z33

Z33 is the internal chassis designation used by Nissan for the second generation of its Z-car line, corresponding to the Nissan 350Z and its Roadster variant. It followed the Z32 300ZX and preceded the Z34 370Z in the Z-car lineage. The Z33-based cars were introduced in the early 2000s and were produced through the late 2000s for markets worldwide, with minor regional variations.

The Z33 platform is notable for its front- or slightly behind-the-front-axle V6 powerplant and rear-wheel-drive layout, packaged in two-seat coupe and two-seat roadster forms. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35DE) that provided strong performance for its class, typically paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. The design emphasized a low center of gravity, balanced weight distribution, and sporty handling, along with Nissan’s then-modern interior and technology features.

Variants and trims for the 350Z included several levels—such as base, Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring—along with special editions and tuning-oriented models in some markets. The Roadster adds a power-operated soft top to the same chassis, offering open-air driving while preserving the coupe’s performance characteristics.

In 2009, Nissan introduced the 370Z (Z34) as the successor to the Z33, marking the end of the 350Z line. The Z33 remains a focal point in discussions of early-2000s sports cars and the revival of Nissan’s Z-car legacy.