The 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster has been named the official project car for this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, which is open to the public from January 2-11, 2004 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Z(R) Roadster project car will be on display in the West Hall Lobby throughout the entire show.
Evoking the adrenaline-pumping spirit of the 350Z, the much-anticipated 350Z Roadster went on sale this past summer and continues to offer sports car lovers the Z(R) Coupe's high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Z(R) Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds. With a base MSRP of $33,850, Z(R) Roadster sales have surpassed 4,100 units through November.

"The Z(R) has always been Nissan's halo car, representing the heart, soul and passion of the company so we're thrilled that the Z(R) Roadster is the official project car of this year's LA Auto Show," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Consumer and aftermarket interest in the Z(R) is extremely high and I can't think of a more appropriate venue to show off the Z(R) Roadster project car than the LA Auto Show."

The Z(R) Roadster project car features many modifications to the exterior, interior, exhaust and suspension. In about six months' time, approximately 20 aftermarket suppliers provided expertise and parts to transform the popular two-seater convertible into an enthusiast's dream car.

"For the past six years, the LA Auto Show has assembled a project car to demonstrate just how one can personalize a new vehicle with well-chosen parts and accessories," said Scott Webb, marketing manager, LA Auto Show. "As soon as we saw the 2004 Nissan Z(R) Roadster, we knew it would be an ideal project car and immediately assembled an enthusiastic team of aftermarket suppliers to create the ultimate sports car."

Below is a complete list of modifications that were made to the Z(R) Roadster.

:: Mackin Industries installed an Espelir stainless steel exhaust system that incorporates a removable baffle that reduces sound output to socially acceptable levels while installed. The bolt-on system also provides additional horsepower by reducing pumping losses.  

:: Wheel Warehouse provided Volk Racing TE37 wheels and Yokohama tires. The forged aluminum wheels are 19"x8.5" up front and 19"x10.5" in back, wrapped by 245/35-19 and 275/30-19 AVS Sport tires respectively.

:: Star Shield Armor provided a paint and headlight protection kit that uses special urethane film originally developed by 3M for military applications to provide a transparent barrier to damage caused by rocks and other road debris.

:: Brembo(R), in cooperation with Hartmann Motorsport, installed a Gran Turismo brake kit, which includes two four-piston cast aluminum calipers and two-piece 332mm "floating" disc brakes.

:: Shark Racing provided a Kaminari aerodynamic kit, including a ram air hood, which was painted by Bon Voyage Auto Body.

:: Vogtland installed performance lowering springs and Tokico provided adjustable dampers.

:: Networkcar installed a satellite-based monitoring system that will track the vehicle's position, engine performance, fuel efficiency, mileage and other parameters from any computer connected to the Internet. Additionally, it will alert you to malfunctions and track the car in the event that it's stolen.

:: Automotive Entertainment and Alpine Electronics modified the entire mobile electronics system with an Alpine AM/FM/CD/DVD/Video head unit, two Alpine amps, eight speakers and two ten-inch subwoofers, all connected by Scosche cables.

:: XM provided satellite radio capability.

:: Chase Cam installed a tiny camera to record and relive those great drives that the Z(R) Roadster is sure to provide.

:: William Rau provided a carbon fiber steering wheel and shift knob.

About Nissan North America, Inc.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com or contact the corporate media line at 310-771-5631.