Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery.

Nissan's plans for an affordable, rear-wheel-drive coupe to slot in below the current Z have been rumored for years and we've been informed that internal politics have killed off at least one revival of an iconic Datsun. If work ever gets underway on another budget coupe, Nissan should seriously pursue Polish designer Iacoski and his interpretation of a 240Z/Fairlady revival.

Aft of the a-pillar, Iacoski's inspiration is clearly apparent, blending the old 240's slopping roofline and short rear overhangs with the muscular haunches and angled fender flares of the current 350Z. Up front, the Photoshop wizard retained the old Fairlady's elongated hood and power bulge, and matched them with a front air dam, bumper and headlamp arrangement influenced by the second GTR Proto concept.

We're totally smitten and think you'll be equally entertained when you check out the gallery of images below.


[Source: Digimods via NihonCar]

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While those of us in the States must make due with either a modest revamp or an aero-enhanced version of the 350Z, the Japanese will be able to get their hands on a what is arguably the most desirable Z-car yet – courtesy of NISMO.

The Fairlady Z Type 380RS-Competition gets its new numerical nomenclature from increasing the displacement of the stock 3.5-liter V6 to 3.8-liters, boosting power to 350 HP and 293 lb.-ft. of torque. The increased oomph will likely be sent through a six-speed manual gearbox, with what we'd assume is a beefed up clutch to handle the extra horses.

[Sources: Inside Line, Carview (via Response)]

When Nissan unveiled the Fairlady Z Version NISMO (their description, not ours) along with the updated version of the iconic Z, we didn't have much hope that we'd ever see the motorsports-massaged version here in the States. Well, it would seem that the folks over at Edmunds have it on good authority that a US-legit version of the NISMO 350Z will be revealed at the New York Auto Show in April.

Although the JDM model's specs are already firmed up and the vehicle is currently on sale in Japan, there is no information about what could be lost in translation on the trek across the Pacific. We'd expect the aero enhancements to remain unscathed, along with the additional welds, reinforcement panels and bars. The Bridgestone Potenza RE-01Rs that are fitted onto the JDM version are also sold here in the US, so hopefully they will remain and be wrapped around a set of custom, lightweight rollers, possibly sourced from Rays Engineering (who Nissan has tapped in the past) or another premium wheels manufacturer.

We'll be on hand for the official unveiling in Detroit, but in the meantime, feel free to ogle the gallery of the new Fairlady 350Z below.

[Sources: Straightline, Nissan]

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]

Japanese car mod specialists DAMD and ANCEL have teamed up to produce this "BLACK x METAL" version of the Nissan 350Z roadster. We don't have a lot of details on this Aston Martin lookalike, but a picture's worth a thousand words, as they say. DAMD wheels, Lambo doors and a hand-stitched leather interior are highlights. We're left wondering if there's a James Bond DBRS 350 version in the works. Combine the "BLACK x METAL" with the Miata AMX07 and it looks like we have a burgeoning industry of Aston wannabees on our hands.

There are lots of pictures and video of the luxury Fairlady over at Nihon Car, but here are a few teasers for your viewing enjoyment after the jump.

[Source: Nihon Car] Thanks to Steph for the tip!