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[Lo-Volt]

Earlier this month, Nissan provided us special access to a camouflaged prototype of its next-generation Z sports car. Now come three photos and official confirmation that this Z will indeed be the 370Z -- or officially speaking, the 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe

What does this mean? Well, for starters, that the rumor mill was 99.99% correct. If you go off name alone, the next-generation Z will be powered by a 3.7L V-6 engine -- no doubt the same one that is in the 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan and coupe. Output should be the about the same as those vehicles as well -- somewhere in the neighborhood of 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Now we don't know all of this for sure, as no details were provided with the images, only this statement:

"All-New 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe Readies for Debut. Nissan offers the first look at the upcoming 2009 370Z Coupe, which makes its world debut at the Los Angeles auto show on November 19. The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, solidifies the strengths of its predecessor with an unmatched balance of performance, style, and value. The all-new Z will go on sale at Nissan dealers in early 2009."

We can, however, learn a bit more by examining the photos. Both exterior shots are of a right -hand-drive model, so we can't assume everything you see here will make it to the North American market. Same goes for the interior. Even though it shows a more accurate left-hand-drive configuration, there are no guarantees that color, trim, or any of the optional equipment shown (such as that nav system) will make it to production.

Still, there are some tasty morsels here.

As you see from the both exterior shots, the 370Z adopts the boomerang-shape head- and taillights first seen on the 2009 Maxima. There is also a new front-end treatment -- two structures curve up and in off the lower airdam, like a pair of canines. Without camouflage, the dramatically shortened wheelbase, heavily sculpted front fenders, and revised door handle all become more obvious. The rear three-quarter angle provides a much better view of those V-shaped lights as well as the backswept roofline and bobbed tail. Most dramatic is the greenhouse. Gone is the 350Z's nose-to-tail beltline; now the window line curves up after the door's trailing edge, creating a small set of rear windows - and daylight openings reminiscent of the original 240Z.

Inside, the overall layout remains very similar to that of the previous generation -- same three-gauge instrument panel (though note the new design of the one at left) and three-gauge cluster above the center stack. The nav system looks like it was pulled straight from the Inifiniti line, as do some of the metal bits on the steering wheel and around the cabin, which we think is a good thing. In general, the interior seems to have gone upmarket, with upgrades to dash, door, and seating surfaces.

Overall, the 2009 Nissan 370Z offers up a more compact and muscular, yet organic and sophisticated look than its predecessor. Where the 350Z appeared to be a long-legged GT cruiser, the 2009 Nissan 370Z returns to its 240Z roots but adds just enough muscle and aggression to give the look of a proper race track brawler.

So how much power does it actually make? How much does it weigh? What fancy transmissions and options can we expect? When does it go on sale and for how much?

Check back on Wednesday, November 19, when most if not all of these details will be revealed at the 370Z's debut at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show.

Search for 'Nissan Z' and 'Nissan' did not reveal this story being posted, but I wonder if it was before anyway?

 

[Anno]

Sufficiently sexy, if not a little safe. I'll be interested to see the details. Nissan loves it's jagged head/tail lights now, it would seem.

 

[Xirj]

Not a big fan of those boomerang lights but I really hope they made it weigh less.

 

[Schrade]

I still prefer the 90's styles of 300zx. I have been trying to find a decent one for a while now.

 

[jonnybryce]

I hate it! Those lights are awful and I hate the new boxy angular look.

 

[Jewbacca]

very porsche

 

[iamblades]

OMG I want this car.

badly.

I personally love the more angular and muscular design of this one compared to the 350.

 

[cilonen]

Love it, especially the interior.

 

[Funky Papa]

I hate it! Those lights are awful and I hate the new boxy angular look.

Wait, are you calling the new look boxy *and* angular?

Good thing its designers can't hear you.

For reference:

Windows aside, the new design is considerably more organic. And the pics don't show it, but the rear haunches are faaaaat.

 

[Shogmaster]

I love the DLO and overall sideview proportions homage to the original 240Z. I dig the fat fat ass. I love the huge fenders/shoulders. It's huge improvement over the 350Z.

They really nailed the essence of the 240Z and brought it to the 21st century.

 

[sky]

It looks ok, but on first impressions only I prefer the older model.
It's more crisp and iconic.

Car interiors are getting so ugly... that looks like something designed for a 12 year old boy. :/

 

[iamblades]

Wait, are you calling the new look boxy *and* angular?

Good thing its designers can't hear you.

For reference:

Windows aside, the new design is considerably more organic. And the pics don't show it, but the rear haunches are faaaaat.

I agree the new one is more organic, but it also is more angular. The 350 didnt have a straight line or a sharp corner anywhere on the thing, it was too round, if that makes sense.

I also like how they continued the roof line all the way back. that was one of my biggest beefs with the 350 design. The roof line of the 350 looked like a giant bubble was put right in the middle of the car. Looks like the nose is a bit longer and higher on this one too, which helps make it not look so symmetrical.

 

[Chamber]

I like it. Always been a big fan of the Z.

 

[zhenming]

Why is nissan using those fugly light jesus save them...

 

[Jill Sandwich]

Much closer to it's heritage than the 350z. I'll take it!

 

[Valkyr Junkie]

I still prefer the 90's styles of 300zx. I have been trying to find a decent one for a while now.

Holla

I don't know how I feel about the restyle on the Z33; I'll wait until I see it in person. What I'm most excited for is the Nissan "Sport Compact" aka Silvia in 2010. I need a daily driver.

 

[xsarien]

I have nary an excuse to drive at all living near so much mass-transit, but...WANT.

 

[Router]

Looks more like the old 240z. Nice. Don't like the interior or those headlights.




Any concrete information on the rumored return of the Silvia though?

 

[Angry Grimace]

don't like the fat round butt

 

[J-Rzez]

The front end is awesome, but the rear is absolutely hideous. The headlights are fine to me, but god damn those tail lights are horrible looking, rubbish. Interior looks great though. But, Nissan is excused thanks to their GTR, which is perfection outside of European exotics costing 2x's+.

Toyota really-really needs to bring back the Supra after seeing the new Z. And not some rediculously fugly hybrid version either. Actually, they need to Supra and the GT-Four/All-trac back, and true to last iterations. The LFA is bad ass and all, but they have nothing remotely close to inspiring like Supra/All-trac in their line up. The ISF isn't bad... but, it's not a "sports-car".

Bring on a true MKV Supra please.

 

[TylerD]

So the performance numbers for 0-60 mph range anywhere from 4.7 sec (motortrend) - 5.1 sec (pretty much everywhere else), and 13.3 sec 1/4 mile at 105.6 mph. I am going to be getting one of these as soon as I can afford it. I love that they removed the huge strutt brace in the rear cargo area. I love this new 370z.

 

[SonnyBoy]

Sexual healing confirmed...

 

[Keylime]

That interior is amazing.

I love gaudy looking things and that bright orange is a nice kick in the pants.

 

[Tarazet]

I saw a yellow one in the flesh at the San Francisco auto show.. I did not like it one bit. It had a nice shape overall but the details let it down. The Nike swoosh taillights just don't work.

 

[Dark Octave]

I wish they would go back to the 90s Z style and update that.

I've never been a fan of the short sloped back, pointy top, loooooong front end, look.

 

[DrForester]

Looks like an aston martin but the designer just gave up before finishing up the front...

 

[DarkJediKnight]

Looks like shit! The 250z is a much better looking car. Someone's been drinking the nostalgia juice too long. Watch the sales plummet. :lol

 

[GuessWho]

fugly

 

[Barrett2]

Hot

 

[tedtropy]

They certainly didn't go with the less-is-more approach for the interior, but I think it looks purdy on the outside...which is all I'm likely to ever see of it.

 

[karasu]

The slope of the roof is far too pronounced for my liking.

 

[ultim8p00]

The car looks sexy enough, but those lights are just terrible.

EDIT: That interior is sexy as hell.

 

[Stinkles]

I want to try that new transmission.

 

[Brofist]

The new Fairlady Z just went on sale a couple days ago in Japan, might just go down take a look at it in person. I like the look from the pics.

 

[AgentOtaku]

very nice!

 

[dsunit1]

Verdict: Sex on wheels

 

[golem]

la auto show

 

[SUPREME1]

*sigh*


Ad what do the 3 big US automakers have to counter?


*crickets*





I know this car is meant for niche market, but it's an overall pattern. Foreign cars simply provide a god mix of what drivers like, want and need.


That car is f*cking sexy.

 

[gcubed]

*sigh*


Ad what do the 3 big US automakers have to counter?


*crickets*





I know this car is meant for niche market, but it's an overall pattern. Foreign cars simply provide a god mix of what drivers like, want and need.


That car is f*cking sexy.

i dont think THIS is the car you want to ask that question on.

 

[Tarazet]

*sigh*


Ad what do the 3 big US automakers have to counter?

Pontiac Solstice targa perhaps?

 

[SUPREME1]

Pontiac Solstice targa perhaps?

Pontiac?

:lol


No.

 

[SUPREME1]

i dont think THIS is the car you want to ask that question on.

I meant all cars in general.

We have trucks. Nice, but standard trucks.


What do we have that is honestly going to knock off the camry or accord?

Talking sales here.



Malibu? Nice try.... but a little too late. They also still need to make it sexier. Looks chubby.

 

[Tarazet]

Pontiac?

:lol


No.

LOL ITS AMERICAN AND BEAUTIFUL. SO PHUNNIE.

 

[rollingstart]

looks very nice

as said earlier, it looks like an updated 240z

 

[SnakeswithLasers]

Fuck, do want. This reminds me of my old 240. =/

 

[Ranger X]

Not sure about the lights :/

 

[TylerD]

I just want to know if it sounds like the g35/350z. I could always tell if there was a g35 or 350z around due to the sound of the exhaust note... it is so unique.

 

[dsunit1]

Its the baby of a porsche and a 240z ...

 

[dsunit1]

I just want to know if it sounds like the g35/350z. I could always tell if there was a g35 or 350z around due to the sound of the exhaust note... it is so unique.[/QUOTE ]


Why do you think its called the 370z it has the same motor as the g37 just tuned for more power and torque.

 

[EGM92]

I like the design, yea it looks like a redesigned Datsun 240z, I really wish they'd go back to the Z32's design, I miss my Fairlady TT.