Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST
The Z returned after a two-year pause with a compact cabin, a big V6 and its engine pushed rearward for balance.
2002 Japan Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST · Ssu · CC BY-SA 4.0
Research pending
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More than a set of wheels.
Nissan ended Z32 production in August 2000, showed a new Z concept at Detroit in January 2001, and launched the fifth-generation Z33 in Japan on July 29, 2002. The domestic car was called Fairlady Z; overseas buyers knew it as the 350Z. Version ST paired the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 with a six-speed manual, Brembo brakes and staggered 18-inch tires. This is the 280 PS launch specification, not later higher-output models.
Look a little closer.
In Japan it was the Fairlady Z, while many export markets saw the same generation badged 350Z.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
What front-midship means
The Z33's engine is in front of the occupants but positioned rearward in the chassis. Nissan's launch material gives the result as a 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. That is still a front-engine car; 'front-midship' describes where the engine mass sits relative to the axles, not a mid-engine layout behind the seats.
Source: Nissan newsroom · All-new Fairlady Z launch ↗A six-year return for the Z
Nissan says the Z33 sold more than 250,000 units before production ended in December 2008. The launch followed a two-year gap after the Z32. Later Z33 updates raised engine output, so this profile preserves the original 2002 Version ST rating of 280 PS and 363 N·m.
Source: Nissan · Z: 50 years of excitement ↗Where these facts come from
- Nissan Heritage Collection · 2002 Fairlady Z Version ST
- Nissan newsroom · All-new Fairlady Z launch
- Nissan · Z: 50 years of excitement
- Nissan company history · 2000s
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 2, 2026.