All About Japan Autos

Daily Auto News

Nissan has unveiled the latest Z car, and this time it’s not just a virtual version in a video game.

Jalopnik reports, “Initial impressions are Nissan’s designers have done a great job thoroughly updating the 370Z. It’s about the same size inside and out, but it looks much more aggressive and more than a bit like a BMW Z4 Coupe around the rear 3/4. The interior, which in the old car was a bit too cheap, has been seriously reworked and should prove a much nicer place to spend time.”

The 2009 370Z’s 3.7-liter V6 engine will put out 332 horsepower, a smaller wheelbase and lighter curb weight than the outgoing 350Z, and the option of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.

Autoblog reports some visibility issues. “The view was non-existent” over the driver’s shoulder to the car’s rear quarter — the result of a thick C-pillar and large rear fender. Also, “The rear hatch also angled more sharply than the 350Z, which combined with the 370Z’s smaller physical dimensions, meant less space for piling up junk in the trunk.”

But to read about what sports car buyer’s care about most — performance — you’ll have to wait. The press won’t be allowed to drive the new Z until after the Los Angeles Auto Show, which kicks off next week. In the meantime, Edmunds Inside Line has video of the reveal for junkies.

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