http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...article_id=6753

Originally posted by Road and Track


While all the buzz at Nissan has recently centered on the GT-R, the Tokyo-based company has quietly been working on the next-generation Z. We knew months ago that the 350Z would undergo a significant makeover, but now our friends at Mag X, Japan's leading car spy magazine, uncovered key elements in the upcoming Z's styling along with providing vital information.

The first thing you notice when looking at the new Z is the headlights. They're an odd "V" shape, which creates a "squinting" effect. But the face is now more distinctive than before. Also adding spice to the new-look Z are "fangs." These body-colored dividers are incorporated inside the grille to separate the air going to the radiator and the brake vents.

The overall shape and profile of the new Z will remain relatively unchanged. However, it will be slightly smaller than the current car, measuring roughly 163 in. from bumper to bumper, about 6.5 in. shorter than today's 350Z. Interior space will stay the same, but the car will weigh some 200 lb. less, tipping the scales at about 3010 lb.

What this means is the new Z will be a rocket. A reliable source in Japan has told us it will be powered by a 3.7-liter V-6, the same engine used in the Infiniti G37 coupe, with output bumped to 350 bhp at 6500 rpm and torque to about 280 lb.-ft. at 4500. This new power-to-weight ratio for the "370Z" will allow the car to reach 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds, and should give the Porsche Cayman S a run for its money around any racetrack.

Oh, and speaking of money, there are rumors that the price tag will also increase, probably north of the $35,000 mark. The 370Z will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November and go on sale in the U.S. in early 2009.

350hp N/A and only weighing 3000lbs!!! I want to drive one at the track!!! (Not the drag strip!)

Power up or not, I'm pretty impressed that Nissan went against status quo (it seems) and made the car a little smaller. Shorter and lighter? Sounds great to me. I'm not digging the "fangs" however.

See and I think this Z looks better than any previous Z.

I don't mind the front but I really don't like the lights. I will not be suprised if more cars start to get smaller.

^^^especially with the new MPG standards to take effect in the future.

The fangs are alright but still eh...the headlights are puke.

Wow... everyone in the auto industry is upping their game, glad Nissan is too.... I just hope it doesn't end like it did in the mid-90's, due to all the Japanese "super-cars" (Supra, 300ZX, RX-7, 3000GT VR-4 ect) being canceled due to them getting too pricey.

Overall though, that new Z sounds badass for sure.

Very true, I'm mostly surprised about the weight being dropped. While the GT-R has power, it is a little on the heavy side. And with safety regulations to worry about, I'm not expecting cars to lose too much of their bulk. As far as sports cars go, they are such a small percentage of CAFE that I don't think Nissan (or any manufacturer) is slimming the car down for any kind of mileage reasons.

Remember guys that picture is a Photochop of what R&D thinks it will look like. And as with every first concept it will look different in the end. What I'm so excited about are the numbers. Sadly though my Z is slowly beoming outdated perfomance. Glad I'm "Powered By Two Disco Potatos!!!"

I would agree. The 240Z is on my list of cars I wish I had.

Nice, but I think Nissan is forgetting some things.

1. At over $35K, they're pricing themselves out of the market. At that range, they have to compete with Bimmers and Audis, which come with AWD, so in northern tier markets, they might struggle a bit.

2. Competing with the Cayman S isn't going to happen. Porsche drivers are very loyal, and there's no way a Z will handle like a Porsche.

3. This might be the last time they can up the horsepower in that car before the EPA makes it impossible to have a fast car in the US.

It looks nice and fun to drive, but I doubt in a recession they'll sell many of them at that price.

Have you ever priced a Cayman S? After all the options to make it a half decent ride you're well above the $50k-$60k+ range. And while the Cayman might be faster by, at most, 5 seconds on the road course its not worth the extra cost. Don't get me wrong, I'd considered trading in my Z for a Cayman S. But I choose to take the money needed for a stock Cayman S to go Twin Turbo on the Z.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Robert_K @ May 1 2008, 05:10 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=43790]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Have you ever priced a Cayman S? After all the options to make it a half decent ride you're well above the $50k-$60k+ range.[/b]

Exactly. The price and Porsche issues are separate. People driving Porsches don't WANT a $35K car. They want their Porsche. "There is no substitute," they say, dancing in their tighty-whiteys.

Price and everything aside I think that it looks pretty good. Something kinda grabs me about it. I would never chose it over my Speed6 or an RX-8 but I do like it

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Demon @ May 1 2008, 07:09 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=43798]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Price and everything aside I think that it looks pretty good. Something kinda grabs me about it. I would never chose it over my Speed6 or an RX-8 but I do like it[/b]

I might if I lived somewhere warm, with no snow-ice. Up here, RWD doesn't cut it.