Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan
Inside Line sees Nissan 370Z in person, official photos coming Oct. 29
Inside Line was given a thorough peek at and allowed to drive the coming Nissan 370Z, and appears to like what it has seen. Many of their findings have been previously guessed at based on spy photos of the car, but their viewing seems to prove that it all fits together well enough in person. Unfortunately, they were barred from commenting on the driving experience. The most controversial aspect is still the shortened rear of the car, which IL guesses has gone back to 99 inches. To look at the pictures, there really isn't room for much behind the driver's door but wheel arches and a taillight. Interestingly, IL also suggests that the car will be available with a 7-speed automatic, which brings to three the number of potential non-manual transmissions. The proof, as always, will be in the pudding, and the first serving will come on October 29 when the official photos are released.
[Source: Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
BigMcLargeHuge 1:06PM (10/15/2008)
Worst informative post ever.
*comic book store guy voice*
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xpolarx 1:36PM (10/15/2008)
Agreed. A have a few questions I need answered:
1. What happened to the wheels from the other set of pics? The wheels in these pics look painfully generic (i.e. - 35th anniversary 350z, Cayman S, Legacy GT, etc...).
2. Is there a competition in the Nissan design studio for who can create the clunkiest door handle? I mean, I thought the last generation's door pull was out of place...
3. Is that a traditional 7-speed? Dual-Clutch? The other interior shots clearly showed paddles on the steering column...
Let me know when you sort this stuff out. Thanks.
spdracerut 1:53PM (10/15/2008)
The 7-speed auto will almost certainly be the same as in the G37. Same motor, same tranny makes sense right? So to answer your question, traditional auto with paddle shifters.
Jeremy 12:13PM (10/16/2008)
I don't really understand why there's so much uncertainty about the auto transmission. There have been maybe 10 independent reports of seeing technical manuals, lease options, etc that show it will be a 7-speed auto. Unless they want to throw ALL of that away, that's what it's going to be.
Torrent 1:07PM (10/15/2008)
The taillights would have looked better like that. It would be clearly evolutionary.
As much as I think it's going to be ugly, I want to see it.
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Tim 1:07PM (10/15/2008)
Love the new design. Less 1st gen Audi TT which looks is pretty damn ugly today. This car is more Porsche with just the right proportions to show you it has its engine in the front with the rear wheels doing the Driving. Would have been nice to have a pop-up wing in the back under the rear windshield.
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zack 1:10PM (10/15/2008)
My kid will never get to know what shifting is and I wont be able to teach it if this keeps up about manual transmissions
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Gabagool 1:20PM (10/15/2008)
Well Zack but let's use the same analogy for computers. 15-20 years ago you had to tell the computer the command to do something "Go there" "Open this", now you can just click. Are you really a computer enthusiast simply because you refuse to use new technology?
Its called progress, same with manuals, many ultra fast cars do not even have it simply because you can shift with paddles right now.
simianspeedster 1:39PM (10/15/2008)
Gabagool:
Don't be narrow-minded. The feeling of shifting a good manual transmission is, to many auto enthusiasts, part of the enjoyment, part of the exprience.
By your logic, a car that quietly and efficiently uses GPS to drive itself from point A to point B would be the emasure of progress. If cars were merely transporation devices, I might agree, but auto enthusiasts care as much about the experience as they do the ability to use an automobile for transport.
-SimianSpeedster
Hot_Carl 1:39PM (10/15/2008)
Gabagool, There is something inherently different about a car with a clutch. The comparison about making things easier, or progress is irrelevant. Sure, you could drop and F1 sequential shifter or a CVT in a car and it would probably be faster. But the tactile experience, connection with the mechanics, and pure control over a vehicle is unmatched in a standard manual transmission, especially when done correctly.
MikeofLA 1:47PM (10/15/2008)
Gabagool - I call BS on that analogy. Not doing those things with your computer doesn't detract from your overall connection with the machine. Nor did it ever add enjoyment. It was just plain annoying, like crank starting a car. I doubt there was anyone in the 20's complaining that the crank start was going away. The Manual transmission has reached a point where it is purely an enthusiast option (in the US at least) and it is not a better performer anymore, it just gives you a feel of the machine you are commanding that NO slushbox, DSG or mix thereof can ever deliver.
LONG LIVE THE THIRD PEDAL!
Bluestreak 4:14PM (10/15/2008)
Gabagool, perhaps you've not experienced a good manual transmission. I personally could care less about the gear change efficiency, fuel economy, or 0-60 benefits of new slushbox technology. For me it's about driving pleasure and connection to the vehicle. Give me a clutch and stick (along with communicative steering and, of course, rear-wheel drive) and I'll be happy.
Your computer analogy does not apply. If you're not shifting for yourself, you're missing the point of driving.
zack 11:57PM (10/15/2008)
Best part is when your car is dead got no jumper cables in the middle of the parking lot its 4AM how you start the car? push it and pop the clutch. :)
Dude 1:10PM (10/15/2008)
How is a shortened wheelbase "controversial"?
It's a 2-seat sports car! You should be sitting just in front of the rear wheels.
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P B 1:35PM (10/15/2008)
No room for golf clubs.
The 350Z actually has a label in the trunk showing you how to fit golf clubs in there.
Dude 2:55PM (10/15/2008)
I think golfers will be just fine. For comparisons sake, you can fit a set of golf clubs (soft bag) in a Solstice with the top down. The coupe will allow for a hard bag.
So the 370Z, even with a shortened wheelbase, will be just fine for golfers.
Omer 1:17PM (10/15/2008)
When Nissan/Infiniti redesigned the G35-G37 i thought Nissan made a bad move because it had taken an iconic car made in very ordinary. The thing with G35 was (still is) that its lines were side and front line were perfect for 2 door coupe. Though some would say (including Nissan) thought that the G35 looked very immature for the brand. They redesigned G35 so it had elegance to compete with 335. Even though G37 doesn't provoke the same emotion as G35 it is more elegant and mature. Plus how many kids (18-25) do you see driving G37 versus G35?? I can't explain but G35 looked awesome nuff said.
The new Z takes cues from the G35 goes in that direction which is great. I think Nissan did this because 'Nissan' brand is very versatile and isn't pigeon holed like Infinit (or lexus). If they can make new 'Z' car anywhere cool as G35 it will be a great hit.
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I3ziko 1:25PM (10/15/2008)
looks like we have a new trend, first mazda lets the european press drive/photograph the new 3 prototype, now nissan shows near production Z370 to Inside Line
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lester 1:39PM (10/15/2008)
I think thats partly due to a lot of these cars being tested in Europe moreso than in the states now a days, but thats just my observation.
I3ziko 1:52PM (10/15/2008)
Europe or US it doesn’t matter… I just think automakers got tired of spy photographers and will now post spy photos of upcoming cars themselves.