2007
Bluetooth connectivity made its first 350Z appearance in 2007. Also that year, side impact airbags were added to the model’s roster of standard equipment.
Another horsepower bump in 2007 predicated the adoption of a new hood design for the 350Z. Rather than a warmed over version of the previous engine, this was essentially an all-new engine with a higher compression ratio, a higher redline, a more durable block, twin air intakes, and variable camshaft timing for the exhaust valves. The hood bulge was necessitated by the new intake system.
Further, the 306-horsepower engine fitted to 2007 350Z models could be found attached to both automatic and manual transmissions. BTW, while that 306 horsepower figure looks low considering all the work done to achieve it, it’s important to note 2007 was the year the SAE recalibrated the way it quoted horsepower. In actuality, the 2007 350Z made some 20 horsepower more than the 2006.
And, just in time to take advantage of that newfound horsepower came the limited edition NISMO 350Z. NISMO is the acronym for Nissan Motor Sports, the tuner division of Nissan, similar in concept to AMG at Mercedes, or the M division at BMW.
The 2007 NISMO 350Z replaced the Track model in the Z’s lineup and featured hand-welded seams for the Z’s unit body to enhance the torsional stiffness of the car. Mass dampers, designed by Yamaha, were fitted between the 350Z’s frame rails to reduce vibrations caused by the additional stiffness. A more aggressive suspension system further improved the Z’s handling, but also made it ride very roughly. If you’re starting to suspect the NISMO Z was more track than street, you’re correct. One look at its aero package unequivocally confirms that intent.
2008
With an all-new 370Z Coupe model on tap for 2009, there were no changes. The 350Z coupe was discontinued after the 2008 model year.
2009
The 350Z Coupe was discontinued in favor of the 370Z Coupe. The only 2009 350Z offered was the Roadster — which went into the 2009 model year unchanged.