Geneva Preview: Nissan to launch revised 350Z and a brand-new model for Europe

I’m pretty sure that you’re scanning the press release to find what kind of model will Nissan unveil at the Geneva Show besides the revised 313Hp 2007 350Z. You shouldn’t bother though cause that’s about all Nissan will reveal until the Geneva press conference at 11:15 on Tuesday 6 March.

Just came to me though that during the world presentation of the Nissan Qashqai at Paris in September, I had an interesting chat with Brian Carolin, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing of Nissan Europe and one of the most talkative and “no bullshit” car execs I’ve met. At one point I asked him whether Nissan was planning to substitute the Primera with a new mid-size sedan or if they would follow the same tactic as with the Almera, somewhat replacing it with a crossover and more specifically, with the new X-Trail.

Carolin’s answer was that, the X-Trail which will be unveiled in early 2007, most probably at the Geneva show, will also take upon the task of “stealing” buyers from the mid-size sedan segment. Even though this is hypothetical, I wouldn't be surprised if the new X-Trail was more or less based on the Nissan Rogue we saw at the Detroit Show. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release and a high-res gallery of the Euro 2007 350Z

PRESS RELEASE: NISSAN AT THE 77TH INTERNATIONAL GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2007

• World premiere of a new model for Europe
• Extensive revisions to 350Z including:
• New generation VQ engine
• Increase in power and torque
• Redesigned bonnet profile
• New exterior and interior colours
• New tyres for improved refinement

Trappes, France, (12th February, 2007) Nissan will be unveiling for the first time anywhere in the world a new model which will reinforce the company’s profit and growth aspirations in Europe. Carlos Tavares, Nissan’s Executive Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Product Planning, will present the new model at Nissan’s press conference at 11:15 on Tuesday 6 March (1st press day). No further details will be released until the press conference.

As well as the world premiere, Nissan will also be showing the new, updated 350Z which will reinforce its credentials as a pure sports car with thrilling, involving performance.

With the fitment of the next generation 3.5 V6 engine – engine code VQ35HR – power has risen to 313PS (230kW) at 6800rpm and torque is now rated at 358Nm at 4800rpm, while the maximum engine speed has increased by 500rpm to 7500rpm. Nearly 80% of major engine parts are new, providing improved acceleration and responsiveness.

To achieve the additional performance, a dual intake system has been fitted and the variable valve timing system has a wider range of operation, plus the addition of a common length exhaust manifold reduces back pressure. Those changes combine to boost low and mid-range torque.

In order to achieve the higher rev limit, the crank journal and crank pin have increased in size. At the bottom of the engine, a ladder frame has been added to stiffen the crank and reduce vibration.

The introduction of a second knock sensor, an asymmetric piston pattern, improved cylinder cooling and iridium spark plugs will combine to improve the efficiency of the ignition cycle, while an increase in compression ratio from 10.3 to 10.6 has liberated more top end power. Despite all these changes, weight and fuel consumption remain unchanged, but the engine’s centre of gravity has been lowered by 15mm.

To accommodate the new engine the front bonnet has been discreetly redesigned and is now reminiscent of the original 240Z, thanks to a slightly raised profile, while three new exterior colours will also be offered. Temper Orange is a striking shade but also contains a subtle green “flip” which can be seen in soft light and gives the car a surprising tone, while a new grey – Precision Grey – and Night Blue complete the colour line-up.

Inside, a new trim has also been introduced, which is called Frost Grey. It is a pale tone and adds a touch of sophistication to the car’s interior. As well as a new interior trim colour, another important change to the interior is the fitment of Active Headrests, to minimise the chances of neck injury in the event of a rear impact.

And to improve on-road refinement, the 350Z is now equipped with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, however grip levels remain unaffected.

Technorati: Nissan, Nissan+350Z, Nissan+X-Trail, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images