 2009 Nissan 370Z. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Nissan 370Z
Los Angeles, California – Nissan has unveiled the first full redesign of the Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, with the debut of the 370Z at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new model features a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, a new engine with more horsepower and improved fuel economy, a new seven-speed automatic transmission, and what Nissan calls the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the manual transmission.
“The fresh character of the 2009 Nissan 370Z is immediately apparent in the crisp new exterior design, which is sportier, yet still immensely identifiable as a Nissan Z,” said Al Castignetti, vice-president, Sales, Nissan Division. “One usually thinks of evolution as being linear. The new 370Z’s ’super evolution’ builds on the best features of both the first- and last-generation Z-cars, respectful but not retro, simple yet sophisticated, and 110 per cent pure Z.”
The new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe will go on sale in North America in January 2009, followed by a new 370Z Roadster for the 2010 model year.
For the first time, the Z features aluminum door panels, along with an all-aluminum hood in place of the previous generation’s steel-reinforced aluminum hood, and an aluminum hatch. The body structure was extensively revised, with a new front suspension cradle, new rear structural reinforcements, an underbody “V-bar” to help reduce rear lateral bending, and a carbon fibre composite radiator housing. New exterior styling includes a “boomerang” headlight and taillight treatment, and standard bi-xenon headlamps with automatic on/off.
The new Z uses the fourth generation of Nissan’s VQ-series V6, a 3.7-litre engine with variable valve event and lift, rated at 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, compared with the previous generation’s 306-horsepower 3.5-litre engine. Approximately 35 per cent of the engine’s parts are new and it provides better power delivery all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline. Transmission choices are a new close-ratio six-speed manual with synchronized downshift rev matching system that essentially “blips” the throttle to smooth out shifts, and which can be deactivated by a button if desired. The new seven-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching and Adaptive Shift Control for improved manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode.
