Nissan Z V (Z33) photos

Introduced in 2002, the fifth generation of the Z-car line, carrying the chassis code Z33, marked the revival of Nissan's legendary sports car series following the discontinuation of the Z32 300ZX. While retaining the historical Fairlady Z nameplate in the Japanese domestic market, the model was marketed in North America, Europe, and other international regions as the Nissan 350Z. Departing from the complex twin-turbocharged engines, T-bar roof options, and 2+2 seating configurations of the Z32, the Z33 returned to a purist two-seat layout with naturally aspirated power. It was built on Nissan's Front Midship (FM) rear-wheel-drive platform, which positioned the engine behind the front axle centerline to achieve a balanced weight distribution. The lineup launched as a two-seat fastback coupe and was joined in 2003 by a Roadster variant featuring an electrically operated soft top. Power initially came from the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode. A mid-cycle refresh in 2005, coinciding with the 35th Anniversary Edition, brought revised exterior lighting, an upgraded interior, and a higher-revving VQ35DE Rev-Up engine on manual-equipped trims. A major mechanical update followed for the 2007 model year, replacing the engine with the heavily revised dual-intake VQ35HR V6, which required a distinctive bulged hood reminiscent of the original 240Z. Before production concluded in 2008, Nissan also offered a track-focused NISMO edition featuring aerodynamic bodywork, chassis dampers, and stiffer suspension tuning.