The Nissan 350Z Roadster, specifically the facelifted version produced from 2007 to 2009, represented a compelling blend of performance and open-air driving enjoyment. Positioned as the convertible variant of the popular 350Z coupe (Z33 chassis), the Roadster aimed to broaden the appeal of Nissan’s flagship sports car. This particular iteration featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It occupied a middle ground in the 350Z lineup, offering a more accessible entry point to the Z experience compared to the manual transmission or higher-performance trims, while still delivering a significant performance punch.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | 350Z |
| Generation | 350Z Roadster (Z33, facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 i V6 24V (300 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Roadster |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 300 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 361 Nm @ 4400 rpm / 266.26 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | VQ35DE |
| Engine displacement | 3498 cm3 / 213.46 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95.5 mm / 3.76 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 81.4 mm / 3.2 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l / 4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt |
| Coolant | 8.7 l / 9.19 US qt | 7.65 UK qt |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 235 l / 8.3 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l / 21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal |
| Length | 4315 mm / 169.88 in. |
| Width | 1815 mm / 71.46 in. |
| Height | 1330 mm / 52.36 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm / 104.33 in. |
| Front track | 1535 mm / 60.43 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1540 mm / 60.63 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 125 mm / 4.92 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/45 R18; 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 2007-2009 350Z Roadster was Nissan’s VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine, a member of the highly-regarded VQ family, was known for its smooth power delivery and reliability. The VQ35DE featured a 60-degree V-angle, aluminum alloy block and cylinder heads, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. The multi-port fuel injection system delivered fuel directly into each intake port, optimizing combustion. The 300 horsepower output was achieved through a combination of optimized intake and exhaust systems, along with a revised engine control unit (ECU) calibration. Paired with this engine was a Jatco-sourced 5-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while offering convenience, was not known for its sportiness compared to the available 6-speed manual. It featured a conventional torque converter and offered selectable shift modes, but lacked the responsiveness of more modern automatic transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 350Z Roadster with the 3.5L V6 and automatic transmission delivered a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not as aggressively geared as the manual transmission versions, the automatic provided smooth shifts and adequate acceleration. The 5-speed automatic’s gear ratios were tuned more for cruising and fuel efficiency than outright performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph typically took around 6.0-6.5 seconds, slightly slower than the manual counterpart. The rear-wheel-drive layout provided a balanced feel, but the automatic transmission could sometimes feel hesitant during quick downshifts. The Roadster’s suspension, while firm enough to provide good handling, was slightly softer than the coupe to enhance ride comfort.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2007-2009 350Z Roadster came reasonably well-equipped, even in its base form. Standard features included leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, a Bose audio system, and alloy wheels. The Touring trim, which was the most common configuration with the automatic transmission, added features like heated seats, automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Optional extras included a navigation system, premium Bose audio upgrade, and various cosmetic enhancements. Interior upholstery was typically dark gray or black leather, with silver or woodgrain trim accents available.
Chassis & Braking
The 350Z Roadster utilized a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The chassis featured a multi-link suspension system at all four corners, designed to provide a balance of handling and ride comfort. The front suspension incorporated coil springs and stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension utilized coil springs, dampers, and a stabilizer bar. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. The Roadster’s weight distribution was close to 53/47 front/rear, contributing to its balanced handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 350Z Roadster was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, strong engine performance, and enjoyable open-air driving experience. However, the automatic transmission was often criticized for lacking the engagement and responsiveness of the manual. Compared to the 6-speed manual version, the automatic offered slightly lower fuel economy and slower acceleration. Against competitors like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and BMW Z4, the 350Z Roadster offered a more powerful engine and a more aggressive styling, but at a slightly higher price point. The 350Z also offered more interior space than the Miata.
Legacy
The VQ35DE engine paired with the 5-speed automatic transmission in the 350Z Roadster has proven to be relatively reliable over the long term. Common issues are typically related to age and mileage, such as oil leaks, sensor failures, and wear on suspension components. The automatic transmission, while not as sporty as the manual, has generally held up well with proper maintenance. Today, the 2007-2009 350Z Roadster represents an affordable entry point into the world of Japanese sports cars. It remains a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a stylish, powerful, and enjoyable convertible. Well-maintained examples command reasonable prices in the used car market, making it a compelling option for those seeking a fun and engaging driving experience.
