NISSAN'Ss 350Z, first launched in 2003, saw changes introduced in 2006 which resulted in a very up-to-the-minute silhouette boasting a number of clever styling cues.
The 350Z Coupe's arched cabin, long nose and short tail follow the design theme set by the original 240Z in 1970, as does the slightly elevated bonnet profile of the current model.
There are also echoes of the past in the rear pillar and hatchback cut-line and, while an energy absorbing new front bumper and revised lower grille along help to provide a more aggressive appearance. The wheel-at-each-corner set-up and ultra short overhangs front and rear add further to the overall sports car proportions.
As the makers point out 'we were looking to create a car that looks the way it drives and drives the way it looks,' and this is what we've got in Nissan's 350Z. This is every inch a hot-blooded sports coupe.
The driver's seat is comfortably supportive, yet well in tune with its function, and the low seating position actually places driver and passenger in the middle of the car, thus helping to create a low centre of gravity while providing plenty of head, leg and elbow room.
Despite having no room for kids and little space for luggage - there are a few storage areas on board - this strictly two-seater delivers the perfect driving position within a driving environment which is totally driver focused. The cockpit is pure sports car from virtually every angle including the instrumentation which is slanted towards the driver with a trio of dials stacked in the centre of the dash.
Standard kit includes climate control, electric windows, Bose seven-speaker sound system with six CD changer and cruise control while driver safety aids include Brembo brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist plus switchable electronic stability control.
Paired with a smooth-slotting close ratio six-speed manual gearbox, the 3.5-litre petrol engine develops 309bhp delivering some positively firm 'oomph' to reel in the 0-62mph target in 5.7 seconds while the maximum speed is fixed at a limited 155mph.
Thanks to some fine torsional stiffness and its near perfect weight distribution the 350Z feels beautifully balanced.
This no-compromise sports coupe will prove pure joy to the out-and-out driving enthusiast.
FAST FACTS
Nissan 350Z 3.5 V6 GT
Price: £29,400
Mechanical: 309bhp, 3,498cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.7 secs
Combined mpg: 24.1
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 280g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw