40th Anniversary 370Z Is Coming!

The following letter was sent from Nissan to all U.S. Nissan dealers: (click here for larger wallpaper version)

Forty years ago this month, the Z car made its introduction to the North American market. Delivering world-class performance, the original Datsun 240Z was stylish and affordable – with a purchase price of just $3,626. The Z has changed throughout the years, and through its six generations it has solidified itself as an iconic sports car. And its value formula, strengthened by its unmatched performance, style and segment leadership, remains stronger than ever.

To honor the original 240Z and commemorate the outstanding heritage of the Z, Nissan is proud to announce the introduction of a 40th Anniversary Z. Available in spring of 2010, the 40th Z will be a limited edition model of 1,000 units. The objectives of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Z with this special edition are to:

• reinforce Nissan’s historical commitment to performance, design and value

• appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the strong heritage of the Z

• create demand and “pride of ownership” through a unique spec offering

The 40th Anniversary model will be a single spec model based on the Touring 6M/T trim with Sport Package, and it will include the following unique features:

• exterior: premium and unique exterior color (40th Graphite), premium smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th badging on the rear deck lid

• interior: red leather seats with 40th logo embossed, red door panel inserts, red stitching on console, smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, premium quality floor mats embroidered with the 40th logo and 40th Anniversary plaques located on the interior of the vehicle and on the strut tower brace in the engine compartment

• customer amenities: special fitted car cover with 40th Anniversary embroidery, congratulatory letter from NNA executive and professional portfolio to display a certificate of ownership

40th Anniversary edition pricing will be announced at a time closer to start of sales. Allocation of the 40th will be based strictly on twelve month Z coupe and roadster sales ending October ‘09; dealers should begin to see their allocation volumes in November ’09. The anniversary models will be built in January ’10 and should be available for retail sale in the spring of 2010.

Here’s to the 40th,

Rich Latek

Director, CMM

2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z prices and info...we have it and more

Quoted From Examiner.com:

Nissan announced pricing on the hot 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z, the second generation of higher-performance versions of the carmakers sports car prepared by Nissan’s Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan’s longstanding conversion partner.

The 370Z NISMO will have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $39,130.

For that price, the NISMO-equipped Z-car will be fully equipped for high performance driving, with only three accessories offered, NISMO carpeted floor mats, illuminated kick plates on the door sills and a carpeted trunk mat.

Not surprisingly, the NISMO Z’s version of the 3.7-liter V-6 engine’s output will be bumped from the standard coupe’s 332 horsepower to 350 horses, which Nissan credits “in part” to a special free flow dual exhaust system and muffler tuning, and tweaks to the engine control module.

The only transmission offered will be a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox with the SynchroRev Match, the electronically-controlled rev matching synchronized downshift matching system that will shave years from learning to heel-and-toe, mainly because it doesn’t need to be done anymore.

Sports cars are supposed to go around corners and the NISMO 370Z better than ordinary Z’s, so Nissan’s primo sports car complies with a reinforced strut tower brace and a pair of "performance body dampers." These latter are horizontal transverse tubes, one lows in front of the radiator and the other by the rear suspension pickups. With the magic of pistons and hydraulics, the dampers compensate for road-input vibrations and add stability, performance feel and are said to improve turn-in.

Beyond that, the NISMO-turned suspension has its own springs, shocks and anti-roll bars, plus the obligatory bigger wheels and tires. Nineteen-inch RAYS forged-aluminum alloy wheels are wider than the standard wheels and a have a skinny spoke design that are the rolling stock equivalent of a thong: they get the job done but really do a good job of showing what’s beneath. The round and black that come with them are Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high performance tires. Tire sizes are staggered—wider at the rear than front. The numbers on the sidewall read 245/40R19 front and 285/35R19 rear.

Nissan Sport Brakes and a viscous limited-slip differential are also part of the NISMO modifications to the Z.

The NISMO 370Z will be easy to spot. Instead of the hyper-decorations of its predecessor, the second generation is plainer for improved aerodynamics. The changes from the standard 2009 370Z include and extended nose with a canard design at each corner to increase downforce, plus a chin spoiler integrated into the design. New side sills and an alteration to the rear fascia improve airflow under the Z. And it wouldn’t be a NISMO Z without a magnum-sized rear wing.

The interior reminds the driver even before pushing the start button that it’s the NISMO edition of the Nissan 370Z with NISMO embroidered in red and white on the fabric sport seat seatbacks which are accented with red stitching. Red stitching also is used on the leather steering wheel. The shifter is leather covered as well, the instrument panel has an exclusive NISMO tachometer and the NISMO Z gets aluminum trimmed pedals.

And for bragging rights and a form of ensuring authenticity, every Nissan NISMO 370Z has a serially numbered identification plate on the bulkhead behind the seats.

Having just driven the standard 2009 Nissan 370Z equipped with sport package—expect a full review soon—we’re looking forward to sliding behind the wheel of the NISMO Z as well. We’ll keep you posted.

New 370Z Promotional Video

Follow the Nissan Z

Finally! The 370Z is revealed at the L.A. Auto Show

Nissan finally revealed the NEW 370Z at the Los Angeles Auto Show yesterday. Here are the pictures of the unveiling. Enjoy. -Josh-

Follow the New Nissan Z

Over the years, the Nissan Z has earned quite a following. Now this legendary car is going on tour to pay tribute to it's biggest fans. Before the official launch of the all new Nissan Z, it will be showing up for a series of sneak peek pit stops across the country. It's all part of the Follow the Nissan Z North American Rally.

Each tour event will provide it's guest with unprecedented access to the Nissan Z as well as additional activities. The tour kicks off on November 19th in Los Angeles and concludes in Miami on January 9th. For a complete list of dates and locations, check out the tour map on www.followthenissanz.com. And if you can't make it to one of the events, you can also follow along with the action there. -Josh-

Watch the NEW 370Z in Action!

It's true! You may have heard the rumors of the new Z coming. Well, it is and it's going to have a bigger engine, new body and be labeled as a 370Z. The car will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19th. Until then, here's a great video of the new Z starring in the new Electronic Arts video game, Need For Speed Undercover. For up to date news and information visit our 370Z blog at nissan370z.blogspot.com. Make sure and subscribe to the RSS feed for instant updates on any new news, pictures, video and information. Enjoy. -Josh-