Nissan has been making high powered rear-wheel drive six-cylinder sports cars since 1970 when the 240Z made its debut. During the past 35 years local rivals have come and gone and there is certainly no Toyota or Mitsubishi to challenge the Zed, while many European makers prefer front-wheel drive. The fourth generation 350Z, fast and charismatic but with minor flaws, arrived in 2003. For 2005, the range has been augmented with a more powerful 35th Anniversary coupe based on the Track variant. More equipment and unchanged prices should keep the 350Z prominent in its market sector where it outpowers all rivals from the Mazda RX-8 to the Porsche Boxster. And the 35th Anniversary coupe brings a new focus to the Zed’s mostly proud heritage.
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Nissan-Datsun 240Z coupe
Released: 1970
Ended: 1974
Family Tree: 350ZThe original 1970 240Z was a close-coupled two-seater coupe, but the 1974 260Z was also available as a 2+2. Then in 1979 the 280ZX became the sole offering, sacrificing some sharpness in exchange for the extra space. Blunted by emission controls its 2.8-litre six gave the heavier car less performance than the 1970 model. Nineteen eighty-three brought the second generation but more-of-the-same 300ZX. It was more boulevardier than hard-edged sports car. Turbo power was available from 1986 but the Zed had long lost its focus. The all-new 1989 300ZX represented a return to the original formula. Discontinued in 1996, the Z resurfaced as the 350Z in 2003.
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