2006 Nissan 350Z Track

For the 350Z Track model, Nissan upped the handling by adding substantially stickier asymmetrical Bridgestone rubber (P245/40R18 front, P265/40R19 rear), plus stiffer springs, dampers and stabilizer bars. The brakes are even upgraded with big Brembo calipers, painted a racy gold color. Rotor diameters are pizza pan-sized 12.8 inches in front, 12.7 inches in back.


Tracks have a way of humbling some pretty impressive cars, but the 350Z proved more than worthy in the handling department. Its body stayed extremely flat during cornering, the steering stayed neutral and the brakes were linear and strong. One of the advantages of high roll stiffness and low-profile tires is immediate turn-in, and the 350Z Track feels something like a big kart in this regard. Driven smoothly, it will faithfully follow your commands. Simply put, with its willing engine, special suspension tuning, fat tires and bigger brakes, it is an honest track-day car that you can take to Lime Rock or Laguna Seca on track day and laugh yourself silly. And then drive home again.

Power

The interior is just as rewarding for enthusiast drivers. It's tempting for automakers to go overboard in the dazzle department when appealing to racer wannabes. A case in point was the original Lexus IS 300, which had some seemingly gratuitous interior touches. But the 350Z Track rolls along a fine line between excitement and pragmatic reserve, and that suits us just fine. The deep bucket seats have plenty of lateral support for hard cornering, the relationships between steering wheel, pedals and shifter are good, and the fit and finish of the interior materials is excellent. Showing that the Nissan product-planning team gets what makes car guys tick, the rear shock-tower brace, located behind the seats, is emphasized with an aluminum finish rather than hidden under carpeting or a cheesy-looking fascia. Well done.


Are there better track cars than the Nissan 350Z Track? Sure, money buys all the speed you can handle. The Lotus Elise is an amazing little throw-about for short circuits, and heavy-hitters like the Porsche 911 Turbo and Corvette Z06 will show their taillights to the 350Z on fast courses. But you can't touch them for the $34,550 MSRP of the 350Z Track, and we'd be surprised if their reliability will match this Japanese product. At any price, the Nissan 350Z Track is an energetic and viable sports car with plenty to offer and nothing to hide. You can take that to the bank—and the track. (www.nissanusa.com)