NISSAN 350Z 2002-2005 Photos, engines & full specs

Nissan introduced the 350 Z in 2002 based on the same platform as the mightier Skyline but offered it only with a rear-wheel drive system.

The Japanese automaker was already famous thanks to vehicles such as the 240Z or the older Nissan Fairlady. With that heritage behind, Nissan couldn't afford a flop, and the 350 Z confirmed that it was an excellent track car. Moreover, the sporty coupe proved to be worthy as a long-range cruiser vehicle.

Nissan designed the car, especially for the U.S. market. For that, it penned the vehicle at its design studio in San Diego, California. The car featured a front fascia with a flat hood, slant nose, and sharp-looking trapezoidal headlights. A wide grille was cut into the bumper to cool the engine. From its profile, the raked windshield and the short, sloped-down roofline created a small greenhouse. Moreover, the long doors were fitted with frameless windows and a darkened B-pillar.

Inside, Nissan installed a binocular-style instrument cluster in front of the driver and three other gauges on top of the center stack, tilted towards the driving post. As expected, the car received a pair of high-bolstered front seats. But the automaker didn't forget some upscale features such as the infotainment system with sat-nav and silver trims resembling aluminum on the center stack and door cards. In addition, the metallic pedals completed the image of a true sports car.

Under the hood, only one engine option was a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 291 PS (287 hp). It was paired with a six-speed manual and sent its power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.