2009 nissan 370zNissan  finally dropped the sheet on its next-generation Z at the Los Angeles Auto Show, putting to rest all the rumors. Of course, the 2009 370Z Coupe picks up the 3.7-liter V-6 from the Infiniti G37  sedan and coupe, with output bumped up to 332 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm. More significant is the 370Z's compact new shape. With a wheelbase of 100.4 inches and length of 167.1 inches, the new Z is 3.9 inches shorter between the wheels and 2.7 inches shorter overall. Much of the wheelbase was lopped off behind the B-pillar, which should give the Z much tighter handling. At 72.6 inches, the new Z is 1.1 inches wider than the 350Z. Track grows to 61.0 inches front, 62.8 inches rear, with staggered 18-inch wheels.
For such a substantial tweaking in size, the 370Z doesn't lose much weight over the 350Z. It's lighter, due to a new aluminum hatchback and door skins, but only by 30 to 50 pounds. Fuel economy for the six-speed manual and the new seven-speed automatic improves to 18/26 mpg for both on the EPA city/highway cycle. With boomerang-shaped headlights and a new front fascia that includes two upswept canine-like structures, the 370Z looks more aggressive. The 350Z's nose-to-tail beltline is gone. The window line curves up after the door's trailing edge, creating daylight openings reminiscent of the original 240Z. Heavily sculpted front and rear fenders bookend the shortened wheelbase and revised door handles, while new V-shaped taillights accent the rakish roofline and fastback tail. Inside, the layout remains similar to the previous generation (and original 240Z) with a three-gauge instrument panel and cluster above the center stack. Nissan will offer two models, standard and touring, when the 370Z goes on sale in the spring.
The most interesting option is the Sport Package, which adds 19-inch forged wheels, bigger brakes, and SynchroRev Match-a new engine RPM matching system that throttle blips the manual gearbox on downshifts. Intrigued? So are we

2009 nissan 370z