All-New 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z Offers Racing-Inspired Performance and Style

The all-new, second generation Nismo Nissan 370Z, which is set to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide in June 2009, continues the tradition of the original by offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for - straight from the factory. Like the limited production Nismo Nissan 350Z introduced two years earlier, the new Nismo Nissan 370Z is a tuner-Z enthusiast's dream, featuring a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and special super-lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels.

The 2009 Nismo Nissan 370Z was developed by NNA's Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan's longstanding conversion partner.

'The NISMO name is known throughout the world as the leading supplier of race-bred, factory-tuned, extreme performance Nissan parts, accessories and vehicles,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). 'The new, second-generation Nismo Z proudly - and deservedly - wears the NISMO badge, carrying on the tradition of bringing racing-inspired performance and engineering to the street.'

The all-new Nismo Nissan 370Z is offered in one completely equipped model (no options) with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission only.

Dynamic Performance And Handling Comes Standard

The new Nismo Nissan 370Z starts with the unmatched foundation of an advanced Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). The VVEL system helps optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. For its use in the Nismo Nissan 370Z, the 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 produces 350 hp @ 7,400 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The Nismo Z's enhanced engine power and acceleration is provided through use of an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design and muffler tuning, along with optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control.

The Nismo Nissan 370Z is offered only with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with Nissan's new 'SynchroRev Match' function, the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission system. The 'SynchroRev Match' function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the speed of the next gear position, essentially 'blipping' the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves vehicle balance and smoothness by reducing the typical 'shock' when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer less vehicle intervention.

The Nismo Nissan 370Z features a tight, rigid body structure with a strut tower bar brace and a pair of performance dampers, which quickly and efficiently react to and control body vibrations from road input via the tires, contributing to the Nismo Nissan 370Z's outstanding stability and performance feel.

The Nismo Z's double-wishbone front/4-link rear suspension design suspension is specially tuned for exceptional stability and handling. Compared to a standard Nissan 370Z Coupe, front spring rates have been dialed up 15%, rear spring rates 10%, front stabilizer bar rate upped 15% and the rear stabilizer bar is 50% stiffer. The roll stiffness rate has been increased by 15% and front and rear damping factors have been increased by 40% and 140% respectively.

The Nismo Nissan 370Z rides on unique 5-spoke Nissan-branded 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels (19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear) mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires (P245/40ZR19 front, P285/35ZR19 rear).

Bringing the Nismo Nissan 370Z to a stop are standard NISMO Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented rotors with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers. The braking system also includes a variable ratio brake pedal for a more direct pedal stroke feel, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). A Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) is standard on all Nismo Nissan 370Zs, along with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design that has been reworked (versus the NISMO 350Z design) with redesigned mounting bushings and a column insulator to provide improved response. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the use of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load.

Unique Nismo Nissan 370Z Exterior and Interior

Along with its standout performance, the new Nismo Z offers a standout appearance inside and out. The functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces include an extended front nose design with a canard design at each corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler. The Nismo Nissan 370Z has an overall length of 174.3 inches.

Special side sills and a unique rear bumper help control airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler increases downforce. The Nismo Nissan 370Z exterior also includes a wide stance, sculptural fenders, upswept quarter windows, bold 'boomerang' shaped headlights and taillights, vertical door handles and aluminum hood, door panels and hatchback. The headlights are a High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon design with an auto on/off feature.

'One look at the dramatic Nismo Nissan 370Z body and you know that this isn't your everyday sports car,' said Castignetti. 'The styling is highly emotional yet totally functional - expressing dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance.'

The Nismo Nissan 370Z is offered in five exterior colors: Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red and Platinum Graphite.

The Nismo Nissan 370Z's driver-centric interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, steering wheel with smooth leather and red parallel stitching, smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. A special serialized plaque of authenticity, located on the vertical panel above the floor-mounted console, is matched to each Nismo Z, identifying its unique serial and model year designation.

The Nismo Nissan 370Z's 2-seat interior layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. In the rear is an open cargo area with enhanced storage and accessibility. The instrument panel includes a 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an 'initial sweep' function, coming alive when the Nismo Z is first started.

Both the driver and passenger's seats are structured with an anti-slip material in the main seating surface. The sporty woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver's/4-way passenger manual adjustments. Adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints are standard.

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a center console box with a new non-intrusive cover design, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with timer, two 12-volt power outlets, four cupholders (two in door panels, two in center console), dual overhead map lights and a AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

'The NISMO logo is prominent throughout the cabin, reinforcing the mission and special capability of the vehicle,' said Castignetti. 'The Nismo Z is the complete package - inside, outside and under the skin.'

The Nismo Z's long list of standard safety and security features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted side-impact air bags; seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

by Nissan

Nissan Announces Pricing on 2009 NISMO 370Z™

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced pricing for the all-new 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z™, which goes on sale today at Nissan retailers nationwide. The new, second-generation NISMO Z® continues the tradition of the original, offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for – including a functional aerodynamic body design, 18 additional horsepower and a special sport-tuned suspension.

The 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z™, which is equipped with a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match, has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of US $39,130. Only three accessories are available on this well equipped vehicle – NISMO carpeted floor mats, illuminated kick plates and a carpeted trunk mat.

'The new NISMO Z® is a tuner and Z® enthusiast's dream – straight from the factory,' said Pat Steiner, Director, Specialty Vehicles, Nissan Division, NNA. 'With its dramatic exterior, custom interior, sport-tuned performance and under $40,000 price, this new NISMO Z® is possibly the best ‘bang-for-the-buck' sports car available today.'

About the 2009 NISMO 370Z™

The NISMO 370Z™ was developed by Nissan's Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan's longstanding conversion partner. The NISMO Z®'s standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) develops 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque (versus the standard 370Z Coupe's 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque), thanks in part to an exclusive free flow dual exhaust system, muffler tuning and an optimized Engine Control Module.

As expected of a true performance machine, the NISMO 370Z™ is offered with only one transmission – a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match-the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission introduced earlier this year on 370Z Coupe (which simulates perfectly matched heel-toe-like downshifting).

The NISMO 370Z™ also features a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, a reinforced strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity and a pair of performance body dampers to manage road-input vibrations and help contribute to the NISMO 370Z™'s stability and performance feel. The NISMO-tuned suspension includes specially tuned springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. Wider, unique 5-spoke 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels are mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires. Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential are also standard on the NISMO 370Z™.

Along with its standout performance, the new NISMO Z® stands out from the crowd with its dramatic performance-oriented exterior and interior styling. The functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body modifications include an extended nose with a canard design at each corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler. Special side sills and a unique rear fascia help manage airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler also increases downforce.

The interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, a smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel with red parallel stitching, a smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. A serialized plaque of authenticity is also matched to each NISMO Z®, identifying its unique serial and model year designation.

MSRP*

370Z Coupe NISMO – 3.7 Liter V6 6 M/T $39,130

by Nismo

The 240Z was not a new idea. Sturdy engineering, excellent performance, low price, attractive styling, and average interior had been achieved by many manufacturers prior to the Z-car. The reason the 240Z car was so great was that it capitalized on all these criteria and perfected the concept of a low-cost, reliable, sports car. Mr. Yutaka Katayama is considered the 'Father of the Z Car' and is responsible for the design and creation of this legendary vehicle. As recognition of his contributions to the automotive world, in 1998 he was inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame.

The Datsun 240Z was introduced in 1969 as a 1970 model. The engine was a derivation of the Datsun 1600. The Datsun 1600 engine was a copy of the 1960's six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 220 engine, but with two fewer cylinders. By adding two extra cylinders in the 240Z the cylinder count was back to six. With 151 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, the vehicle could propel from zero-to-sixty in eight seconds. The independent suspension and the rack-and-pinion steering added to its quick response, performance, and handling. The front disc brakes brought the car to a stop from high speeds in just seconds. With a price tag of just over $3,500, it cost much less than anything else on the market. Due to demand, a year later Kelly Blue Book rated the value of a used 240Z at $4,000.

The 240Z dominated the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) C-class production category for 10 years ranging from 1970 through 1979. In 1970 and 1971 John Morton, driving for Brock Racing Enterprises was the first to claim victory in SCCA C-Class production racing using a 240Z. Bob Sharp claimed his first win in that category in 1972 and again in 1973 and 1975. Walt Maas continued the streak in 1974. The Z-car competed in the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) where it captured many victories, including the IMSA GTU title. In 1982, Devendorf and his Electromotive racing team win Datsun's first-ever IMSA GTO championship.

In 1985, Paul Newman set 10 track records in a 280ZX Turbo.

In 1994, a race-modified Z car won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours at Sebring. It also captured the GTS Class at the 24 Hours of LeMans, making it the only car ever to accomplish such a record within the same year.

In 1974, the engine displacement was increased to 2.6 liters and the vehicle was dubbed the 260Z. This brought an end to the 240Z series which had sold 116,712 examples during its lifespan. The United States emissions regulations were increasing every year. Thus, the 260Z had less horsepower than its predecessor and was rated at 139.

The 260Z was available in 2+2 configuration. With the fold-down rear seats, the 260Z offered a higher level of practicality over the 240Z. During its first and only model year, 63,963 examples were produced giving it the all-time Z-car sales record to date.

In 1975 the displacement was increased to 2.8 liters and the vehicle dubbed the 280Z. A Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system was included which helped bring increase the horsepower to 149.

In 1977, the horsepower rating was 170. A five-speed overdrive transmission was now offered, giving the vehicle better performance and fuel economy. The sales of the Z car once again hit a record high, with 67,331 units sold.

In 1979, the second generation of the Z-car was introduced as the 280ZX. It was more refined and luxurious than the previous Z's. The formula was correct and it was named Motor Trends 'Import Car of the Year'. A new all-time sales record was achieved with 86,007 units being sold.

In 1980, over 500,000 cumulative American Z-cars had been sold. It had reached the half-million sales mark faster than any other sport car. A new T-bar roof option was now being offered.

To add to the appeal and performance of the 280ZX, a turbocharged engine became available in 1981. Sales continued to remain strong through 1983.

In 1984 the third generation of the Z-car was introduced and was dubbed the 300ZX. It featured distinct styling and a new 3.0-liter V6 engine. The normal-aspirated engine produced 160 horsepower, while the turbocharged version offers 200 horsepower.

In 1989, the American automotive economy was continuing to evolve. Minivan's and sport utility vehicles were gaining in popularity. In response, Nissan introduced the fourth-generation Z-car in 1990. The new 300ZX featured improvements both mechanically and aesthetically. Under the hood sat an all-new DOHC 3.0-liter engine with a horsepower rating of 222. A twin-turbocharged version of the engine was available and brought the total horsepower output to 300. The body of the vehicle had been improved giving it a more aggressive stance.

Motor Trend awarded the Z00ZXTT 'Import Car of the Year' and 'One of the Top Ten Performance Cars'. Automobile Magazine honored the car with 'Design of the Year' and was added to its 'All Stars' list. Not to be outdone, Road & Track named the car 'One of the Ten Best Cars in the World'. Car and Driver named it 'One of the Ten Best Cars'.

During the 1990 model year, the one-million sales mark was achieved making it the all-time best-selling sports car. The car continued to receive great reviews and awards from magazines and publications. The year 1995 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Z-car. To commemorate this occasion, a limited edition was produced with the help of Steve Millen Sport Cars.

In 1996, the production of the Z-car ceased in North America. Decreasing Sales figures, and increased smog regulations and production costs were to blame. The price of the twin-turbo 300ZX was priced at $45,000, a cost that was too expensive for most consumers. Production of the Z-car continued in Japan until 1999, although it had undergone a major redesign in 1998.

In August of 2002, Nissan introduced the 350Z. This six-gear, two-seater was the fifth generation of the Z-car. Offered in five trim packages that included Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track Editions, the vehicle was an instant success. The base price was around $26,000 with the fully-loaded Track option costing over $34,000. Aesthetic and performance upgrades were available through Nismo, Nissan's motorsport, and performance divisions.

In 2004, a roadster option was offered. The roadster was available in two trim packages which included the Enthusiast and Touring editions.

A special 35th Anniversary model was released in 2005 featuring twice the output of the original 1969 model.

Sales figures, race results, and satisfied customers have proven this to be one of the best sports vehicles ever produced.

by Dan Vaughan

Z SPECIAL EDITION ANNIVERSARY MODELS: A LOOK BACK

NEW YORK – When the original Datsun Z debuted in 1969, it was a revelation for the automotive world.

An affordable, reliable sports car with style and comfort that could be used for daily driving was unheard of at the time. With a base price of $3,626 U.S., the Z – known as the Datsun 240Z in North America – was a sports car that was accessible to anyone.

In short time, customers around the world were enjoying their newfound freedom to explore their favorite winding roads in style. Sales jumped to more than 40,000 globally in 1970. A legacy was born with the first-generation Z, whose value, style and performance has continued to drive innovations in engineering and excitement, keeping the Z a segment leader for decades.

Over the next five decades, Nissan released several limited edition Z cars to celebrate key milestones:

1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first Z, Nissan released a special edition 280ZX model with a limited production run. The success of previous Z cars opened the opportunity to equip 280ZX models with upscale materials such as leather seats and hi-fi stereos – a departure from the sporty yet economical approach of the initial 240Z.

With only 3,000 made, the 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition is today considered a highly collectible car. The most popular model package featured a two-tone black-and-gold paint scheme with accent pin stripes, of which 2,500 were made. The remaining 500 wore a red-and-black paint scheme. Each 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition had a dash plaque with the edition number. (Canadian models came with a Maple Leaf emblem.)

The 1980 Datsun 280ZX was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-6 that produced 132 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Power was transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Other special features include a golden Z hood badge, gold- or black-colored alloy wheels, commemorative wreath decals on the front fenders and hatch, headlight washers, a new style shift knob, tan or burgundy leather seats, a tinted T-bar roof, and a 40-watt, power-boosted four-speaker sound system.

1980:

•Top song (Billboard): 'Call Me' by Blondie

•Best picture: 'Kramer vs Kramer'

•Most popular TV show: 'Dallas'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: Sentra (B310), Pulsar (N10)

1984 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 50th Anniversary Edition

The 1984 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 50th Anniversary Edition celebrated the five-decade anniversary of Nissan's founding in December 1933. Only 5,148 of these cars were manufactured for the U.S. market; an additional 300 were built for Canada.

The 1984 300ZX Turbo came equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 that produced 200 hp and 227 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Inside the cabin, drivers were treated to peak '80s design and technologies considered advanced for the time, such as steering wheel audio controls, digital readouts and electronically controlled sport suspension.

The 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition's features included: 'Nissan 50th Anniversary' commemorative badging, unique front fenders and rear fender flairs, and turbine-style alloy wheels with gold accents on the fins. In the cabin, unique touches included embroidered badging on the leather seats and floor mats, a futuristic digital instrument cluster with a dominant multi-LED sweeping tachometer, speed display and G-force indicator, and a Bodysonic Amplifier with adjustable intensity that added rumble to the front seats based on the sound profile of the music being played from the head unit.

The year 1984 marked not only a milestone for Nissan's history as a carmaker; it also marked the Z as the best-selling sports car in America.

1984:

•Top song (Billboard): 'When Doves Cry' by Prince

•Best picture: 'Terms of Endearment'

•Most popular TV show: 'Dynasty'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: 200SX (S110), Datsun Truck (720)

2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition

After temporarily leaving the domestic Japanese marketplace in 2000 (1997 in North America), a new Z took the world by storm in 2003. The first reborn Z was built on the company's innovative FM (Front Midship) platform and powered by a smooth-revving, high-output 3.5-liter V-6. Called the VQ (short for VQ35ED), the engine produced 287 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque.

In 2005, Nissan created a special version to celebrate the Z's 35th anniversary. The Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition was available in either Ultra Yellow, Silverstone or Super Black and came with a suite of performance tuning and upgrades.

Nissan's engineers retuned the engine to produce an additional 13 hp, raising the total to 300. Shifting was performed by a 6-speed manual gearbox. Other special equipment for this commemorative model included exclusive five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels, a small front spoiler, Brembo® brakes, special badging, and a Bose® six-speaker premium sound system.

2005:

•Top song (Billboard): 'We Belong Together' by Mariah Carey

•Best picture: 'Million Dollar Baby'

•Most popular TV show: 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: GT-R PROTO, Frontier NISMO (D40)

2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

In 2009, the 350Z's VQ engine received a displacement bump to 3.7 liters, prompting the car's name to change to 370Z. A year later, Nissan introduced the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition. Limited to just 1,000 units, the special edition model was based on the Touring grade, equipped with a manual transmission and Sport Package, which included front and rear spoilers, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, a viscous limited-slip differential and the company's innovative SynchroRev Match® transmission technology.

The car was visually distinguished by a special paint scheme, '40th Graphite,' as well as red brake calipers and 40th anniversary badges. The rich red leather seats featured 40th anniversary seatbacks with a debossed logo, leather door-panel inserts and shift boot, as well as a leather steering wheel with red baseball stitching. Each car came with a commemorative plaque and a premium satin car cover.

2010:

•Top song (Billboard): 'TiK ToK' by Ke$ha

•Best picture: 'The Hurt Locker'

•Most popular TV show: 'American Idol'

•Other notable Nissans of the year: LEAF, Juke (F15), Nissan New Mobility CONCEPT

The Z was first conceived in 1969 as an affordable, everyday sports car. This notion has stayed at the core of every Z since. It's no wonder fans today are just as excited when they get behind the wheel as they have been for the past 50 years.

by Nissan