2009 Nissan 370Z

For their all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe, Nissan engineers and designers have infused a heavy dose of the "everyday sports car" concept begun by the car's forefather -- the iconic Datsun 240Z -- into its latest two-passenger ride. The 370Z is making its much-anticipated world debut at the Los Angeles auto show this week, and Nissan has finally released all the details.

Starting under the hood, the new 370Z employs a version of Nissan's revised, fourth-generation 3.7L VQ37HR V-6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control. Similar to the unit in its Infiniti G37 cousin, the engine is composed of 35% new components versus the outgoing 3.5L VQ35HR motor. In the 370Z, the engine makes 332 hp at 7000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm and sits 0.6 in. lower in an effort to improve the car's center of gravity. Nissan insists the engine offers better power delivery through redline, as well as improved low-end power and high-end torque.


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Power is transferred to the Z's rear wheels via either a short-throw six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, both of which offer interesting new features. For the manual, Nissan is introducing what it calls the world's first Synchronized Downshift Rev Matching system, a feature that automatically controls and matches engine speed to the exact speed of the next gear, basically "blipping" the throttle for smoother downshifts and near instant power delivery when exiting a corner. Not to worry purists, Nissan has installed a system turn-off button for customers who prefer to heel-toe on their own.

Similarly, the seven-speed auto features a Downshift Rev Matching system mated to Adaptive Shift Control. Both computer-controlled programs were designed to mimic a manual transmission with shifts taking around 0.5 sec to achieve, according to Nissan. With either transmission bolted on, the more powerful 370Z achieves fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway -- a slight improvement over the outgoing 350Z.


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As part of its effort to improve the new Z's handling, Nissan added a new three-point front strut brace to the mix. This piece alone increases front body torsion rigidity by as much as 30%, according to the automaker. Revised suspension cradles both front and rear reportedly allow for a better dialing-in of camber, caster, and toe. The car's double wishbone front setup utilizes forged aluminum links while the four-link rear is fully integrated into the platform, meaning no welding was necessary. Further bracing the entire structure is a V-Bar underbody unit located centrally, as well as a rear body torsion bar Nissan says improves body torsion up to 22% and rear body vertical bending rigidity by up to 30%. Stopping the car are four-piston, 14-in. front, 13.9-in.two-piston rear brakes on the Sport Package with the 19-in. forged aluminum Rays wheels. Base Zs employ 12.6-in. front/12.12-in. rear binders that sit behind standard issue 18-in. alloys.