In January of this year, Nissan began taking pre-sale orders for the 2003 350Z, reaching some 6,500 even-before-all-the-facts-were-known orders. That’s right, buyers weren’t buying sight unseen, and without even knowing how many horsepower was under the hood. This is faith. In the first 30 days of the posting of the Nissan Z website, 50,000 people logged on. A cult-like following took shape; or re-shape, as there has always been a following.

Since then, other websites have popped up, and "they are coming" to see the Z. Many Z enthusiasts are still driving a Z of one kind or another: 240, 260, 280 or 300 model. One of the largest sports car groups, the loyal Z-ers are chomping at the bit waiting for their baby to arrive.

When beginning to design the 350Z, Nissan was striving to create a $50,000 sports car for under $30,000. Harking back to the 240 days, when the 240Z was launched, Nissan was going after the Corvette, a sports car selling for about $9,000. Positioning the Z at an affordable $3,500, the 240Z took off and gained a loyal audience. Nissan retired the Z-car in 1996 due to reduced sales and production expense. By 1996, the Z’s price had climbed into the mid-40’s for its turbo version, making it too expensive to produce.

The design of the 2003 350Z is a collaborative effort, created by a global team, including engineering, design, product, planning and public relations folks. Attention to detail is obvious, with attempts to capture the "Z-tail" of the Z’s heritage. One nice touch: the "Z" logo is integrated into the air vents on some models. A totally new car, the 2003 350Z continues with the Z heritage of design, performance and value; its philosophy from the beginning. Combined with this "Z-ness," is a "new" sports car that Nissan intends to make a segment leader.

Designing the new Z presented unique challenges: The Z as icon, enthusiasts didn’t want to see too much change. A battle between "retro" and an all-new modern design began. The green light was given in 1998, embracing three key starting points: A true 2-seater, front engine, rear-wheel-drive and hatchback body. In its development, there were many keywords that came to mind: passion, performance/handling, value, reliability, graceful, lighter, more nimble, timeless, contemporary, practicality. From "Lust to Love" potential owners will be attracted to the Z’s looks and performance, but will fall in love with it for the driving feel, reliability and practicality.

Since the introduction of Nissan’s Revival Plan (NRP), the company has managed to reduce debt by $3.45 billion, and increase record sales by 7.9 percent. Nissan is doing so well, in fact, they are one year ahead of schedule. Their goal: one million additional annual vehicle sales by 2005; an 8 percent operating profit and zero automotive debt. Ambitious indeed.

Although admittedly the new 350Z is critically important to the Nissan brand image, Nissan’s comeback is not totally dependent on it, say Nissan management. With the introduction of the all-new Altima last year, Nissan has seen a new, younger buyer coming into the showroom. What Nissan is aiming at is to increase its share in the North American market.

The Z is attractive in its simplicity. The interior is comfortable, well-laid out and includes a few amenities that are needed, such as some handy lockable storage boxes behind the seats; one big enough for a briefcase. This is a roomy interior, with lots of legroom (43.2) for the tallest of driver and passenger. The Z’s seats fit the driver well, hugging you so you feel in place. Below the shoulder area, the contour of the seat is "relieved" so that the driver has room for shifting. The cloth is a woven "carbon" fabric, firm and sturdy. Nissan has integrated a "mound" in the center of the driver’s legs to provide femoral support for pedal operation. The steering column is a manual tilt so that when it’s moved, the driver can see the IP. The 3-bay gauge cluster is mounted on the console are easy to read and remind one of the original Z interior. This is a true sports car look and lends a cockpit feel to the interior of the Z. Nissan has mounted a rear strut tower for rigidity and when spied from the outside, you can see the Z logo engraved into it.

Are there some things we didn’t like about the 350Z? Just a few: nit-piks: The doors are heavy, but this is usual in a coupe vehicle. One has to do some reaching for the seatbelts, and is with a true sports car feel, you sit low in the vehicle. We didn’t see an ashtry, which was all right with us. If you’re a passenger, don’t think you’ll be doing any writing. It’s a little bumpy for that, and we don’t mean the ride is uncomfortable. On the contrary, the Z takes the bumps and railroad tracks flawlessly, but it is a sports car, and you do ride on the rims. The Z is a heavy-feeling car, solid and integrated well.

The new 2003 350Z sports coupe is available in seven models, from the base Z ($26,269) to the Track model ($34,079). In between are the Enthusiast Model ($28,249), Enthusiast Model 5AT with manual mode ($29,219); Performance Model ($30,429); Touring Model 5AT with manual mode ($31,589); and Touring Model with 6MT ($33,179). In its pre-sale orders, the Z Touring Model is responsible for two-thirds of sales. There are only two available options on the Z: DVD-based Navigation System (available on the Performance, Touring and Track Models ($1,999); side airbags with side curtain airbags, available on all models, ($569). Destination and handling is $540.

Standard features on the new Z include such things as ABS, dual stage airbags, automatic temperature control, 160-watt AM/FM/CD with six speakers, power windows/door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, vehicle security system, leather steering wheel and shifter boot. As you climb the ladder moving into the Enthusiast model, you gain such things as dual illuminated visor mirrors, Traction Control, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise, viscuous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror. The Performance model includes 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), tire air pressure monitor; the Touring Model, a 240-watt Bose CD6 with cassette and seven speakers, 2-way passenger seat, heated seats and mirrors, etc. Leather seats are standard on the Touring Model 6MT. You can have just about anything you want.

The colors chosen for the 350Z, all with a performance ring: Black, Daytona Blue, Redline Red, Brickyard, LeMans Sunset, Chrome Silver, Silverstone, and Pikes Peak White. In February 2003, Nissan will introduce the 350Z Roadster. Primary competition for the 350Z includes the BMW Z Roadster and Coupe, Porsche Boxster (Boxster S) and Honda S2000. Psychographics for the Z include people who are passionate about their cars, and life itself, those looking for speed and performance and have a competitive spirit; need control over the machine, environment and their destiny and looking for a car to provide stress relief and freedom.

The 2003 350Z will be launched in mid-August with the ’03 Z Roadster to follow in February 2003. Nissan is hoping for sales of 30,000+; where the S2000 sells about 9,000 units/year and the Porsche Boxster 10,000-11,000 units/year. As yet, they have no lifecycle sales volume numbers; probably mid-20s. Where it projects the Z will gain its volume will be in the $26,000 category. Check it out at Zcar.com and my350z.com.

SPECS

Engine: 3.5L V6 DOHC, 287 horsepower
Wheelbase: 104.3 in.
Length: 169.7 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 51.8 in.
Weight: 3,188-3,247
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic with manual mode
Body Type: Unibody; 2-door coupe
Fuel Economy: TBA
Front engine/Rear-wheel-drive
Tires: Bridgestone Summer 225/50R17 (Front); 225/50R17 96W (Rear)
Available Tires: 225/45R18 91W (Front); 245/45R18 96W (Rear)