Nissan 370Z Roadster coming to New York in April

As the future of the Tokyo Motor Show remains questionable, Nissan has confirmed with InsideLine that it will unveil the Nissan 370Z Roadster at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April.

Don’t expect a hard-top convertible like the Infiniti G37 Convertible but you can definitely expect the same 3.7L VQ37VHR engine with VVEL that makes 332-hp with a maximum torque of 270 lb-ft.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster will arrive in showrooms just in time for the summer. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

2009 Nissan 370Z:

Leaked: Nissan 370Z Roadster patent drawings

Nissan 370Z Roadster drawings

We're betting that automakers are getting plenty ticked off at the European Trademark Office, because it seems that bureau has more leaks than a colander. Following leaked drawings of the new Mazda MX-5, Mazda3 and Suzuki Kizashi, the latest to slip out appears to be the upcoming Nissan 370Z Roadster. Of course it's no surprise that Nissan is preparing to launch a convertible version, since the previous 350Z made for a very handsome roadster, and even its premium stablemate, the Infiniti G37, has now spawned a convertible version. But this would be our first glimpse at the shape the new Z-Z-Topless will take.
From the leaked process renderings, we can see that the 370Z will keep a soft top like its predecessor, rather than go with a retractable hardtop like the Infiniti. We trust the roof will be less leaky than the European Trademark Office, though. While the 350Z Roadster had a sloping rear deck, the new version appears to be more bulbous. Which looks better is a matter of taste, and this writer at least liked the old one, but we'll reserve final judgment for when it appears in the flesh at the New York Auto Show in April.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z Roadster patent renderings

[Source: The Motor Report]

Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 MCR Nissan 370Z

Japan’s MCR (Matchless Crowd Racing) will reveal a fully modded Nissan 370Z tuned with all sorts of awesome performance parts from multiple manufacturers at this weeks Tokyo Auto Salon 2009!

The MCR Modified Nissan 370Z will get a NISMO aero-package including front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a rear wing. I will take multiple photos of the sexy lightweight Enkei allow wheels wrapped in Yokohama rubbers, sport suspension, lightweight sport exhaust system and the monstrous ENDLESS Racing CALIPER BRAKES upgrade.

Technically I should be on United Flight 803 about 8 hours into the 16 hour flight to Tokyo, but thanks to a wicked winter storm this morning that made me miss my connection by 30 minutes, I won’t be arriving until Friday.

First look at MCR-tuned Nissan 370Z

Japanese tuning house Matchless Crowd Racing (MCR) has revealed some early shots of its customized 2009 Nissan 370Z – less than a week before the car is due to be unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The images reveal the new 370Z with handsome aerodynamic modifications and fitted with a MCR titanium sports exhaust system. The aerodynamic kit will include a custom front spoiler, side steps, a rear spoiler and a rear wing, as well as custom wheels. All the parts of the kit except for the wheels and the rear wing will be available in either carbon-fiber or fiberglass. The wheels are provided by Enkei and are wrapped with Yokohama rubber.

2009 Nissan 370Z by Zele

2009 Nissan 370Z - Road Test

From minor but insistent Lamarckian enhancement does greatness accrue.*

*We once heard William F. Buckley Jr. say that, and it sounded cool.

At the Z car’s U.S. introduction 40 years ago, Datsun wisely chose not to employ its domestic “Fairlady” moniker, which Yutaka Katayama knew would have been tantamount to calling, say, the Corvette the “Cocker Spaniel.” Since then, the hyphen that originally separated the “240” from the “Z” has vanished, 1.3 extra liters of displacement have more than doubled the original engine’s output, an actor briefly made Mr. K a red-bespectacled TV star, and the car’s price has swollen by about $27,000.

Nissan refers to this latest Z as an “enhancement,” likely largely a male enhancement, rather than a whole new car. The company is being modest. The wheelbase is shorter by 3.9 inches, width is up 1.1 inches, length is down 2.7 inches. The larger engine (same V-6 as in the Infiniti G37) produces 332 horsepower, a bonus of 26, and it sits 15 millimeters closer to the pavement, which is now hugged by a true unequal-length control-arm front suspension. Although Nissan’s engineers had to add nearly 200 pounds of safety and regulatory bric-a-brac, the car is only 33 pounds heavier than the 350Z we tested in June of ’07, in part because the hatch, A-pillars, and doors are now aluminum. We know, because we attacked them with a “Big Sky” fridge magnet.

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

We Just Lost It: 2010 Nissan GT-R To Lose Launch Control

I hate to be the bearer of bad news and I do not want to beat a dead GT-R horse but here goes…

Inside Line has confirmed with three contacts at Nissan that they plan to ship 2010 Nissan GT-R’s and newer models without the launch control feature. This may not be a surprise to many due to the hyped talk of the angry customers with broken transmissions and voided warranties. Pretty crazy if you ask me! Wonder what this will do to the 0-60 times… wow, maybe my car has a shot at beating the GT-R from a standstill.. HA, wishful thinking right?

The Inside Line quote:

“It’s gone,” he said when asked if launch control would return in 2010. “We just don’t want to deal with the warranty nightmare anymore. It’ll make the 2009 GT-R really special. It’ll be the only R35 with launch control.”

Do you think this is such a good idea??? I know I would have used Launch Control if I owned a new GT-R!!! How about you?

Nissan 370Z official details, prices start at $29,930

Earlier this month Nissan released the first official image of the upcoming 2009 370Z Coupe, which is making its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, and now the company has released official details for the car. 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. In keeping with the ‘affordable performance’ theme of its 350Z predecessor, Nissan has priced the 370Z from $29,930 in the U.S.

2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe

LA 2008 Live: 2009 Nissan 370Z pricing announced

Nissan has officially taken the covers off of the new 2009 Nissan 370Z - the first full redesign of the Nissan Z since its introduction in 2003. We already know that power will come from a 3.7L VQ37VHR engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) that makes 332-hp with a maximum torque of 270 lb-ft.

What we learned today from the live reveal of the 370Z is that the engine will be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and a 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters as an option. Estimated fuel-economy for the 2009 Nissan 370Z come in at 18/26 mpg (city/highway) for both the 7-speed automatic and the 6-speed manual.

How much will all this cost you? Nissan said that the 2009 370Z will hit North American dealerships in January 2009 with prices starting at $29,930. Nissan will be offering the 370Z in just two trim-levels including 370Z and the 370Z Touring which adds heated leather-seats, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth, 8-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio, cargo cover and aluminum pedals.

Two option packages will be offered including the Sport Package and the Navigation Package. Sport Package adds 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoiler, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match and Viscous Limited Slip Differential. The Navigation Package adds a hard drive-based navigation system, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive and iPod connectivity.

2009 Nissan 370Z - Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

First Look: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Shorter, Wider, More Powerful -- Complete Details for the New Everyday Sports Car Finally Emerge

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.

2009 Nissan 370Z - Official Photos - Car News

Nissan releases official photos of its redesigned two-seat sports car.

The lighter and more powerful Nissan 370Z coupe is finally here, making its debut at the 2008 L.A. auto show prior to going on sale in the fall of 2009.

Bigger Engine, Smaller Package

The big news, as evidenced by the name change from 350Z to 370Z, is the 3.7-liter V-6 now under the hood. The bigger engine, which produces 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, will power a new Z that is about 90 pounds lighter than the one it replaces—a perfect recipe for fun. Icing on the cake are two new transmission options: a six-speed manual with an optional rev-matching feature that automatically blips the throttle on downshifts, and a seven-speed automatic—the same unit that was recently introduced on Infiniti’s G37.

The new Z is visibly wider—by 1.1 inches—than the car it replaces, with increased front and rear tracks. It is 2.7 inches shorter overall, with a wheelbase abbreviated by 3.4 inches. Its design incorporates the now-familiar Nissan boomerang-style headlights and taillights, as well as Z-branded side marker lights. The cantilevered roofline is borrowed from big brother GT-R. Weight distribution of 54/46 front/rear has been maintained from the 350Z, and a new double-wishbone front suspension design is complimented by a lighter and stiffer four-link rear. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, with 19-inchers available as part of a Sport package.

LIVE: 2009 Nissan 370Z unveiling in LA

Under the gentle dusting of wildfire ash, Nissan’s ad agency, TBWA/Chait/Day along with Edmund’s Insideline unveiled Nissan’s 370Z for the first time in North America. Legions of Z-car die-hards, a few GT-R guys and even a Nissan designer were out in full force.

We were on hand to snap some photos of the new 332-hp 370Z, chat with a Nissan interior designer and, of course, eat some free gorditas. The 370Z arrives on the scene with a new smaller version of the FM chassis, lighter, but more powerful. While not a huge departure on the outside, the new car is clearly smaller, but wears some big mean Potenza RE050’s, sports 26 additional ponies and a few new techno-goodies. We already told you about the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual, but an ‘S-Mode’ button to the upper right of the shifter [complete with a little graphic of the double-H shifter gate], and an ‘Active Diff Switch’ in the spare tire hold leave us intrigued.

Though probably the biggest improvement in the new Z is the dynamite interior. More spacious and with more seat travel [to accommodate you lanky folks!]. We spoke to Hase, a Nissan interior designer and he told us about the major work they did to get the interior right. He was very upfront with us and said he knows the criticism the 350Z received for its interior and said his team set about on mission to bring the 370Z up to par with modern sports cars. We’d say they got it right. When asked about the similarities in design inside & out with the Maxima, he added that the interior design team on the Z was separate from that of the Max, but they both share common design themes that portend the new direction at Nissan.

Make sure you check out a video of the event from StreetFire.net. We’ll be getting you more updates and official specs this week at the official LA Auto Show unveiling.

2009 Nissan 370Z Unveiling in LA:

Nissan GT-R Spec-V to be revealed by end of Nov.

It was previously reported that we’ll get to see the Nissan GT-R Spec-V at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Guess what? It wasn’t there. According to new reports, the GT-R Spec-V will most certainly be on hand at the 2008 NISMO Festival that starts on Nov. 30th.

The official release date is set for January 2009 with the first deliveries beginning in February 2009. Nissan will only make 10 units a month, thus we don’t expect many of them to make it to our side of the world. Pricing is estimated to start at 15,000,000 yen ($153,625 USD).

The Nissan GT-R Spec-V will make around 580-hp and is rumored to drop weight by 200-lbs. Yesterday, we heard rumors of a 600-hp Nissan GT-R LM. Whether or not the LM Edition is a rumor - we’ll leave that up to you. However, we’ll just tell you that it’s rare that an automaker will create a special-edition model that boosts output by just 20 horses over another special-edition model.

New details about the upcoming Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z will make its debut at next week’s LA Auto Show and though no official information was released so far, if you check the show’s website, you’ll see that there are a few details about the upcoming coupe, conforming the rumors that showed up some time ago.

Nearly every piece and component of the 370Z has been rethought and redesigned, including a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, larger engine with 26 more hp, a new 7-speed automatic transmission and the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual transmission. 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.

2009 Nissan 370Z Officially Puts out 332 HP

Nissan is going to officially unveil the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z at the LA Auto Show next week, but some of the specs been trickling out.

Thanks to the LA Auto Show website we now know that the final horsepower rating for the 3.7L V6 is 332 horsepower. The engine can either be mated to a new 7-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. The new Z also has a shorter wheelbase than the current generation and more lightweight pieces to keep the vehicle's overall weight in check.

In Z Flesh: The New Nissan 370Z In The Flesh

The New Z Looks like it may need some help in the aftermarket light cluster department in our opinion.

We found a few images of the new Nissan 370Z in the wild from the forum site The370Z.com. You can easily see the obvious changes to the front and rear lights. The design cues, as discussed earlier, seem to be reminiscent of the new Nissan Maxima while having a similar roof line to that of the new Nissan GT-R. Some may like it and others will hate it.

What do you think about “Z” look? Ugly or sinfully beautiful?