 2002, in the U.S., the 350Z coupé was available in 5 trim packages: '350Z' (Base), 'Enthusiast', 'Performance', 'Touring', and 'Track' editions. In Europe, only the 'Track' trim was available, although it was badged and marketed as '350Z'. This engine initially produced {{convert|287|bhp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|274|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} torque, but in 2005 was increased to {{convert|300|bhp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|260|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}. Prices started at $26,000 US, well below the $30,000 mark initially set forth by Nissan. Coupled with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automatic (the automatic lost {{convert|13|bhp|abbr=on}} in comparison), it was initially available only as a 2-seater hardtop. A convertible model was later introduced in 2004.

The 350Z was available in a selection of seven trim packages, depending on the year: "Base", "Enthusiast", "Performance", "Touring", "Grand Touring", "Track" and "[[Nismo]]". The base model 350Z, in comparison to the more expensive packages, did not have a limited-slip differential or a traction control system. Touring and Grand Touring models both featured leather seats, [[Bose Corporation|Bose]] entertainment systems, optional satellite navigation, VDC [[Electronic stability control|(vehicle dynamic control)]], and other user conveniences, while the Grand Touring models also added [[Rays Engineering]] forged wheels and the [[Brembo]] braking system found on the Track and Nismo models. In 2007, Nissan dropped the "Track" version in favor of the "Nismo" edition, but retained the Brembo brakes, Rays Engineering wheels, and simple interior, but added a larger exhaust and aggressive body kit. The second Nismo edition, released in 2007, included revised camshafts, a Nismo sport-tuned exhaust, custom Rays Engineering {{convert|18|in|adj=on}} wheels ({{convert|19|in|abbr=on|disp=or}} in rear), front and rear spoilers and rear diffuser, and a Brembo braking system with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with {{convert|12.8|in|abbr=on|disp=or}} front and {{convert|12.7|in|abbr=on|disp=or}} rear rotors).

The 2005 35th Anniversary Edition and 2006 350Z were equipped with manual transmissions and received a newly revised engine, which increased the redline to 7,000 rpm and increased power to {{convert|300|hp|abbr=on}}.

2007-2008 models came with the 3.5L [[Nissan VQ engine#VQ35HR|VQ35HR]] engine with dual intakes and a 7,500 rpm redline, which produced a power output of {{convert|306|hp|abbr=on}}, and featured a more linear powerband in addition to the increased torque at lower revolutions. It is widely believed that this model year (2007–08) is the most desired among enthusiasts due to the car featuring a revised transmission (CD009) which solved all previous issues and the new engine architecture (VQ35HR) which provided an overall faster car.
{{anchor|Z34}}