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:
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. For more details click here.
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. For more details click here.
