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17/08/2005: "Nissan Z Tops 1.5 Million Sales"

As Nissan North America prepares to unveil the refined 2006 Nissan 350Z sports car to a group of enthusiastic owners at the 18th Annual International Z Car Convention in Syracuse, New York, the Nissan Z - at age 36 - shows no signs of slowing down. As one of the true international success stories in the automotive industry, the Z today is sold in more than 80 countries, with over 1,535,000 cumulative units sold to date - the world’s best-selling sports car ever.

The first four generations of the Z, which debuted in the United States in the fall of 1969 as the 1970 Datsun 240Z, have accounted for 1.38 million sales. The fifth generation Z, the 2003 - 2006 Nissan 350Z, has already chalked up nearly 150,000 sales. Two-thirds of those sales have been in the U.S., where the 350Z has consistently ranked as the first or second best selling sports car in the nation and enjoys a nearly 20 percent share of the sports car market.

"The Z has become part of the culture of the world, an instantly recognized symbol of Nissan's performance, technology and design," defines Nissan marketing director Fred Suckow.

2006 350Z

For the 2006 model year, the 350Z receives its first comprehensive updating since it was introduced three years ago. The new 2006 Z features a revised front end appearance, enhanced interior, LED taillights, a new vehicle speed-sensitive power steering system, refined optional navigation system and available super lightweight 18-inch front/19-inch rear 5-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels (Track and Grand Touring Coupe versions only).

Other enhancements for 2006 include standard 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels (except Track and Grand Touring Coupe models), increased brake rotor size for non-Brembo models, standard bi-xenon (low and high beam) headlights, and mp3 CD capability for the available Bose audio system. Three new exterior colors (eight total) are available for 2006: Silver Alloy, Magnetic Black, and Interlagos Fire.

Every 2006 350Z comes with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 300 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, or 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque for all 5-speed automatic transmission models.

(this article was taken from speedtv.com)