Autoblog

It appears that the current NISMO Fairlady Z S-Tune GT might have a replacement waiting in the wings when the new Z car (370Z here in North America) arrives on scene. The photo above is now making the rounds on the web, and at the very least, it indicates that NISMO will probably have accessories (like the body kit shown) ready to go for the Fairlady Z's JDM launch.

The current Fairlady Z S-Tune complete car is equipped with all manner of NISMO goodies (underhood, suspension, brakes, interior, exterior -- the works), and you can pretty much write it down that they'll do something similar with the new ride as well. It's more a matter of when than if. Anyway, we expect to hear much more in the days to come, since the 370Z's official unveiling in L.A. is just around the corner. Thanks to Chuck for the tip!

[Source: 370Z Tech]

Click above for a gallery of the 2008 Nissan Fairlady Z 380RS-Competition.

Almost a year after it was originally revealed, Nissan has finally put a price tag on the 2008 Fairlady Z 380RS-Competition. But let's not trifle with the cost of ownership yet. As its name implies, the 380RS is a tried-and-true racecar, with a stroked version of the VQ35HR V6. The 3.8-liter mill is producing 350 hp and 321 lb.-ft. of torque, which it sends to a Nismo Super Coppermix clutch and on through to a close-ratio, six-speed gearbox and mechanical LSD. The body meets Super Taikyu regulations, in which it was designed to compete, and comes equipped with new aerodynamic enhancements, a roll cage, six-pot Brembos and the required catalytic converter. Inside, it's all business, with carbon fiber door panels, a Recaro throne, six-point harness and a fire extinguisher. With that out of the way, the price is a cool 28,350,000 yen, or just over $285k USD. Well-funded, privateer teams need only apply.


[Source: Nismo]

Click image for our 35-shot high-resolution photo gallery

Even though it quietly appeared without fanfare at December's Los Angeles Auto Show, the revised Nissan Z car is finally making its official Japanese debut. The Fairlady Z, as it's called in its home market, receives a restyled hood with a power dome that evokes the look of the original Z.

Under said dome resides the latest version of Nissan's "VQ" engine -- the 3.5L VQ35HR, which is now good for somewhere around 308 horsepower (it's rated at 313 PS). Beyond that, the car sees the introduction of some new paint colors, larger head restraints, optional Active Head Restraints, and a grey convertible top and interior trim.

The new Z is joined by the hot-looking, sport-tuned Fairlady Z NISMO (above), which was co-developed with Autech, Nissan's customization arm. The NISMO Z's structure is reinforced to provide added rigidity and rides on sticky Bridgestone rubber and Yamaha Performance Dampers. The snarl it emits comes courtesy of a larger-diameter sport exhaust. It's wrapped in a full NISMO body kit and features a host of exclusive interior accessories as well.

Finally, Autech will produce a Lifecare Vehicle (LV) model of the Z for drivers with leg disabilities. Autech actually does this to many other Nissan models as well, but to us, it's significant that they address the enthusiast with special needs as well. Nicely done.

We'd love to see that NISMO version here, but something tells us the closest we'll get is the next edition of Gran Turismo for the Playstation 3. For more information on the refreshed Z car in general, follow the jump for Nissan's press release.



[Source: Nissan Japan]