Nissan recently showed the first official images of its 2009 370Z sports coupe. Building off the heritage from the original 240Z in 1970, the new Z carries a sleek, sporty design as well as replacing the aged 350Z powerplant with a bigger, more powerful engine. The new look and increased power should help make the 370Z a more refined sports car and help eliminate the stigma of being the “poor man’s Corvette”.
The 2009 Nissan 370Z is the latest addition to the infamous Z car heritage and the new design gives a noticeable nod back to the original. While the 350Z was an eye-catching design when the car launched in 2003, the 370Z actually makes the current design look a bit conservative. The new car’s proportions are more in line with the 240Z with a long hood and swept windshield, while the roofline is almost straight from the A-pillar back to the rear fascia. Short overhangs and prominent wheel arches help increase the 370Z’s sporty stance. The wheel arches are even more prominent compared to its predecessor with headlight and taillight designs in line with the design language of the 2009 Nissan Altima.
Inside, the 370Z continues its improved sporty makeover. The most appreciated change inside the 370Z is the new steering wheel. While the 350Z used a three-spoke steering wheel that was seemingly pulled out of a Pathfinder, the 370Z’s wheel is sportier and more rounded helping to give the new cabin a look deserving of a sports car. Like the previous Z car, three gauges still sit atop the center stack above a supersized navigation screen.
Under the hood, the 370Z will use the same engine Infiniti uses in its G37 coupe. No specific details are available on the new Z car, but the G37 puts out 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Like the current 350Z, expect the new car to offer sporty options for both manual and automatic transmission. Power will continue to lay rubber via the rear wheels.
The 2009 Nissan 370Z will make its official debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on Nov. 19, 2008 and will go on sale early in 2009. Stay tuned as we’ll provide more information as it’s released.
Review written by: Jeffrey N. Ross
All photos courtesy of Nissan Motors