Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Nissan
Rendered Speculation: Nissan 370Z previewed in presentation
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We've seen details of the forthcoming Nissan 350Z replacement, dubbed the 370Z on account of a bump in displacement to 3.7 liters for its next-gen VQ V6 engine, and we also know that it will debut this November at the L.A. Auto Show. Nissan even revealed its own version of a quirky teaser shot showing the car's profile. A recent presentation held somewhere on this floating orb we call Earth, however, included a slide that pretty much removes the mystery surround the rear-wheel-drive coupe's new looks. Fortunately for us, someone at the presentation forgot to confiscate everyone's camera phone. So what we see is a new 370Z that very much retains the basic shape of the current car, but features softened creases, fenders flaired even more, a kinky C-pillar and a pair of headlights with an odd 'L' shape that first debuted on the 2009 Maxima. Along with the new shape, the new engine should offer buyers around 330 horsepower, as we doubt Nissan will want to make the less expensive 370Z more powerful than the more expensive 330-hp Infiniti G37.
Gallery: Nissan 370Z teasers
[Source: Carscoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
jtiley 11:07AM (5/14/2008)
Atleast this one makes the L shaped headlights flow, whereas the Maxima is just plain ugly.
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Will 11:44AM (5/14/2008)
That was my first thought as well. I really don't like the headlight treatment on the Maxima, but everything looks better on a swoopy coupe with an angrier squint.
psarhjinian 11:48AM (5/14/2008)
Agreed. The Maxima really has been a fashion victim the last two generations. It seems like Nissan uses it to test the waters for it's more extreme detailing experiments, then subsequently tones them down for other models.
I really get the impression they're trying to kill off the Maxima, but they're being passive-aggressive about it.
Fooman 8:13PM (5/14/2008)
looks good, but still has the lame door handles that ruined the 350's lines.
while I can see the old 240-280 lines the nose looks mazdaish.
Gray Smith 11:10AM (5/14/2008)
that looks goooood....
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rouse42 2:18PM (5/14/2008)
theres a better photo illustration in the new Road and Track
shows a different body line in the upper door area. and the Fangs are angled a little bit different.
R&T is saying 350hp and about 3010lbs.
should be nice but $35-40k isn't :(
Naveed 7:47PM (5/14/2008)
The rear looks much more musclar, and the larger flares gives it a bit of a sportier 911 feel in the rear, which I think is great. doesnt look as plain and smooth as the 350z. It might "feature softened creases," but it is more curvacious with more attitude. (atleast from this one pic)
I hope they completely redo the lights from the 350z. Even the overdone double circles like on the Vette, Enzo, and GT-R would be much improvement.
mk 11:11AM (5/14/2008)
Not feeling the L-shaped headlights...
but who the heck notices that, with a completely ugly roofline.
That is the most hideous thing I have seen in a while.
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BL 11:19AM (5/14/2008)
I agree. The L-shaped headlight is an interesting design experiment, but it should have died in the design studio.
The roofline looks like it will have a little GTR inspiration. I need to see a rear 3/4 shot. I don't like what I see in the back with this newest picture.
The 350Z, and now the 370Z, has a lot of potential as a platform for bargain performance. But they continue to foul up the appearance.
MikeofLA 12:45PM (5/14/2008)
READ: Rendered Speculation
Shiftright 1:52PM (5/14/2008)
Not attractive. Typically fussy Japanese design, teying to define cahracter with trendy details rather than proportions. Bring back the Z from '90-'96, still one of the sexiest sportscars ever made!
Gregg 11:18AM (5/14/2008)
The look is now a bit reminiscient of the orginal Z from the 70's.
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DJ 11:23AM (5/14/2008)
My thought exactly! Definitely some elements pulled from the 240Z, especially the side glass and silhouette.
mikomi 11:33AM (5/14/2008)
I can totally see the Datsun 260Z/280Z lines.
nissanfreak87 12:15PM (5/14/2008)
x2, and it's sexy
Red 12:39PM (5/14/2008)
My exact thoughts. I actually really like it, but the headlights are going to have to grow on me. Otherwise, this is a much sleeker vehicle than the one it will replace, which is good because I thought the 350Z, while nice, was a little on the tubby side.
hashiryu 1:03PM (5/14/2008)
Chalk up another one who is liking the datsun 240Z throwback
Way of the Future 11:20AM (5/14/2008)
having owned a 350Z, this looks pretty much like the Z33 except the ugly lights, but the rear arches look wider, which is nice and hopefully they will do something about all that understeer, but since the rear is getting wider, I doubt it. Hopefully lighter will also be a possibility!
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Dan 11:21AM (5/14/2008)
I used to think that of all the Japanese brands, Infiniti (+ Nissan) had the strongest, most consistent brand design identity since 2005.
I thought the 350z, Maxima, Altima, G35, FX35/45, M35/45 from 2005 forward were very strong in terms of design cohesion. They all looked to be of the same family with very sporty genes, muscular haunches and beautiful profiles.
But now... with the 2008+ models, it's a struggle not to turn away in mild disgust.
The G37s (backend)... the 09 FX (everything but the inside)... the 09 Maxima... Jesus. Good thing I bought my G35 when the going was good.
My next car will undoubtedly be a Bimmer... their quality and performance is unmatched... and they don't let the design department pull a 180.
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Will 11:50AM (5/14/2008)
BMW's design department has never pulled a 180? Seriously?
Perhaps you've forgotten the first bulbous Bangle 7-series and its elegantly simple predecessor.