LOS ANGELES — More muscle, less weight, new skin and a starting price of $29,930. All those attributes make the 2009 Nissan 370Z even more desirable than its predecessor. It makes its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Z gets its first full redesign since being relaunched in model year 2003. The 370Z Coupe goes on sale in January, followed later in the year by the new 2010 370Z Roadster. Nissan initially will market a simplified lineup that includes the base model and the 370Z Touring, with stickers starting from around $30,000.
The sleek new sheet metal commands immediate attention, drawing styling inspiration from both the original 240Z and the current GT-R. The 370Z looks proportionally different from the 350Z, too; it's 2.7 inches shorter, 1.3 inches wider and 0.3 inch lower, with a wheelbase that has been shortened by 3.9 inches. The rear wheels have been moved forward, and the rear track has been widened by 2.2 inches, giving the new Z a more menacing stance.
Adding to its purpose, the 370Z sports a larger, more powerful engine than its predecessor — a 3.7-liter V6 rated at 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm, compared with the 350Z's 3.5-liter V6 that delivered 306 hp at 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm.
The V6 can be mated to one of two new transmissions: a close-ratio six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic with manual-shift mode and adaptive shift control. The EPA numbers are up marginally, to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for either transmission/engine combination.
Ride and handling have been enhanced through the use of a new double-wishbone front suspension that replaces the lower multilink setup in the 350Z. The new car's four-link rear suspension is stiffer and lighter, and the brakes and steering have been upgraded.
Nissan fits 18-inch Yokohama Advan Sport tires to the standard 370Z — 225/50R18s in front and 245/45R18s in the rear, mounted on five-spoke alloy wheels. Optional 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires on Rays forged alloy wheels are part of the Sport package, which also bundles a front chin spoiler and rear spoiler, larger brakes and a viscous limited-slip differential.
The two-place cockpit has been completely revamped as well with a new instrument panel, center console, seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Standard features include an Intelligent Key with push-button start, power windows and locks, power seats, automatic climate control, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Among the options are navigation with real-time traffic, leather upholstery and aluminum pedals.
Inside Line says: Very likely the star of the show. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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