Driven: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Las Vegas, Nevada
Downshifting from third into second for an especially tight right-hander, Nissan’s 370Z makes a soaring, rev-matching howl that radiates through the desert like thrown-stone ripples in a quiet pool. It’s the sort of bellicose and randy whine that makes motor-minded schoolboys prick up there ears, setting the would-be racer’s heart to flutter. The uninitiated might assume that the sonorous growl of a lone sports car in the desert may simply evaporate into the vast distance, but our tour of the stark, southern Nevada moonscape in the newest Z proved that to be untrue, with the hard scrabble surfaces acting more like an echo chamber for the roaring V-6 and a sonic lodestar for anyone within earshot.
Sound, its intensity, character, or in some cases, lack, is a hugely important characteristic for any vehicle, and doubly so for sports cars like the 370Z. The Nissan coupe, an unmitigated and rich aural experience, is in large part defined by its sound. Part of that auditory splendor is the product of Nissan’s new, and rather brilliant, SynchroRev Match feature on its close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. As advertised by its name, SRM does and amazing imitation of a practiced and perfect heel-toe shift, blipping the throttle as one changes up or down through the gears to effect a smooth, effortless, and surprisingly satisfying shift. To the casual passerby this function gives the impression that any 370Z driver is some kind of talented hooligan, stroking the VQ-series engine at every stoplight, stop sign, and crosswalk in town. Thankfully, Nissan has seen fit to include a cutoff switch for the SRM system, allowing for quieter and more anonymous operation should one require it. We didn’t.
We also sampled a 370Z with Nissan’s optional and capable new seven-speed automatic transmission, complete with flappy paddles and another rev-matching system for downshifts. The unit functions crisply going up through the gear range, and slightly less so on the downward trip, but overall it just left us flat after the genius of the new six-speed. Do yourself a favor; buy the manual if you’re going to buy this car.
Part of the reason we feel so strongly about transmission choice for 370 buyers is that the manual had us feeling so wonderfully in tune with a really wonderful V-6 engine. Nissan has bumped displacement of the mill up to 3.7 liters from 3.5, added its Variable Valve Event and Lift system, and improved output by 26 horsepower (totaling 332) as a result. It’s the adjustable valve trickery, more than the outright power increase that has the biggest impact for the driver though—the new VQ feels far steadier pouring on the juice throughout the rev range and much less likely to feel out of breath if one misses the occasional downshift before a slow corner. (This came in especially handy while lapping a tight racetrack, but more on that later.) VVEL is also really effective for the causal, short-shifting driver, offering more pop down low than the 350Z would have been willing to muster.
We were lucky in that part of our Z drive was under the auspices of, and on the fabulous facilities of the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, a first-class racing facility nestled in desolate Pahrump, Nevada. Spring Mountain’s 1.5-mile course gave us ample opportunity to explore near the outer limits of Nissan’s handling and performance, as well as a safe-ish way to get a bit more foolish than would be advisable on public roads. Nissan engineers made a special point to emphasize that they consider the 370Z’s 54/46 front/rear weight balance to be ideal, noting that such a split allows for a perfectly even 50/50 under the load of a hard corner—just the time when a car’s balance really comes to life. When pushed into a bend, the Nissan grants to its driver the feeling of being completely centered, as if in the stationary middle of two outwardly rotating masses. Once embraced, this sanguine method of cornering gave us the confidence to push the Z harder and harder into increasingly familiar turns. The utter stiffness of the 370 package (30 percent stiffer in the front and 22 percent stiffer in the rear versus the 350) helped our confidence as well, by mitigating chassis flex and roll to such an extent that it was virtually unnoticeable.
Outside of the sanitized track atmosphere and out on the open road, the Nissan remained both fleet, and agile of foot, though we became increasingly aware of a dearth in road manners. As lovely and song-like as the 370Z’s engine was when driven in anger, it couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the booming drone of the rest of the road noise. Some synchronicity in tire roar, wind bluster, and monotonized engine sound at a highway tilt, creates a ruckus that is rather unpleasant in the two-person cabin. It may be a bit unfair to praise the throaty engine and stellar grip with one side of our mouths, and damn their discordant hubbub with the other, but the fact remains that even hardcore owners won’t be driving at ten-tenths all of the time—and the most leaden foot may still want to hear the stereo on occasion.
Problematic noise to the side for a moment, the updated Nissan cabin is a fairly respectable place to pass the time, as long as one understands that the functions of driving have been given more than equal time in its execution. Deep and fitted bucket seats strike a clever balance between bolster and comfort, and provide better than adequate adjustment on the road to the ideal driving position. (We’d be remiss if we didn’t note that the steering wheel is adjustable for rake but not for reach, perhaps not a deal-breaker for most, but potentially annoying for those of slightly irregular proportions.) Nissan has added thoughtful and driverly touches, like a pad against the transmission tunnel within the foot well that serves to cushion one’s knee during the natural bracing that takes place in a hard corner. The steering wheel is pretty standard Nissan fare, thicker of diameter and nicely weighted, but using the same style, dual thumb switches, and blade-like paddle shifters (for the auto) as can be found in the new Maxima. Those looking for utter refinement will struggle for purchase in the Z’s cabin, though in full-leather trim it is far more fetching than the 350’s affair, as it still seems as though Nissan’s interior design department is a few years behind the bleeding edge of the industry. For instance, the 370Z may be all of a match for the new Ford Mustang GT on the track but most definitely lags behind the pony car’s high-spec new driver’s area.
Those quibbles with cabin fit and finish, a sometimes unrefined nature, or personal issues with styling (we found opinion about split on the roundish redesign, you can make up your own mind), go quickly out of focus when the scene shift’s back to something like our desert romp. Digging deeper into each corner, pushing faster mile after sun-setting mile, and listening pointedly to the song of a true sports car hard at work, we can tell that the 370Z is a success before even the first car is sold. The car has, for lack of a more perfect descriptor, soul. And it has it in spades. Expect to hear big things from this Nissan.

2009 Nissan 370Z Goes on Sale in the U.S. Priced from $29,930

Just before 2008 comes to an end, Nissan announced that the all-new 2009 370Z Coupe goes on sale in the U.S. today with an MSRP starting at $29,930 for the entry-level model equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and $31,230 with the new 7-speed automatic transmission. The new Z is also offered in a Touring model, which is priced at $34,460 with the 6-speed manual and $35,760 with the 7-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the basic 370Z's list of standard equipment, the 370Z Touring adds heated leather-appointed power seats, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio (without subscription) cargo cover and aluminum pedals.
2009 Nissan 370z Nissan also offers 370Z buyers the option of two new packages. The Sport Package which is priced at $3,000, includes an array of upgrades such as the 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoiler, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential.
The Navigation Package will set buyers back at $1,850 and adds a Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and Interface System for iPod.

Spied: Nissan GT-R FIA GT Spec Race Car

Nissan have recently been testing their latest race car prototype which is most likely for the FIA GT racing at circuits in Japan. Above we can see a photo of the car testing at Fuji Speedway. AutoSport magazine with another set of spy pics also just hit news stands in Japan.

Giant AP Racing brakes from the SuperGT series cars find there place behind the Rays forged aluminium wheels which are also taken straight from SuperGT. The rear wing is also a new GT spec item which may have some relation to it’s SuperGT cousin.

Some of the obvious changes we see hint at some significant upgrades. Front bumper is replaced with a carbon item with a more aggressive splitter, the front fenders are flared out and built from carbon as well. The wide body continues along the side skirts to the rear quarters which are bulked out and vented for the rear brakes.
via gtrblog.com

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

What it is: A cloth-top convertible version of the new 370Z sports car that should cost upwards of $40,000.

Platform: A reinforced version of the Z’s new smaller architecture.

Powertrain: The Z’s 332-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 coupled to either a seven-speed auto or a six-speed manual.

Keep Reading: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster - Car News

How To Put Your Kids To Sleep With A Nissan 350Z

In a quest to find the most sleep-inducing engine note, we begin with Nissan’s VQ35DE V6, as installed in a 350Z. Let’s see what happens.

Has anyone ever assembled a table on the soporific qualities of various engine configurations? I’m not aware of any—but people with kids to take on long-haul trips would kill for one.

Perhaps—and I’m practicing wishful thinking here—the results would show that high performance engines strike a particularly tranquilizing note in the developing auditory cortex. Imagine the possibilities! Responsible family men could reasonably argue that a Camaro SS is nothing but a pacifier on wheels.

Over on my other site, we performed such an experiment with a Nissan 350Z, powered by a Tennessee-built VQ35DE V6 engine, good for 287 HP and 274 lb-ft. The car is an American import, with an MPH speedo and an automatic transmission—weird objects in metric, manual-happy Europe—and like all 350Z’s, the noise is so lovely all you want to do is curl up in a ball and listen to it all day. Since I can doze off in any car, be it powered by an inline four or a V8, a suitable test person had to be found. And nobody is more suitable than 18-month-old Polish cutie Gabi Popiołek.

We set the whole thing to a Sicilian lullaby—Eugene Ruffolo’s Piccolo Girasole—just to make sure. Suffice to say that Gabi, an even greater bundle of energy than her countryman Bob Kubica of BMW Sauber F1, was snoozing in no time.

Wald Introduces Body (Aero) Kits for the Nissan GT-R

The new R35 Nissan GT-R has made its way into the hearts of tuners, car lovers and the general population of automotive enthusiasts. But it does not stop with just the stock version of the Nissan GT-R, it has a big aftermarket following including Wald’s precision styling on their newest body kits for the GT-R.

We recently posted images of the Andrew Bynum’s GT-R sporting a Wald body (Aero) kit and now new images have surfaced of the “complete packages” from Wald for the new Nissan GT-R. The Wald kit not only offers aggressive styling but adds additional aerodynamic functionality while being weight-conscious at the same time.

Wald International, the Japanese tuning company known for performance and styling kits for most major brand luxury cars on the market, is making its mark well-known once again with the introduction of a brand new Nissan GT-R body kits demonstrated below in the images. Enjoy!

[source: GT-RR.com]

2009 Nissan Cube Goes On Sale Starting MSRP Under $14K

Innovative Marketing Launch Drives Consumers to “cube® Mobile Hub” for Information, Videos, Music, Wallpapers and Multi-Player iPhone® App –

The all-new 2009 Nissan cube® goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide, sporting an engaging asymmetrical exterior design, socially oriented lounge-style interior, a powerful and fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, six standard air bags, a full catalog of innovative accessories, a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990.

2009 Nissan cube Pricing
The dramatically styled Nissan cube® has a starting MSRP of $13,990 for the cube® 1.8 equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Three other models are also offered: cube® 1.8 S, priced at $14,690 with the 6-speed manual and $15,690 with the Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission); cube® 1.8 SL, priced at $16,790; and the cube® 1.8 Krōm specialty vehicle, priced at $19,370. Both the cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Krōm come with standard Xtronic CVT®.

In addition, cube® is available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and “shag dash topper” to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube® owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.

2009 Nissan cube® - hi-res. Images

Nissan announces 2010 Armada pricing and new Murano 360 value package

he economy sucks, so no one's buying new cars. Gas prices are low, though, so filling up the cars you have isn't the ritual blood sacrifice that took place every time you pulled up to the pump last summer. Under normal financial circumstances, this actually wouldn't be a bad time to release the latest versions of your pricey, jumbo-sized, V8-powered fuel-swiller. These aren't normal circumstances, though, and since product cycles are merciless and blind to current events, Nissan is stuck releasing the 2010 Armada in May anyway. There's the standard SE trim (base price: $37,210 to $42,810) of course, and the 2010 Nissan Armada adds enhanced precious-metal nomenclature with Titanium (base price:$42,140 to $44,940) and Platinum (base price: $49,390 to $52,190) special editions. Reshuffled content in each model apparently represents better value than similarly-equipped trucks from last year. The same goes for the new 2010 Nissan Murano "360° Value Package" ($33,280 to $34,880), which bundles a bunch of popular featuresinto the Murano SL.

NISSAN ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2010 ARMADA AND 2009 MURANO 360New Titanium and Platinum Editions Offer Substantial Savings Over Previous Year Models; 2009 Nissan Murano Crossover SUV With New "360° Value Package" Also Goes On Sale.
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced pricing for the new 2010 Nissan Armada full-size SUV, which goes on sale in mid-May at Nissan retailers nationwide. The enhancements to the Armada for the new model year include a revised model lineup, which now features three well-equipped models: the Armada SE and two special editions, the Armada Titanium Edition and Armada Platinum Edition.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) start at $37,210 for the 2010 Armada 4x2 SE and $42,810 for the Armada 4x4 SE.
The new Armada Titanium Edition includes a full array of standard comfort and convenience features, including Nissan Intelligent Key™, leather-appointed seating, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, premium Bose® audio system with 11 speakers, power-folding 60/40-split 3rd row seat and auto-leveling rear air suspension. The 2010 Armada Titanium Edition has an MSRP of $42,140 for the 4x2 model and $44,940 for the 4x4 – representing savings of more than $2,500 over that of a similarly equipped 2009 Armada LE or SE models.
The new 2010 Armada Platinum Edition is priced at $49,390 and $52,190 for the 4x2 and 4x4 models respectively. The Armada Platinum Edition includes all of the Armada Titanium Edition equipment, plus heated front seats and steering wheel, power rear liftgate, moonroof, DVD Family Entertainment System and a Nissan Navigation system with XM NavTraffic™ system with real-time traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive. The Platinum edition MSRP represents a saving of more than $1,100 compared to 2009 Armada models with similar content (2009 Armada LE with optional equipment and packages).
"For the 2010 model year we've added new content, updated and simplified packaging, added visual enhancements inside and out, and further strengthened Armada's already strong value positioning with truly substantial savings over comparably equipped 2009 models," said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA.
Other changes for the 2010 Armada include new two-piece body-color side moldings with chrome strip treatment and contrasting interior stitching for the Titanium and Platinum models, revised available wood grain finisher appearance, the addition of standard front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for the SE 4x2 model and three new exterior colors.
All 2010 Armadas are equipped with a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, along with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission, heavy-duty ladder frame and double-wishbone suspension.
FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) editions of the same models, allowing drivers to use traditional gasoline or an alternative fuel such as E85, are offered at no additional cost in select markets.
Complete 2010 Nissan Armada pricing and options are available on the attached sheet.
2009 Nissan Murano "360° Value Package" Debuts
Nissan also announced the addition of a new "360° Value Package" to the 2009 Murano lineup. Available now for a limited time on the Murano SL FWD or AWD with Premium and Leather packages, the 360° Value Package adds Nissan Intelligent Key™, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, iPod® adaptor, metallic-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, silver-finish roof rails and Murano's signature dual-panel moonroof. The 360° Value Package is priced at $1,450, resulting in MSRPs of $33,280 (FWD) and $34,880 (AWD).
"The Murano with 360° Value Package is not only a great overall value, it offers customers some of the great features that were previously available only on the higher priced Murano LE model on the Murano SL," said Meunier. "All 2009 Nissan Muranos continue to provide buyers with an exciting middle crossover packed with substance, style and value."
[Source: Nissan]

Nissan announces 2010 Nissan Armada pricing and new Murano 360 value package

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the 2010 Nissan Armada

The economy sucks, so no one's buying new cars. Gas prices are low, though, so filling up the cars you have isn't the ritual blood sacrifice that took place every time you pulled up to the pump last summer. Under normal financial circumstances, this actually wouldn't be a bad time to release the latest versions of your pricey, jumbo-sized, V8-powered fuel-swiller. These aren't normal circumstances, though, and since product cycles are merciless and blind to current events, Nissan is stuck releasing the 2010 Armada in May anyway. There's the standard SE trim (base price: $37,210 to $42,810) of course, and the 2010 Nissan Armada adds enhanced precious-metal nomenclature with Titanium (base price:$42,140 to $44,940) and Platinum (base price: $49,390 to $52,190) special editions. Reshuffled content in each model apparently represents better value than similarly-equipped trucks from last year. The same goes for the new 2010 Nissan Murano "360° Value Package" ($33,280 to $34,880), which bundles a bunch of popular featuresinto the Murano SL. Full details on both rides are in the exhaustingive press release pasted after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Armada

Nissan Skyline Crossover Announced For Japan Launch this Summer

Nissan has announced plans to launch the new Skyline Crossover in Japan this summer.
Essentially a Nissan badged Infiniti EX, the new crossover features Skyline inspired styling with a wagon-like twist. While the exterior is all Skyline, the interior is completely different as it adopts a more luxurious cabin with a unique design and higher quality materials.
Although Nissan failed to provide technical details on the new Skyline Crossover, the press release states that power will be provided by a "VQ37VHR engine with VVEL technology." This engine is already available in Europe for the Infinti EX37 making 310hp while the U.S. EX35 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 297 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque.

US sales of the Infiniti EX have proved dismal disappointing as American consumers have balked at the crossover's tiny rear seat which only offers 28.5 inches of rear legroom compared to the Infiniti G37 sedan's (Skyline's) 34.7 inches of rear legroom.[Source: Nissan]

RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe starts Formula D season with Nissan power

When Rhys Millen debuted the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe at the season's first Formula Drift event at Long Beach, not all was what it seemed. When the factory-supported drift program was announced in February at the Chicago Auto Show, it was still in its formative stages. The original press release noted that the car would be powered by a stroked and turbocharged 4.1-liter version of Hyundai's Lambda V6 cranking out 550 hp. However, Hyundai didn't give final approval for the drift program with Millen's team until mid-January, at which point work began in earnest.
The car shown in Chicago and later at the press introductions for the Genesis Coupe was a stock car with modified bodywork to show what the race car would look like. As it turns out, the three month span between program approval and the Long Beach event wasn't enough time to get a brand new car and powertrain ready. A reader sent us a tip letting us know that the car that ran in California did not, in fact, have a Hyundai engine installed.

As the opening event in Long Beach approached, Millen and his team came to the realization that the new engine wouldn't be ready in time. This is where the Formula D rules came in handy.
Unlike NASCAR, where every car is virtually identical, the rules governing drivetrain modifications in Formula D are far more lax. That's why you'll see such oddities as a Lexus IS running a Chevy small-block or a Scion tC with a NASCAR engine under the hood. Drifters mix and match all manner of hardware, although most of the teams are independent and don't have manufacturer backing. That's where Millen and his association with Hyundai is different.
It's not unheard of for race teams or manufacturers having difficulty with performance or the timing of their programs to go elsewhere for help. Perhaps the most recent example was in 2004-05 when Chevrolet, which had been struggling with the performance of its in-house developed IRL engine, decided to scrap it and go with a re-badged Cosworth engine. Cosworth, of course, had long been associated with arch-rival Ford.
Which brings us back to the present. After we got the anonymous tip about the non-Lambda engine, we contacted Hyundai who put us in touch with Millen. Millen told us that when it became obvious to the RMR crew that the new Lambda V6 wouldn't be ready in time, they opted for Plan B. Instead of delaying the launch of the car, the decision was made to proceed with a different engine until the Lambda was ready. The closest thing they could find in terms of size was a Nissan VQ35.
According to Millen, he made the decision not to inform Hyundai of the change and he takes full responsibility. Millen said that the crew is working full speed to get the Lambda engine ready and expects to have it in the car within the next two to three events. That means it should be racing by either the New Jersey event on June 6 or the Las Vegas round on July 10.
We also talked to Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor about the situation. Trainor told Autoblog that Hyundai is happy to be working with Millen's team and given the short time frame and limited budget for the program, the decision to launch the car with the Nissan engine was totally understandable. Trainor took some of the responsibility for the delay, as a result of pulling Millen away from his race shop to participate in launch events for the road car.
In spite of not being informed by Millen about the engine change, it doesn't appear that Hyundai is too upset about the situation. "We look forward to Rhys getting the Hyundai powerplant in the car, Trainor told us, "we're excited to be running the full drift season, and we're happy we've got one of the top drivers campaigning the new Genesis Coupe."

First Look: 2009 Nissan Nismo 370Z

Nismo, Nissan's in-house high-performance division, has been churning out factory-tuned enthusiast rides for more than two decades now in Japan and has recently been gaining a foothold here in the U.S. Back in 2007, Nissan offered its first complete U.S.-spec Nismo model based on the last-generation 350Z, and its latest Z-based creation is the 2009 Nismo 370Z.
Built by Nissan's Specialty Vehicles Group with the help of Autech Japan, Nissan's longtime conversion partner, project engineers focused their efforts on making the new Nismo Z more aggressive in just about every aspect. First off, it looks the part. Its race-car-like body kit fits the stock lines well and produces more downforce at speed, officials say. Look closely at its nose and the integrated canard design on each side becomes evident. Although it has the same wheelbase as the stock 370Z at 100.4 in., the Nismo model is some 7-in. longer (167.2 in. stock vs. 174.3 in. Nismo) overall and slightly narrower (72.8 in. stock vs. 72.6 in. Nismo). Matching the kit's racer attitude on each corner are a set of wider, edition-specific lightweight five-spoke 19-in. Rays Japan alloys. The car's Nismo sport brakes (the same binders as on the 370Z Sport Package) at 14 in. front/13.8 in. rear, hide behind the forged rollers.

Speaking of corners, the Nismo Z is poised to attack all types of bends in full force thanks to a sturdier suspension setup. The brand's versatile FM (front midship) platform, underpinned by a double-wishbone front and four-link rear, gets sport dampers, stiffer springs, and larger stabilizer bars. Engineers managed to tighten up the spring rates by 15% and 10%, front and rear, respectively, and chassis bars by 15% (front) and 50% (rear). Yes, 50%. The Nismo Z's complete stiffness rate is up an impressive 15% overall, according to Nissan.An enhanced speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system is designed to further improve turn-in and high-speed stability. As expected, Nissan also implemented a standard vicious limited-slip differential and Vehicle Dynamic Control electronics to keep everything on the tarmac and out of the ditch. The result of their labor, engineers tout, is a more dynamic, predictable and precise handling coupe than the base car.
[source:MotorTrend]

Blasphemy: Nissan GT-R Wagon debuts at 2009 Nagoya

Before we start, just know that there is no such thing as the Nissan GT-R wagon and we’re pretty sure that there will never be. What you’re seeing here is a Nissan M35 Stagea Wagon (otherwise known as the unofficial GT-R wagon with a Nissan GT-R front end swap.
The customized car was on display at the 2009 Nagoya [...]

Before we start, just know that there is no such thing as the Nissan GT-R wagon and we’re pretty sure that there will never be. What you’re seeing here is a Nissan M35 Stagea Wagon (otherwise known as the unofficial GT-R wagon with a Nissan GT-R front end swap.

The customized car was on display at the 2009 Nagoya Auto Trend this weekend.

Power comes from a VQ35DE V6 3.5L engine with a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration.

Nissan GT-R Wagon at Nagoya 2009 Auto Trend:

Nissan GT-R still quick with updated launch control

The internet has been abuzz with chatter ever since it was revealed that Nissan had updated the software that governs the GT-R's launch control and was instructing all of its dealers to reprogram every vehicle in dealer inventory that had yet to be sold with the new software in a bid to keep additional transmissions from grenading.
The changes limit the maximum RPM that the car will sustain with the VDC switched off to around 3,500, a big reduction from the 4,500 limit of the old programming. Additionally, the software update adds a new, safer form of launch control that allows takeoffs at 3,000 RPM while the VDC remains active. Inquiring minds want to know: Would those alterations still allow the GT-R to hook up hard enough to reverse the earth's rotation at the drags?
We have some good news to share with Godzilla owners that are contemplating whether or not to have their cars updated with the new software. A bone-stock GT-R with the reprogramming has been timed at 11.34 @ 120.85 MPH with an excellent 1.69-second 60′ time. That result compares rather favorably with quarter-mile runs recorded by cars with the initial launch control programming.

2010 370Z Roadster to debut at the New York Auto Show

Now that we're acquainted with the Nissan's new 370Z, its time to take its top off. Nissan knows this, so its preparing the groundwork, including these sketches it submitted to the European Trademark Office. We expect the real first glimpse of the latest drop-top Z car at the New York Auto Show in April. Like the Coupe version, the roadster will get a 3.7-liter VQ37VHR six-cylinder engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 332 hp at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of (...)

Nissan GT-R SpecV unveiled!

After nearly a year of speculation and spy shots, it's official: the Nissan GT-R SpecV has arrived. The limited edition GT-R is a subtle evolution of the super coupe that's set the world on fire after its introduction last year, and Nissan claims that it offers race car-levels of performance in a street-legal vehicle.
The body mods consist of a carbon fiber rear spoiler, grille and brake ducts, along with an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal paint job. On the inside, a set of carbon fiber Recaro buckets are fitted up front, while the rear seats have been nixed to save a few pounds. Carbon fiber also adorns the center storage box, instrument panel and replaces the majority of the interior trim.
The only substantive engine modification is a new high gear boost controller that increases the amount of compressed oxygen entering the twin-turbo'd 3.8-liter V6 to deliver more torque in mid- to high-range revs. A titanium-coated exhaust and a reworked suspension is fitted underneath, and carbon ceramic brakes hide behind 20-inch NISMO wheels that conspire to reduce unsprung mass and improve braking performance.
Sales begin in Japan at seven pre-selected dealers, with pricing set at 15,750,000 yen. There's no word on whether the GT-R SpecV will make the trek across the Pacific, but we're not holding our breath just yet.

Branew_ Nissan 370Z Tuning Package

At the upcoming 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon that runs from January 9 to 11, Japanese tuning firm Branew will launch a complete performance package for the freshly revealed Nissan 370Z.

Branew's tasty exterior kit that will also be available in carbon-fiber, consists of a front spoiler, side steps, rear spoiler and a rear wing. The sport coupe's looks are complemented by a set of multispoke alloys that will be offered in various sizes.

Performance-wise, Branew has developed a new sports exhaust system and reprogrammed the 3.7-liter V6's ECU. In terms of handling, the Japanese tuner has upgraded the 370Z's brake system and added a new sport suspension kit. Further details will be released with the car's debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January.
Source: carscoop

Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New 2009 Nissan 370Z

Revised Marketing Tagline “SHIFT_the way you move” Also Revealed

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) gets an early start on the new year with the announcement of pricing of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe and a revised marketing tagline. The new Z goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* starting at $29,930 for the 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and $31,230 with the new 7-speed automatic transmission. The new Z is also offered in a 370Z Coupe Touring model, which is priced at $34,460 with the 6-speed manual and $35,760 with the 7-speed automatic transmission.
Two option packages are offered: the Sport Package, priced at just $3,000, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoiler, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, priced at $1,850, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and Interface System for iPodÒ.
As the most powerful Z ever produced, the new 370Z hits dead center in the sports car “sweet spot” of performance, design and value – with less weight, more power and enhanced handling, quality and style. With a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, choice of two advanced transmissions and a full array of driver-oriented interior features, the new 370Z is designed to be one of the top performance values in the world.
Also today Nissan announced the rollout of a revised marketing tagline: SHIFT_the way you move. Previously, SHIFT_ was used with multiple complement words, which varied by product or media application. The move to one set phrase “the way you move” reflects alignment of the direction Nissan is taking to meet changing consumer needs and wants.

“SHIFT_ has always been the core of Nissan’s DNA. It is rethinking the ordinary, changing your point of view, and being original, forward thinking and challenging,” said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA. “Our commitment to the philosophy of SHIFT_ has become even more critical as we look to the future and the pressures of economic and environmental change that are affecting consumer behavior in how they interact with and impact the world.”

All Nissan national marketing materials will include the new SHIFT_the way you move tagline beginning in January.

About the 2009 Nissan 370Z

The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, solidifies the strengths of its predecessor with an unmatched balance of performance, style and value. Nearly every piece and component of the 370Z has been rethought or redesigned (compared to the previous 350Z) – a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, larger engine with 26 more horsepower, a new 7-speed automatic transmission, an available world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching 6-speed manual transmission, a new high quality interior design and new available technology features.
The 370Z’s new aerodynamic body is more compact and offers a more aggressive stance. Attention to details such as the new “boomerang” headlights and taillights increases its dynamic presence, elevating the overall styling to much higher quality and emotional levels. The dramatic new interior utilizes a driver-centric three-layer design which groups items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place – so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive.
Performance has been enhanced with a more rigid body structure, better power-to-weight ratio and a new 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). Crisp handling is provided by a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, while steering and braking systems, including available Nissan Sport Brakes, have also been upgraded. Available technology features include Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM subscription required, sold separately) and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and a Bluetoothâ Hands-free Phone System.
The new Z is offered in two models: 370Z and 370Z Touring. In addition to the 370Z’s long list of standard equipment, the 370Z Touring adds heated leather-appointed power seats, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription, sold separately) cargo cover and aluminum pedals to the long list of standard Z features and equipment. Also available is a premium paint color, Chicane Yellow.

All-New Nissan 370Z - Hi-res. Images