2009 Nissan 370Z rolls out early in So. Cal

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan 370Z live
As a rain of ash fell on most of Southern California the crew from Inside Line set out to introduce enthusiasts to Nissan's new sports coupe, the 2009 Nissan 370Z. The gathering took place at the advertising offices of Chiat/Day, which supplied a striking background for the next generation Z model. First impressions of the 370Z in person were no different than those formed after viewing the initial images. The design intentions, to blend between the outgoing 350Z and stylings pulled from the Z cars of yesteryear, was especially apparent. However, it was certainly strengthened when the new model was parked in close proximity to examples of both the Z33 and its forebears vehicles. Getting a real life view of the new Z was nice, but a vehicle is best defined by the ease of human/machine interaction. The 370Z meet and greet offered the first opportunity to poke around in the coupe. Unfortunately, this blogger did not get a chance to peek inside the vehicle before the Inside Line crew put her on the spot for an opinion. The end result of the interrogation can now be seen on Inside Line's preview video.
After breaking away from the Inside Line crew I eventually secured a spot behind the steering wheel of the Z34. I was most curious about the side view offered by the larger rear fender and C-pillar combination, and as I suspected, the view was non-existent. The rear hatch also angled more sharply than the 350Z, which combined with the 370Z's smaller physical dimensions, meant less space for piling up junk in the trunk. The trunk held other surprise: an on-off switch for a rear differential cooler pump was hiding underneath the mat. The cooler addition is a typical Japanese trick for protecting sporty vehicles from abusive drivers, also known as members of the press. A shiny anodized fitting for an oil cooler was also spotted in the Z's front fender well. The extra hardware prompted rumors and questions about NISMO upgrades, but currently there are no answers on that front. One question that did receive attention was aimed at hashing out more details on the downshift rev-match option. According to those on hand, it will be a feature available on sport models and will operate through feedback on clutch engagement, brake pedal position, rpm, throttle position and gear selection.
Check the galleries below for everything we've amassed in the lead-up to the new 2009 Nissan 370Z's introduction, which should tied you over until the official unveiling at next week's LA Auto Show.
Gallery: 2009 Nissan 370Z - Early Reveal
Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z
[Source: Inside Line]








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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dustin 3:22AM (11/16/2008)
What's with the pastel colors?
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Torrent 4:06AM (11/16/2008)
+1
How bout some metallics?
Go370z.com 10:55AM (11/16/2008)
The Car looks great in person. For those who want to see more pics, specs etc.. and chat about the Nissan 370Z...
Please join us at
http://Go370Z.com
Zya there!
Namir 11:52AM (11/16/2008)
Is it just me or does that blue look a lot different in different pictures/time of day? Some of them look like a pastel but some look like a solid blue, similar to the current 350z blue.
Torrent 5:56PM (11/16/2008)
Why did Go370Z.com get low ranked? He was just advertising a site for people who are interested int he 370Z...
But I have to admit. 'Zya there' was so lame.
impr 4:10AM (11/16/2008)
have to say the look of the 370z is growing on me. Initially I wasn't sold on its looks but now after looking at images of the new 370z again and again.. its various design elements are starting to click visually for me.
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fengz 4:31AM (11/16/2008)
like it.
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Alan 5:28AM (11/16/2008)
Ahahahahahahahah!!!! I see me in two of those pictures!!!!
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Bungle 2:09PM (11/16/2008)
Is that you in the bottom left of #4 with the bright purple tie-dye pants?
SITEiNK 1:34PM (11/17/2008)
you bet it is.
-------------
http://www.ROCKandREVIEW.com/
Flea 6:41AM (11/16/2008)
I'm starting to feel some overhype here...seriously, this car got more articles than the ZR1!
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Blake Luttrell 6:54AM (11/16/2008)
Two posts in a row about the exact same thing. Pffft.
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Pauli 10:28AM (11/16/2008)
Yeah, but what does it weigh??
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Alex 10:38AM (11/16/2008)
100 lbs less than the 350z
Steve Bennet 11:28AM (11/16/2008)
370z - 3232lbs 6mt/3269lbs 7at
370z touring - 3278lbs 6mt/3314lbs 7at
Steve Bennet 11:29AM (11/16/2008)
370z - 3232lbs 6mt/3269lbs 7at
370z touring - 3278lbs 6mt/3314lbs 7at
Duane 10:17AM (11/16/2008)
My pictures from the event.
http://www.speedandmotion.com/pictures/370Zpreview/index.html
Reply
Smegley 12:24PM (11/16/2008)
Thanks! I like your pics actually better than AB's.
Overall this design kicks butt, but I still can't warm up to those headlights. From some angles they look decent, but from a near straight-on angle (like in your first pics) the car looks terrified. Not terrifying, but actually terrified. When I buy a sportscar the last thing I want is for it to look afraid.
Sid 10:21AM (11/16/2008)
Need to see it in person but since I always wanted the 350Z, this car def. goes on my 'Top 5 List' of cars I will consider when buying my next vehicle.
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Carlos 12:28PM (11/16/2008)
Anyone else think this car is very unattractive?
Reply