Autoblog

Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Japan, Videos, Crossover, Nissan, Specialty

Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition - click above for high-res image gallery

We're not apologizing to Nissan, but we were pretty flippantly dismissive of both the 40th Anniversary Z and the Rogue S Krom Edition. Why? Because both struck as as badge jobs. When we think of special edition Nissans, we think of V-Spec, and that typically entails more power and/or pumped up handling. But not with these two cars. Though at least the Krom gets a new front end, which sadly isn't nearly as eye-catching as the nose of the not-for-us 2010 Qashqai.

However, the truth of the matter is that our favorite ever special Nissan was the legendary Black Gold 10th Anniversary Datsun 280ZX (and the even rarer Black Red - only 500 made, as opposed to 3,000 Black Golds). And that car was little more than a plaque and a ~~coke habit~~ paint job. Our point? Nissan had better produce a theme song for this new car.

Anyhow, the prices of both the 40th Z and the Rogue Krom have just been announced. The Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition will set you back $38,860. Some of you might be asking why not spend the extra $330 and get the better-than-a-regular-370Z NISMO for $39,190? Well, Nissan will only be producing 1,000 40th Anniversary Zs. Other than that, we can't think of any reason. The Rogue S Krom Edition comes in at $23,940 for the front-wheel drive version, $25,140 if you want all-wheel drive. The 40AZ will be available in Q2 of 2010, the Krom in late Q3. Press release(s) can be found after the jump, along with a little surprise.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO]

Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Technology, Videos, Nissan, Toys/Games

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Just when we thought we were going to wait until the end of March to get our hands on Gran Turismo 5, our friends at Joystiq tell us that Polyphony Digital will release a demo version of hotly anticipated racing game on December 17. The demo will be available on the Playstation Network for download both in Europe and North America, giving long-patient fans a taste of what the full game will be like when it finally arrives in stores.

And as cool as it is that the demo arrives within two weeks time, even cooler is the fact that gamers will be given the opportunity to compete for some nifty prizes. All you have to do is post your best time trial by January 24, 2010. The best time from the U.S. and Canada wins a trip to the Indianapolis 500. A sweet prize, no doubt, but it doesn't come close to the top Euro prize. The best driver from select European countries gets to enter the GT Academy. After completing training the ~~lucky~~ skilled gamer will race in the European GT4 Cup in a non-virtual race-spec Nissan 370Z. How amazing is that?

It would be even better if GT5 actually shipped on December 17, but it looks like we won't be racing one of the world's best driving simulators until March at the earliest. Hit the jump to view a slick video that contains more information about the GT Academy.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 screen shots

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5

[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]

Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: What would P.J. O'Rourke do with a Nissan 370Z?

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Nissan

Click above to view the video after the jump

You know what's wrong with kids today? We don't either, but one thing we're sure of is that they just don't read enough P.J. O'Rourke. True, Republicanism has fallen totally out of favor among today's youngsters, but that stuff is cyclical. Like when Nixon swept into the 80th Congress -- the GOP was all the rage then. And the Newt Gingrich led 104th Congress was pretty popular for a few minutes back in the Lewinkski-charged Nineties.

Anyhow, O'Rourke is a great Republican. Our favorite, in fact. You all should sit down and read P.J. to your children as bedtime stories. Might we suggest a passage from his 1978 classic, "How to Drive Fast On Drugs While Getting Your Wing-Wang Squeezed and Not Spill Your Drink." Here's a taste:

Even more important than being drunk, however, is having the right car. You have to get a car that handles really well. This is extremely important, and there's a lot of debate on this subject - about what kind of car handles best. Some say a front-engined car; some say a rear-engined car. I say a rented car. Nothing handles better than a rented car. You can go faster, turn corners sharper, and put the transmission into reverse while going forward at a higher rate of speed in a rented car than in any other kind. You can also park without looking, and can use the trunk as an ice chest. Another thing about a rented car is that it's an all-terrain vehicle. Mud, snow, water, woods - you can take a rented car anywhere. True, you can't always get it back - but that's not your problem, is it?

See? As for why we dug this old chestnut up, may we suggest you make the jump and watch the video? P.J. would be so proud.

[Source: YouTube via AutoFiends | Image: Getty]

Continue reading VIDEO: What would P.J. O'Rourke do with a Nissan 370Z?

VIDEO: What would P.J. O'Rourke do with a Nissan 370Z? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition announced [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Videos, Nissan

Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

One week from today (October 22) marks the 40-year anniversary of Nissan's Z. Before the Zed, sports cars in North America were usually fragile little carts from Europe with their engines in funny places (or Corvettes). However, once the Datsun 240Z showed up, suddenly us Yanks had access to a fairly priced, good looking little sports car that could run for more than 30 minutes without dumping all its fluids. As the Guinness ad men might say, brilliant!

And, despite a few fits and starts, the Z badge lives on today. To celebrate 40 years of the Japanese sports car, Nissan is releasing the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition. Here's what that entails, starting with the outside: 40th Quartz paint, "high-luster" smoke 19-inch Rays wheels, red brake calipers and 40th anniversary badges on both the rear hatch and front strut tower brace. Inside you get red leather, 40th anniversary embroidered seats and floor mats, red leather stitching up the center stack (just like the rocking Nismo) and a commemorative plaque. Oh, you get a satin car cover, too.

To which we say: not special enough! Come on Nissan - where's the twin turbos? Or T-Tops? Or a giant wing? What about louvers? Sans serif font? Anything? We appreciate the fact that you're (hopefully) saving your wad for the 50th Anniversary Z (which had better be atomic-powered, BTW) but red stitching and badges? Really? Where's the coke-eye'd Hasslehoff looking dude with the amazing mustache? Oh yeah, he's after the jump, along with his special lady and a very big press release!

Gallery: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition announced [w/VIDEO]

Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition announced [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Germany's Senner Tuning Whitelady Z gets alles weiß mit der Nissan 370Z

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Japan, Nissan

Senner Tuning Whitelady Z - Xlick above image for hi-res gallery

Live long enough and you'll eventually see everything. Especially if you hang around the tuner scene. Now, we've been to SEMA a few times and we've seen some things -- many of which are fairly awful, if not flat out hurtful. However, we're not saying that the Senner Tuning Whitelady Z is hurtful. Nor is it even close to awful. In fact, as far as a tuned Nissan 370Z goes, Senner's Whitelady is on the mild side of the salsa bar. In fact, we think it looks good and the list of what's changed is short.

You've got some KW coilovers replacing the stock dampers, an Invidia exhaust system with 101 mm pipes releasing an additional 21 horses (for a total of 353 hp, three ponies more than the factory tuner Nismo) and a sport air filter. And, besides the wheels, that's it. Well, those sill-graphics, but really, that's it. So then, why are we acting like the Senner Tuning Whitelady Z is a SEMA-mutant all star? Make the jump, por favor.

Gallery: Senner Tuning Whitelady Z

[Source: Senner Tuning]

Continue reading Germany's Senner Tuning Whitelady Z gets alles weiß mit der Nissan 370Z

Germany's Senner Tuning Whitelady Z gets alles weiß mit der Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Nissan's Fiesty Mr. K calls out the 370Z

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Japan

Recently one of our bloggers raised the hackles of many a commenter by announcing to the world that he preferred driving a Nissan Versa to the new 370Z. You can hear the whole exchange on Autoblog Podcast #140. To protect this poor blogger's identity, he shall remain nameless (we'll call him Jonny X for short. No, too obvious. Let's go with X Lieberman). Point is, obviously this person is out of his mind because who on earth prefers driving a economy car like the Versa to a Z? Turns out Nissan's Mr. K.

Yutaka Katayama, known to American Datsun/Nissan fans simply as Mr. K, will be remembered for two very important cars: the 240Z and the 510, both of which are now considered classics. Mr. K turned one hundred years old on September 15, but age hasn't tempered his mind. In fact it seems sharper than ever. Talking about the new 370Z, Mr. K calls it, "So-so." He continues, "Very different from the 240Z. First, it's very heavy, and it's also very expensive."

And not only does Mr. K feel the car new Z is too expensive, but that it's not actually living up to the Japanese sports car legacy laid down by the 240Z, "I'd like to have a sports car like the Miata. The Miata is taking the place of the 240Z." Harsh. But check this out, "Katayama has a 350Z in his garage but prefers to drive the family's Versa compact." And there you have it.

Mr. K would like to see the Datsun nameplate come back, and with sportier cars. "The fun of driving cars is the same as riding a horse. We need a car that is like riding on horseback. We are making robots. Robots don't like human control." Even at the ripe old age of one hundred, Mr. K just might be around to see his wish come true, "I just entered the 100s. I have a long way to go."

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: MTZC]

REPORT: Nissan's Fiesty Mr. K calls out the 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Over the years, our favorite magazines have had some spectacular comparison tests, with scores of test data and page after page of subjective text. Motor Trend has practically made a living with comparisons, and its newest feature pits 10 hot rides against one another to see which is the best driver's car. MT used tons of data, added subjective feedback from staff members and included track time at Laguna Seca with pro driver Randy Pobst.

If you receive Motor Trend at home or you check in over at its website, you've probably read the extensive article, but the magazine also produced a 14 minute video hosted by Editor at Large Arthur St. Antoine. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. It's chock full of beautiful footage, 638 horsepower supercars drifting around and tire-ripping burnouts. How much more can you ask for?

[Source: YouTube via Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises

VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan, First Drive

2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no safe way to say it: this blogger just doesn't like the 2010 Nissan 370Z very much. Sure, it's a fine sporty car that goes about its business quickly and competently, but it just leaves me cold. Yes, it can hit 60 mph in 5 seconds, hold 0.99 g on a skid pad and get around a track faster than a Porsche Cayman, but it doesn't rocket to 60 mph in 5 seconds like Wile E. Coyote shot from a greased Acme canon. Nor does it tenaciously hold 0.99 g like a baby possum gripping onto mama during a lightning storm. And yeah, you guessed it, I'd much rather get there a second or two late in the mid-engined Porsche. Or, more appropriately, a 2010 Mustang GT. Long story short, the 370Z is a little dull.

I'm not just saying all this to be contrary or cute. I've personally logged over 1,500 miles in a couple different 370Zs and, to be honest, the experience wasn't much different than the more than 1,500 miles I've traveled in various Infiniti G37s. Not that there's anything wrong with the Infiniti, but the Z should be a sports car, not a luxury tourer. That's why it was such a breath of fresh air - both literal and otherwise - when we got our hands on the 370Z Roadster. It was like going from black and white to color. Finally, the new Z was fun, engaging - thrilling even. Trouble was, we knew the Nismo was coming and had that stuffy roof. Yeah, we'd go fast for a week, but I feared being ultimately underwhelmed. Well guess what? Not so with Nismo.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks

First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010 - Click above to begin

Before we begin, let us say that when it comes to cars, Time Magazine can get it right. Like the time they hired Dan Neil to write The 50 Worst Cars of All Time. That was really good. However, now Time has the "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010," and boy is it really awful. In fact, it's so awful that we're dying to hear what Dan Neil thinks of it. Time's list isn't just regular bad, it's take all your credibility on a given subject and light it on fire bad. Akin to letting Glenn Beck run the civil rights desk. OK, but in car terms how bad? The Volkswagen Golf is one of Time's most exciting vehicles of 2010 - and that's not even the really terrible part. We're making you follow the jump for the really bad stuff.

Gallery: Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010

Continue reading Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan studying turbochargers for future vehicles?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Nissan, Renault

2009 Nissan 370Z - Click above for high-res gallery

As much as we've grown to love Nissan's award-winning line of VQ six-cylinder powerplants, reality dictates that time marches on and a replacement will soon be needed. According to Tetsuya Takahashi, a manager at Nissan's Powertrain Engineering Division, a switch to smaller displacements may be in the offing along with a return to forced induction - much like what Ford has done with its EcoBoost series of engines.

Nissan and Renault have well-known plans to share virtually all powerplants from this point forward, and this move would likely allow for both small and fuel efficient powerplants for passenger car duty - which is especially important in Europe - along with somewhat larger and much more powerful engines for high-performance models. Drawbacks include the additional cost of the turbocharging hardware and a more difficult path to emissions approval, so future turbo Nissans are far from a sure thing.

For those old enough to remember Nissan's pre-2002 series of Z cars, which received its first turbocharger way back in 1981 and reached its horsepower apogee in the form of the 300-horsepower 300ZX Turbo in 1990 (not to mention the incredible RB and SR powerplants), this news may be welcomed with open arms. As far as we're concerned, a slightly detuned version of the VR38DETT V6 powering fire-breathing GT-R would look mighty fine under the shapely hood of the next-gen Z.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z

[Source: Motor Trend]

Nissan studying turbochargers for future vehicles? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW Z4 against Nissan 370Z

Chris Shunk — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, BMW, Nissan

Click above to watch video after the jump

The Nissan 370Z and the BMW Z4 are two seriously sporty offerings headed in two different directions. The Z4 is softer, heavier and more stylish than its predecessor, while the 370Z is harder, lighter and takes some risks with its exterior. The 370Z is a coupe (although it available in a drop-top), and the Z4 has a stow-able aluminum roof. The BMW is a genuine luxury car offering, while the 370Z sits on the lot next to the Quest and the Versa. However, the two vehicles share similar dimensions and performance numbers, and both contain the letter "zed," giving Top Gear enough reason to pit the two coupes against each another on the test track.

Make the jump to see how the duo of Zs fare in Clarkson's review while we try to figure out how the BBC can afford Jurassic Park-style CG.

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW Z4 against Nissan 370Z

VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW Z4 against Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Want to be able to drop the top on your new Nissan 370Z? It's going to cost you

Chris Paukert — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Nissan

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Launching a convertible at the end of summer is what we would consider to be a bizarre business decision. That marketing morsel aside, we're still very keen to get our hands on Nissan's new 370Z Roadster and now we know how much money to get one of our very own: $37,690 ($36,970 plus $720 for destination charges).

That's a not inconsiderable premium (some 23%) over its fixed-head brethren, which runs $30,650 ($29,930 + destination and delivery charges). It's possible that Nissan includes more standard equipment on the ragtop than in its base 370Z coupe, but the Japanese automaker has yet to break out exactly what comes standard.

What we do know is that the $37,690 gets you the base convertible with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want the 7-speed automatic, you're looking at an MSRP of $38,990 ($38,270 + D&D). Touring model trims are also available, and they include such niceties as power heated and cooled leather seats, a six-disc Bose stereo with XM, Bluetooth phone connectivity, aluminum pedal surfaces, and Homelink. That package will run $40,520 ($41,240 + D&D) with a manual transmission and $42,540 ($41,820 + D&D) with the autobox. We hope to get our mitts on one of these before the season's out, so stay tuned for a full review. Official press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Want to be able to drop the top on your new Nissan 370Z? It's going to cost you

Want to be able to drop the top on your new Nissan 370Z? It's going to cost you originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

Chris Paukert — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Nissan, UK, Specialty

2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow - Click above for image gallery

American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now. That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.

Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.

Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)
for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD - as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).

Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow

Continue reading UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan reportedly preparing Nürburgring edition 370Z for the European market

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Nissan, Specialty

Nissan 370Z - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While Nissan has been trying to master the Nürburgring in its flagship GT-R supercar, it was the one-rung-down 370Z which the Japanese automaker fielded at the track's 24-hour race last month. To commemorate the occasion, Nissan is reportedly preparing to drop a special commemorative edition of its 370Z on the European market.

Although photos are still unavailable at this time, the Nissan 370Z Nürburgring edition is apparently set to be differentiated by a set of 19-inch OZ Racing alloys wrapped in Dunlop rubber, a sport exhaust system and the requisite batch of special badges. Only 80 examples will be made, each individually numbered, and the model will apparently only be available in yellow. And just to sweeten the deal, Nissan is throwing in a gift card good for over $200 of track time on the Nordschleife.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan 370Z

[Source: CarScoop ]

Nissan reportedly preparing Nürburgring edition 370Z for the European market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Nissan 370Z Hybrid for 2011?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Green, Nissan, Rumormill

We're expecting Infiniti to launch its first hybrid sometime in either 2010 or 2011, likely based on the M35 luxury sedan. Unlike past hybrids from Nissan, parent company of the Infiniti brand, this new technology will not be a licensed version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Interestingly, reports out of Japan indicate that this new hybrid tech could filter on down the line to find itself under the shapely hood of Nissan's new 370Z.

If these rumors are accurate, expect the fuel-saving sports car to be equipped with a lithium ion battery from corporate partner NEC that feeds power to a lone electric motor sandwhiched between the Z's 3.7-liter VQ V6 engine and transmission. The dual-headed powertrain is reportedly expected to achieve 35 miles per gallon on the mixed cycle, though those are likely Japanese figures that don't often jive with U.S. EPA numbers.

[Source: 370Z.com]

Rumormill: Nissan 370Z Hybrid for 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Nissan slashing 370Z global sales hopes by two-thirds... or is it?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2009 Nissan 370Z - Click above for high-res gallery

After strapping two separate Autobloggers behind the wheel of the 2009 Nissan 370Z, we feel completely justified in suggesting that the latest Z car is the best yet. It also performs rather well when compared to its closest competitors, and that includes the pricier Porsche Cayman. Regardless, the current gloomy state of the global economy is just as powerful at dictating sales levels as any given vehicle itself, regardless of how good it may be. This being the case, nearly every automaker has adjusted its sales expectations downward from earlier projections.

According to Automotive News, Nissan initially planned to sell 30,000 370Z coupes globally, but it has since reduced its expectations by two-thirds. Of the 10,000 370Zs that AN says Nissan now hopes to sell in 2009, 7,000 would be destined for the United States and the remaining 3,000 units would be sold in Europe. The industry publication did not publish Japanese domestic market (JDM) sales predictions for the car (known locally as the Fairlady Z).

We thought those numbers seemed low, so we called Nissan USA for clarification. According to Darryll Harrison, manager of Nissan's Product Public Relations Group, the Japanese automaker sold 1,452 Zs in the U.S. market (a small percentage of which were older 350Zs) in February and another 1,632 in March in the United States alone. That figure represents about 30% of America's two-door, two-seat sports car market, sales of which generally pick up in the summer months. In other words, Nissan could actually sell well over 10,000 370Zs here in the U.S. in the 2009 calendar year.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z

[Source: Nissan, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Nissan slashing 370Z global sales hopes by two-thirds... or is it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York: NISMO 370Z hits the show floor

Drew Phillips — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Nissan NISMO 370Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

We got our first sneak peak of the new NISMO 370Z yesterday afternoon, and we decided the car was worth a second look when we spotted it on the floor of the New York Auto Show today. The jury is still out on whether the fast and furiously styled body kit is simply boy racer or just way overdone, but we all seem to like that Nissan decided to pull some teeth and deleted the fangs from the Z's front grille. The NISMO 370Z isn't all about looks, though, and benefits from 19-inch lightweight wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport tires, a stiffer suspension and a bump in horsepower to 350 thanks to optimized air intake into the cylinders. Full details on the NISMO 370Z are after the jump, and high-res live shots can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: New York 2009: Nissan NISMO 370Z

Continue reading New York: NISMO 370Z hits the show floor

New York: NISMO 370Z hits the show floor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York Preview: Nissan 370Z Roadster and NISMO version coming to NY

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:27:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Nissan

Tomorrow night in Manhattan, Nissan will officially drop the top on the new 370Z Roadster, but before then, a teaser site is up with a singular image of the convertible Z for the world to see. A webcast of the event will take place tomorrow at 7 PM EST, where the 370Z Roadster will be shown alongside the NISMO variant of the new Z car.

The convertible Z will be fitted with a power-retractable soft-top rather than the all-too-fashionable folding hard-top, which should keep both weight and complexity in check. The NISMO version is expected to be equipped with a new aero package, along with upgraded suspension, braking and rolling stock and possibly a few tweaks underhood. We'll be on hand Tuesday evening with cameras and laptops in hand, so check back tomorrow for all the details.

New York Preview: Nissan 370Z Roadster and NISMO version coming to NY originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Michael Harley — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Reviews

2009 Nissan 370Z - Click above for high-res gallery

The first Datsun 240Z rolled into American showrooms in 1969. Four decades later, we've got our hands wrapped around the thick, leather, multi-function steering wheel of its direct descendant, the all-new 370Z. With a 332 hp V6 and a six-speed manual transmission directing power to the rear wheels, our outlook is decidedly positive as we head out on the street (our First Drive on the track was back in December). Is all of the hype surrounding this new coupe justified? How does it compare to the GT-R? Just how did the all-new Z-car fare after a week in our garage? Find out after the jump...

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Continue reading Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Nissan 370Z + Vegas + Sports Illustrated swimsuit models = WIN

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Celebrities

Click above to watch video after the jump

As many of you have likely noticed, the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has hit newsstands. We're not sure what skimpy swimsuits have to do with sports, but we're sure most subscribers aren't complaining. SI has also been pushing its models on YouTube, where body painting is apparently a big draw these days.

It seems SI has been doing some cross-promoting, too, as we've come across a video containing gorgeous SI swimsuit models Damaris Lewis, Jessica Hart, and Melissa Haro doing power slides and donuts in three brand new (and nearly as stunning) Nissan 370Zs. Talk about a match made in ~~heaven~~ Vegas. Hit the jump to view the three models exit the Luxor (gracefully), enter the three Z cars, and go for what appears to be a very entertaining ride. All this video needs is Danica behind the wheel for a perfect 10, but we'll settle for a 9.95 instead. Hat tip to reader Matt T.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan 370Z + Vegas + Sports Illustrated swimsuit models = WIN

VIDEO: Nissan 370Z + Vegas + Sports Illustrated swimsuit models = WIN originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments