New Zed: more power, less weight

Nissan's mainstream sportscar has a new number -- 370. As shown in official pics last month, the new Nissan 370Z is officially launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a few hours, and with the unveiling begins a new even more aggressive and dynamic era for the iconic Zed car.
 
The first all-new car since the Z was resurrected in 2003, the 370Z offers "an authentic sports car experience, with enhanced performance and handling thanks to its more compact dimensions and attention to weight-saving," says Nissan.
 
Powered by a revised 247kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6, the new Z features a shorter wheelbase, "greater use of lightweight body materials", a new seven-speed paddle-shift auto and "the world's first synchronized down/up shift rev control system" for the six-speed manual variant.
 
The tauter new Zed leverages the GT-R in terms of styling -- there's more than a taste of the turbo terror at the pointy end. But it is also said to revive the upswept rear quarter window and fastback roof line and Kamm tail of the original 1970 240Z (a fact not lost on our readers, according to your emails when we ran the first official images of the car recently).
 
Says Nissan: "To get the full measure of the new model... one need look no farther than the subtle upswept line of the new rear quarter window.  Quintessentially Z, the window is reminiscent of the original 1970 240Z -- a car that revolutionised the sports car world with its unique combination of performance, style and, especially, value. The new 370Z continues this philosophy, offering accessible performance, true sportscar handling and athletic, agile design."
 
Hyperbole aside, as far as facts go, the new car is 100mm shorter in the wheelbase (2550 v 2650mm) and overall length has been trimmed 70mm (4250 v 4320mm). The car is 33mm wider and the rear track is a significant 55mm wider. Nissan says the "expanded use of lightweight materials help reduce weight" but no mass figures are quoted in the initial release.
 
The true sportscar nature of the original Z and the most recent 350Z has been retained -- the Z remains a two-seater. The 2+2 role will continue to be filled by cars like the Infiniti G37 Coupe.
 
The above Skyline-based vehicle also provides the base powerplant for the new Zed. The 3.7-litre VQ37VHR V6 features VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) and a 7000rpm redline. Nissan claims 35 per cent of the engine parts and new -- we're not sure whether that's compared to the G37 or the outgoing 350.
 
The six-speed manual has been fettled for its role and includes 'SynchroRev Control'. This function automatically adjusts engine revs to match the next gear position, "essentially 'blipping' the throttle to smooth out any down/up shifts," says the maker.
 
Nissan claims fit and finish have been improved and special attention has been paid to interior materials.
 
Though the centre stack layout is new and features such as integrated satnav have been added, the 350's cockpit layout, which saw the main gauges fixed to the steering column (and moving with it), has been retained. Packaging improvements include more in-cabin storage and the deletion of the rear strut brace.
 
At this stage, Nissan expects to launch the car to media in January in Japan. Though European deliveries will start in April 2009, Aussie Zed car buyers will likely have to wait until June or July to get their 370Z fix.
 
According to Pierre Loing, Nissan's European Vice President for Product Planning: "The new 370Z builds on the best features of both the first and last generations Z–cars -- respectful but not retro, simple yet sophisticated, and unmistakeably Z.
 
"This exciting new Z represents the essence of the Nissan brand, just as the original 240Z did nearly 40 years before. It provides passionate performance at an excellent value -- just what was needed then and just what sports car enthusiasts are looking for today," he opined.
 
No news yet on the timing or availability of the open Roadster version, nor that "excellent value" local pricing.
 
As they say in the classics: Stay tuned...

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