Z Start
Published: 11th March 2003
The same two options are also offered on the higher specified 350Z ‘GT Pack’ priced at £26,500. Externally, it looks the same as the standard 350Z. But open one of the doors (using a handle that’s pure automotive jewellery, incidentally) and the differences are revealed: heated, electrically adjustable sports seats upholstered in black leather, cruise control and a BOSE 240W, seven speaker audio system. A unique-to-the-‘GT-Pack’ option is Alezan Orange leather upholstery and interior trim. It’s an extra £350, very bright and very orange. And so is only offered with certain colours.
When orders start on 17 March, Nissan reckons the ‘GT Pack’ model will dominate UK sales. Customers will have to go to a Nissan dealer to order where the car’s features can be best explained by a dedicated 350Z specialist. When the order is placed on-line by the dealer specialist, and a refundable £2000 deposit handed over, a number on the 350Z waiting list is immediately allocated at headquarters. A short time later, the customer will be given an approximate delivery date. From this point on, till the happy day of delivery, the customer will continue to receive updates and contact from Nissan about the progress of his or her 350Z. Nissan also hopes to invite prospective customers to special 350Z focused events.
The 4,000 or so people who registered their names with Nissan will be receiving notification of the ordering process this week. And the special website, www.nissan-350Z.co.uk, is being updated with this information – already it’s received over 54,000 hits, many from people simply drooling over the pictures. With the European spec 350Z unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 4 March and more publicity around the car, the number of people wanting to join Club Z will only get bigger and the demand for those first 450 cars even greater. So don’t be surprised if you see a number of tents pitched outside Nissan dealers on the night of 16 March.
