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Spy Shots: Nissan 370Z caught undisguised
by John Neff on Oct 8th 2008 at 11:55AM 
Click above for high-res gallery of Nissan 370Z spy shots
Nissan's upcoming redesign of its Z car is almost here, and proof positive is this prototype caught cruising around in the vicinity of Germany's famed Nürburgring. The redesign is on full display here, with the boomerang-style headlights and taillights first seen on the new Maxima clearly visible. The whole front end is new but retains a visual connection with its predecessor, while big fender flares give away that the new car might be rolling on a wider track. There are also a few more kinks and creases on the new car, which are on display in the chunky C-pillar. We think it looks terrific as an attractive evolution of the current 350Z. The new car will change its nomenclature slightly to 370Z when it debuts this auto show season thank to the addition of Nissan's new 3.7L V6 that will be producing well over 300 horsepower in the new Z. Word has it that Nissan has also worked hard to address one of the biggest criticisms against the current car: weight. We'll probably have more spy shots of the 370Z as soon as Nissan begins running it around the 'Ring, and wouldn't be surprised to see the car officially debut at next month's LA Auto Show.
[Source: KGP Photography]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Aki 12:05PM (10/08/2008)
Lighter and smaller are almost always good things with RWD sports cars, and this is no different. Looks like a very appealing car.
Reply
Flashpoint 1:07PM (10/08/2008)
The Z is like a poor man's Porsche. But I'll never forget the first time I saw a Z. I was on a bus coming home from school and saw one do a tire burn out. I was like
HOLLLLY SH T
Franz 2:34PM (10/08/2008)
I'm loving it. I know the l-shaped lights will draw a lot of criticism, but I don't think they look all that bad on the Maxima, and I hope the same holds true for the Z. Sometimes different works. I'll reserve judgment till the tape comes off though.
tuna 2:57PM (10/08/2008)
@ Franz
As with anything new, the headlights will take getting used to. Time and time again, regardless of the marque, nearly all negative reactions are nothing more than knee-jerk reaction to something that is unfamiliar.
Ford Wannup 3:36PM (10/08/2008)
@flashpoint:
Coming next week: Porsche ran 370Z around the 'ring, and found that the Nissan could not possibly outran their 944 Turbo, claimed Nissan must have massaged the car/tire/engine combination not available to the public at the advertised MSRP.
Crackberry Addict 6:17PM (10/08/2008)
@ford wannup
Well it's not like Porsche is crazy for claiming that, Car and Driver said the same thing! If Nissan didn't Bull ShT around no one would say anything.
Aki 6:19PM (10/08/2008)
Uhh, C&D never said the ring times were off, so no, they didn't say the same thing.
xpolarx 12:06PM (10/08/2008)
You know, I really like the overall shape of it. And the wheels...damn near perfect.
But...I think I'll reserve judgment until I see the lights without any tape on them. Could change my mind real quick, but wheel see.
Reply
xpolarx 12:08PM (10/08/2008)
Wow...I don't know if anyone noticed how I spelled "we'll" in the last sentence...but that's awful. Not intentional. Jesus...what's wrong with me today?
MikeofLA 12:38PM (10/08/2008)
Good pun non the less... and i don't think Jesus knows what's wrong with you. jmo
;)
bigbear7787 12:54PM (10/08/2008)
yup... the lights will most likely kill it for me too
TBlueMax 4:30PM (10/08/2008)
I was a little concerned about the headlights on the new Maxima when I initially saw the press shots, but I saw two on the road yesterday, one on the highway and one in the city, and the headlight design did not detract from the overall design of the car - quite handsome. Hoping the same holds true for this new Z.
thomas 10:16PM (10/08/2008)
the lights are..... different.. but whats catching my eye is that cut line that follows the top of the DLO into the hatch (rather than the bottom of the DLO in the curent model)
that and the hop-up that compliments it...... thats what makes it. i can tell from these shots alone that this car will look badass
thomas 10:38PM (10/08/2008)
also.... look for that lower grille area to be blacked out like the GT-R's.
i just looked at the rear end.... and i'm loving how that cut line leads into the taillights which in turn flows into the parting line between the quarter panel and bumper. i'm REALLY liking what i'm seeing so far
Eddie 12:09PM (10/08/2008)
That is going to be a very quick little car. I bet it has well over 350hp.
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USCGTO 12:20PM (10/08/2008)
Wellover 350.? Noit quite
It would be somewhere right around the G37. 320-330 HP.
With a decrease in the weight, they can justify barely any increase in the power too. However with the new 3.7 V6, expect abt 20Hp more.
Also 350HP would send the price tag clsoe to 40K. Corvette category.
That being said I would like to see this in person before saying anything.
Red 12:24PM (10/08/2008)
The base price is rumored to be around $29,800. I honestly cannot remember where I read that however, so forgive me fo a lack of sourcing.
That rear end has a Porsche feel to it. Not in a "this looks like a Porsche" but I look at it and see "this could be epic" like perhaps a Porsche.
Eddie 12:51PM (10/08/2008)
Why wouldn't it be 350hp?
The new Mustang will have 350-400hp, the Camaro will have over 400hp and none of those are $40,000 cars.
Jeremy 1:48PM (10/08/2008)
Well it's using the same 3.7L V6 engine from the G37 which has 330hp. There's almost no chance it has 350.
MikeW 11:30PM (10/08/2008)
Nissan already made the VQ37 very cammy.
There is no way they would be able to make it produce 350hp unless torque dropped even more, to about 255ft-lbs.
333hp is good.
175mph with the 7 speed auto is also good, better than the C5 a decade ago.