Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Nissan
Spy VIDEO: Nissan 370Z caught in Arizona
by Damon Lavrinc on Jul 10th 2008 at 12:29PM 
Click above to see the Nissan 370Z in action, briefly.
As far as we know, the 2009 Nissan 370Z is due to be unveiled at the LA Auto Show later this year, so it comes as no surprise that testing is well underway. Our new friend Ryen was able to briefly catch a cloaked mule on highway 60, leading through Phoenix, Arizona yesterday, and although the video after the jump is brief, the VQ37HR-powered coupe does look a bit shorter than its predecessor, lending credence to the rumors we've heard since 2007.
As reported previously, the 370Z will be powered by the same 3.7-liter V6 found in the Infiniti G37, so output should be up and over 330 hp, with torque cresting the 270 lb.-ft. mark. The new Z will be shortened by five to seven inches, losing about 220 pounds in the process.
Hit the jump to view the video and check out BestCar's recreation here.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
David(Postal) 12:41PM (7/10/2008)
More power and less weight! I look forward to it
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2004m3driver 12:44PM (7/10/2008)
Yup this is great news. Except my car will have yet another thing to be afraid of on the streets.
Franz 1:06PM (7/10/2008)
I agree.
Michael 12:42PM (7/10/2008)
"The new Z will be shortened by five to seven inches, losing about 220 pounds in the process."
That's definitely good news.
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User 12:56PM (7/10/2008)
Wow! My friend has a Z and it's already pretty short. Awesome!
Torrent 1:22PM (7/10/2008)
nice. It's good to see they retained the overall shape with the current model. It's really aerodynamic.
3seriesisking 12:43PM (7/10/2008)
It's good to see an automaker reducing weight but I still don't like that headlight configuration. To me it just detracts from the whole car.
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phooky 2:06PM (7/10/2008)
I disagree. I think it is very sporty looking and suits the car
R 3:11PM (7/10/2008)
I'm just amazed that they're actually making it smaller. That's definitely extra bonus points. Meanwhile everyone is still making their cars bigger and fatter (including the 3, no offense =p).
Tire+Tarmac 2:39PM (7/10/2008)
They're not the most attractive, but it's not overly offensive either.
I wouldn't go so far to say it detracts from the whole image of the car though.
VP 2:43PM (7/10/2008)
I agree with you. Those headlights are distracting from a fairly attractive package.
xpolarx 12:43PM (7/10/2008)
Wish the video was better, but I guess what can you do when all you have is a cell phone camera and you're trying to navigate traffic. I do like the fact that the guy was in a Z, though.
The back looks a bit more rounded...but that could have been the camo. Can't wait to see better footage.
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Michael D. 12:50PM (7/10/2008)
I don't like it being shortened, but I like everything else; it's probably be wider, have a wider track allowing for a better, more aggressive stance. Perhaps it'll be like comparing a Corvette C5 to a C6 - the C6 may be 5" shorter overall but it's superior to the C5 in every way and is more cut, defined and aggressive.
The same can probably be said for the new Maxima, I saw my first one on the road (not in a dealer showroom or lot) yesterday (7/9/08), and, let me tell you, it stands out! It's miles ahead of it already worthy predecessor!
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geo.stewart 1:41PM (7/10/2008)
worthy predecessor?
oh, your sarcasm slays me!
Franz 1:05PM (7/10/2008)
I agree.
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John R 1:12PM (7/10/2008)
Does anyone know when sales are set to begin? And when people started hearing about 370Z testing?
I'm trying to figure out if Nissan really manage to turn around the next generation of their sports car faster than GM was able to adapt a Holden platform (Camaro) to the NA market.
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Kit 1:18PM (7/10/2008)
Shorter, lighter, more powerful. If that isn't a recipe for automotive happiness, I don't know what is.
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Alex Park 1:19PM (7/10/2008)
headlights are disgusting.
how much will this cost for a base model? im assuming 30k+. i think the current 350z is right around the 28k range for a base msrp.
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stefan 1:25PM (7/10/2008)
Its VQ37VHR (forgot the V from VVEL).
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Cop Car 1:26PM (7/10/2008)
Still has the goofy door handles. Almost have to order a silver car just to hide those handles.
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