NEW NISSAN 370Z UNVEILED – AS 350Z FAIRLADY REPLACEMENT

In the fall of 2008, we’ll be seeing the revamped version of the six-year-old Nissan 350Z, according to the Japanese magazine Best Car. The Z has a long and storied history as Datsun/Nissan’s flagship sports car and it appears that the automaker will buck industry trends by making the next-generation vehicle — which by all accounts will be named 370Z — both smaller and lighter.

It is rumored that one of the main modifications to the new Z is a shorter (reportedly by about 4 inches) wheelbase, which would help explain the spy photos of what looked like a scrunched up 350Z that were circulating a couple of months back. A shorter wheelbase car would also point to it being lighter as well.
Reports also indicate that a version of the 3.7-liter V-6 used from the Infiniti G37 will propel the new Z, hence the 370Z moniker.  Estimated horsepower figures are ranging from 333 to 350 horsepower.  Another notable change is the new look to the front and rear fascia and smooth, continuous bodylines on the car’s flanks.
As for when the car will first be shown, it’s been reported that it will debut at either the Paris Motor Show in early October or at November’s LA auto show, most likely in a pre-production concept form.  We’ll find out later this year.  One thing’s for sure, six years on market is a long time and the Z is overdue for a redo.
Nissan will replace the current 350Z with a new model, with a more sportier and dynamic look, and with more power under the hood. Rumors say the new model, the 370Z, will be unveiled in October at the Paris Motor Show or in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.The 370Z is internally known as the C53D will keep a few general aspects from the current 350Z (mostly regarding its shape). But the headlights with LED technology, will be more “dramatic” compared to it.The 370Z will use the same VQ37VHR found in the Infiniti G37: a 3.7 liter V6 engine that delivers more than 330 hp.
While all the buzz at Nissan has recently centered on the GT-R, the Tokyo-based company has quietly been working on the next-generation Z. We knew months ago that the 350Z would undergo a significant makeover, but now our friends at Mag X, Japan’s leading car spy magazine, uncovered key elements in the upcoming Z’s styling along with providing vital information.

The first thing you notice when looking at the new Z is the headlights. They’re an odd “V” shape, which creates a “squinting” effect. But the face is now more distinctive than before. Also adding spice to the new-look Z are “fangs.” These body-colored dividers are incorporated inside the grille to separate the air going to the radiator and the brake vents.
The overall shape and profile of the new Z will remain relatively unchanged. However, it will be slightly smaller than the current car, measuring roughly 163 in. from bumper to bumper, about 6.5 in. shorter than today’s 350Z. Interior space will stay the same, but the car will weigh some 200 lb. less, tipping the scales at about 3010 lb.

What this means is the new Z will be a rocket. A reliable source in Japan has told us it will be powered by a 3.7-liter V-6, the same engine used in the Infiniti G37 coupe, with output bumped to 350 bhp at 6500 rpm and torque to about 280 lb.-ft. at 4500. This new power-to-weight ratio for the “370Z” will allow the car to reach 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds, and should give the Porsche Cayman S a run for its money around any racetrack.