The 350Z T-tune is the first complete production ready design to have come from Nissan Design Europe’s new facility which opened in London in January 2003 and is now home to over 50 international designers, modellers and support staff. The studio’s mission is to design the next generation of Nissan cars for Europe.  It will be available in a strictly limited edition of 1000 units worldwide.

It reflects Nissan’s belief that consumers’ tastes are changing to echo their lifestyles which are becoming more active. Buyers of the 350Z T-tune will want the performance of a true sporting coupe, the security of a 4x4, as well as the increased stowage space for active lifestyles. In addition, buyers increasingly want a vehicle which is distinctive, allowing them to express themselves and to stand out from the crowd.  The T-tune builds on the award-winning looks of the 350Z Coupe with a striking rear end treatment.

The exterior design incorporates strong Nissan DNA seen in the design of the Micra, 350Z, Primera and the recent Qashqai’ concept.  Nissan is among the first manufacturers to recognize the evolution in customer tastes which will see consumers increasingly buying cars like the T-tune.

The 350 Z T-tune is a compact coupe/sporting vehicle crossover and features an advanced electronic four-wheel drive system based on the system used in the Nissan Murano.  "Engineering the four wheel drive system for the T-tune was not that difficult.  The FM (editors' note - "Front Midships") platform was designed for four wheel drive from the start to suit the needs of Murano and FX45" said  Nissan Design Europe’ chief Satori Tai.  The 350Z T-tune has already completed many successful laps of testing at the Nürburgring in the hands of legendary Nissan test driver Dirk Schoysman where the four-wheel drive system displayed impressive stability even in wet conditions.

Nismo is also launching a new wheel design to coincide with the car's launch.  The "Concept" wheel is available in 18" and 19" sizes and will be available as an option on the Fairlady Z T-tune.

The Nissan press conference will take place at 11:59, Thursday 1 April 2004.

350Z T-tune (fitted with optional Nismo Concept wheels)

350Z T-tune Overview

1. Design
Like the 350Z Coupe, the 350Z T-tune design expresses the three key themes of newness, Z-ness and high quality, but also now adds largeness.

·  Exterior
The car features a beautiful flowing form from the familiar 350Z Coupe nose through to the new rear hatch area aft of the B pillars.  The upsweep of the C pillar perfectly reflects and complements the windscreen's rake.

·  Interior
The 350Z T-tune features an enhanced limited edition interior to reinforce the feel-good factor of driving a premium touring model.  High-grade, realistic looking wood effect trim finishes have been added to dash and door interiors and replacing all aluminium detailing in the standard Coupe.  An additional cupholder mechanism has also been installed to increase touring comfort.

2. Hatch area
The unique new hatch area of the T-tune model features a built in dog guard with side and curtain airbags to protect your most important friends.

3. Mechanisms
The fundamental package of performance features provides the same impressive dynamic capabilities as the Coupe.

The VQ series engine has been increased in capacity to 3.8L for the T-tune, so that performance is not compromised by carrying extra canine loads.  

4. Practicality
A DVD-based TV/navigation system compatible with Nissan's CARWINGS telematics service is available as an optional feature.  For the first time on a Nissan navigation system, all CAMRA real ale pubs in the UK are pre-stored as POIs (points of information) for easier location.

A Bose sound system tuned exclusively for the T-tune model delivers optimum sound quality regardless of how many labradors are being carried.  The revised AudioPilot is especially effective at bringing the Archers to life.

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