2008 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2009 Nissan 370Z

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What is it?
2009 Nissan 370Z

What's special about it?
Yes, there is still a sports car in the Nissan lineup that does not have all-wheel drive, launch control or a turbocharged engine. It's now called the Nissan 370Z and unlike the big bruiser of a sports car that is the GT-R, this new Z is actually smaller than its predecessor. It's an attempt to get the iconic sports car back to its roots, and from the looks of it, Nissan has done a solid job.

Fully redesigned from top to bottom, the 2009 Nissan 370Z still rides on Nissan's rear-wheel-drive, front-midship (FM) platform. It's been modified to give this Z-car a shorter 100.4-inch wheelbase (down 3.9 inches) and a shorter overall length of 167.1 inches (down 2.7 inches). The 370Z is also wider at 72.6 inches (up 1.3 inches) with wider tracks front (up a half-inch) and rear (up 1.3 inches).

All that shrinkage helps this Z shed a few pounds. A base-model 370Z with a manual transmission weighs in at 3,232 pounds. That's 88 pounds less than a base-model 2008 Nissan 350Z with a manual transmission. Even the heaviest 370Z still weighs just 3,314 pounds.

It's not just the smaller dimensions that make the difference. The 370Z's lighter weight is also the result of its all-aluminum door panels, hood and rear hatch. Nissan says it added a long list of structural reinforcements to the 370Z as well, but the body-in-white is still lighter than before.

With less weight to pull around, the larger-displacement 3.7-liter V6 engine should make for a very quick Z. Rated at 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, the new engine is offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic.

The manual gearbox features an optional rev-matching system that automatically blips the throttle for you while downshifting. The new seven-speed automatic will match revs on downshifts, too. Nissan also says that the programming of the automatic's torque converter makes it feel more like a manual while delivering shifts in a half second. Drive the 370Z in a less enthusiastic manner and it will return 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with either transmission.

Suspension changes include a switch to a double-wishbone setup in front that utilizes forged aluminum arms and a lightweight antiroll bar. In back, the multilink setup remains, but Nissan says it's stiffer and lighter (although it doesn't give any details why).

The standard wheels are 18-inch aluminum alloys with Yokohama Advan Sport tires sized 225/50R18 up front and 245/45R18 in back. A Sport package bumps the wheels up to 19-inch forged-aluminum Rays items with 245/40R19 and 275/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tires.

There are only two trim levels of the 370Z: base and Touring. The standard features list includes an eight-way manual driver seat, automatic climate control, push-button ignition and a four-speaker stereo with auxiliary steering wheel controls. Touring models add power-adjustable leather seats, a Bose audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. Navigation with an iPod connection and a Sport package are optional.

Sales of the 2009 Nissan 370Z are expected to start in early 2009.

Inside Line says:
Nothing wrong with a smaller, more powerful Z-car. Doesn't look bad either. — Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor