Nissan announces 2003 350Z pricing

Nissan Sets Starting Price of All-New 2003 350Z at $26,269;
Customer Pre-Order System In Place For Deliveries Starting in August
  
	Nissan today announced that pricing for its all-new 2003 350Z(tm)
sports car, which goes on sale this August, will start at a Manufacturer's
Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,269 (excluding destination and
handling).  The new Z® is being displayed at major North American auto
shows, beginning this week in Detroit and Los Angeles.
The new Z® coupe will be offered in five well-equipped models, including an
Enthusiast Model, Touring Model, Performance Model and Track Model.  Two of
the models are available for under $30,000, while the top equipment package,
the Track Model, lists at $34,079.  
"The new Z®, with its standard 280+ horsepower 3.5-liter V6, 4-wheel
independent suspension and 6-speed manual transmission, offers
$50,000-performance for under $30,000 - just as promised," said Jed
Connelly, senior vice president, Nissan North America, Inc.  "The price of
our top models stop where lesser-equipped competitive vehicles begin."  
Nissan also announced a comprehensive Z® pre-order program, through dealers
which allows Z buyers to price and order their Z cars in the model and color
they want beginning January 15, 2002.
"There has already been strong interest in the new Z® with hundreds of
buyers waiting to put down deposits," said Connelly.  "We're taking the
unusual step of announcing full pricing, equipment availability and even
colors now out of respect for our buyers and Z enthusiasts who have waited
so patiently for the return of the legendary Z."  The previous generation
300ZX® sold in North America as a 1996 model.
The new front engine, rear-wheel drive Z® features a newly developed
3.5-liter V6 engine, producing in excess of 280 horsepower, with
continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS), electronically
controlled (drive-by-wire) throttle and dual exhaust outlets.  The new Z is
available with an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission
with manual shift mode or 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission.
The new Z® also comes equipped with 17-inch wheels and tires (with 18-inch
wheels and tires on some models), 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension
with extensive use of lightweight aluminum-alloy components, rack-and-pinion
engine speed sensitive power steering, Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS),
along with available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control
System (TCS), power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes and 4-wheel
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD) on some models.  
	Inside the contemporary styled body is a driver-oriented interior
environment, combining classic and cutting-edge sports car interior design
with aluminum-alloy and leather surface materials.  The instrument panel
features 3-bay gauge pods similar to original 240Z(tm) design, while in the
cargo area is an exposed rear strut tower brace featuring the "Z®" logo.
Standard safety and security items include dual-stage front supplemental air
bags 3-point ALR/ELR seatbelts (driver's seat ELR only), front seatbelt with
pretensioners and load limiters, front and rear crumple zones and an
energy-absorbing steering column.  Also available are driver and passenger
side impact air bags and inflatable curtain air bags.
	"When you look at the Z®'s standard equipment you get an even
stronger sense of its high value positioning, with two of the five Z coupe
models under $30,000," said Connelly.  "Our lowest price 350Z(tm) is
positioned not as a base model, but as a starting place for enthusiasts who
wish to modify their new Zs with their own selection of aftermarket
equipment.  In fact, to help them out, NISMO performance parts will be
offering a wide selection of parts and accessories for the Z beginning this
fall."
Each of the Z® models is offered with the close-ratio 6-speed manual
transmission, while the Enthusiast and Touring Models are also available
with an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic.
	The Enthusiast 6-speed manual is priced at $28,249, while the
Enthusiast 5-speed automatic is priced at $29,219.  Both include, in
addition to the 350Z(tm) standard features, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink
Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS),
viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals and more.
	The Performance Model, priced at $30,429, includes Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC), a tire air pressure monitoring system, 18-inch wheels and
tires, Xenon headlamps,  HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control,
Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum
pedals and more.
	The Touring Model with 5-speed automatic, at $31,589, includes a
variety of additional equipment, including a 240-watt Bose® audio system
with six-disc CD changer, cassette and 7 speakers, leather appointed seats,
power-adjustable heated seats, heated mirrors, Xenon headlamps,  HomeLink
Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS),
viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals and more.
The Touring Model with 6-speed manual transmission is priced at $33,179 and
includes the same equipment as the automatic Touring model, along with
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 18-inch wheels and tires and tire air
pressure monitoring system.
For the ultimate Z®  performance experience, the Track Model offers front
and rear spoilers, special 18-inch lightweight aluminum wheels, vented
Brembo high-performance brakes, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), along
with Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control,
Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum
pedals and more.
The new Z® will be available in a selection of one cloth interior color,
Carbon, and three colors of leather - Charcoal, Burnt Orange and Frost.
Eight exterior colors are offered: Pikes Peak White, Chrome Silver, Super
Black, Redline, Le Mans Sunset, Brickyard, Daytona Blue and Silverstone.
The exterior color names were chosen to reflect the Z's legendary racing
heritage.
"With detailed equipment and pricing available, early Z®  buyers will be
able to order their actual vehicles rather than just take a place in line,"
said Connelly.  "Once an order is taken, we'll start an ongoing dialog with
the buyers which will continue up to and beyond their delivery date."
More information on the new Z®, Z pricing and the Z pre-order program is
available at Nissan dealers or online at www.nissandriven.com. Pre-launch
advertising and direct marketing campaigns will also help spread awareness
of the pre-order program.  
"Our goal is to eliminate some of the problems of previous high-interest car
launches by giving everyone - customers and dealers alike - a level playing
field," said Connelly.  "We want the focus to remain on the excitement of
the Z®, not the process of getting one."


Complete pricing sheets and hi-res photography available at
www.nissannews.com  
Follow the links from 2002 Detroit AutoShow in upper right of the page.

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