Nissan not attending 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Nissan had a pretty strong presence at the 2008 LA Auto Show with two product launches including the new 2009 Nissan 370Z and the new 2009 Nissan Cube. However, joining a half-dozen others, Nissan has decided to pull out of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. It has also announced that it will not be attending the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

Nissan says that the decision was made due to its tightened marketing budgets and since it has not major product launches planned during the time period of the two shows. Nissan says it feels that Detroit and Chicago aren’t the best place to put its marketing dollars given the current economic and market conditions.

Nissan is joined by other automakers including Mitsubishi, Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari and Suzuki who have also withdrew their presence at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. We’re guessing the only reason GM is attending is because Detroit is its home town.

Source: WSJ

Preview: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

Nissan recently unveiled its all-new 370Z Coupe, which is set to go on sale in January next year, and now we have a computer generated rendering of the Roadster model, which Nissan has previously stated will arrive on the market one year after the Coupe. In the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its re-introduction as a 2003 model, nearly every piece and component has been redesigned. This includes 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 with paddle shifters, a world's first synchronized downshift rev-matching system for the manual transmission, and a greatly improved cabin. All these changes will make their way onto the Roadster model, which is also expected to carry over a similar automated folding soft-top to the current model. Under the hood will be the same 3.7L VQ37VHR V6, rated at 332hp (247kW) and 270lb-ft (366Nm) of torque. In keeping with the ‘affordable performance’ theme of its 350Z predecessor, Nissan will price the new 370Z Roadster only slightly above the Coupe, which in the United States will start at $29,930 (excluding destination charges).

2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe