Nissan understands the risk in redesigning a popular car. Since 1990s they enhanced their Z-car model until 300ZX take nearly none of the appeal of the 240Z model. Nissan returned the line to its earlier stardom with 350Z, and was very pleased with an excellent six year run. And now that 2009 370Z was making its first appearance in Los Angeles auto show, Nissan had shown that it finally learned to build on success.
The new 370Z deals with each and every major grievance about the outgoing car, specifically with its weight and with its interior quality, without sacrificing the basic Z-car formula.
Powertrain
The 370Z has a 3.7liter VQ series V6 engine with 332hp and 270lb-ft of torque. One of the most appealing update in the drivetrain was in manual transmission. In which most sports car manufacturers of late have tried to build their slushboxes to perform more like manuals, while with 370Z its old-fashioned 6-speed was restructured with an automatic-like feature: downshift rev-matching. 370Z will automatically respond with a blip of the throttle when the driver selects a lower gear and lifts up on the clutch. The outcome is a perfect heel-to-toe shift - every time. With this update the driver has option to shut off this feature for those who can’t stand even this bit of modern intrusion. And for those want to skip the clutch pedal there is a new 7-speed automatic with manual mode for the first time in a Z-cars, paddle shifter. With either transmission it both promises better fuel economy compared to the 350Z.
Suspension
The 370Z is about 90lbs lighter compared to 350Z and despite being lighter the 370Z is more rigid throughout and meeting tighter safety standard. The secret to this success is aluminum. Nissan engineers used it extensively, including on the hood, rear hatch, and door skins. The control arm front suspension has been redesigned, and the multi-link rear is now stiffer and lighter than before. The 370Z also measures nearly four inches shorter than its predecessor, while gaining an inch in width.
Interior
The 370Z’s interior was based in the interior of the Infinity G37. 370Z has optional navigation system. Anti-slip cloth seats come standard, eight-speaker Bose audio was also standard. Nissan establish to make some space in the trunk by relocating the rear stabilizer brace. The only mistake we can see is Nissan's decision to make iPod compatibility only available in cars equipped with navigation, although all cars have an auxiliary input.
The new 370Z deals with each and every major grievance about the outgoing car, specifically with its weight and with its interior quality, without sacrificing the basic Z-car formula.
Powertrain
The 370Z has a 3.7liter VQ series V6 engine with 332hp and 270lb-ft of torque. One of the most appealing update in the drivetrain was in manual transmission. In which most sports car manufacturers of late have tried to build their slushboxes to perform more like manuals, while with 370Z its old-fashioned 6-speed was restructured with an automatic-like feature: downshift rev-matching. 370Z will automatically respond with a blip of the throttle when the driver selects a lower gear and lifts up on the clutch. The outcome is a perfect heel-to-toe shift - every time. With this update the driver has option to shut off this feature for those who can’t stand even this bit of modern intrusion. And for those want to skip the clutch pedal there is a new 7-speed automatic with manual mode for the first time in a Z-cars, paddle shifter. With either transmission it both promises better fuel economy compared to the 350Z.
Suspension
The 370Z is about 90lbs lighter compared to 350Z and despite being lighter the 370Z is more rigid throughout and meeting tighter safety standard. The secret to this success is aluminum. Nissan engineers used it extensively, including on the hood, rear hatch, and door skins. The control arm front suspension has been redesigned, and the multi-link rear is now stiffer and lighter than before. The 370Z also measures nearly four inches shorter than its predecessor, while gaining an inch in width.
Interior
The 370Z’s interior was based in the interior of the Infinity G37. 370Z has optional navigation system. Anti-slip cloth seats come standard, eight-speaker Bose audio was also standard. Nissan establish to make some space in the trunk by relocating the rear stabilizer brace. The only mistake we can see is Nissan's decision to make iPod compatibility only available in cars equipped with navigation, although all cars have an auxiliary input.
Specifications 2009 370Z (Z34)
Engine 3.7-litre V6 (VQ37VHR)
Max. Power 246kW @ 7000RPM
Max. Torque 366Nm @ 5200RPM
Bore & Stroke 95.5 x 86.0
Compression ratio 11:1
Transmission 6-speed manual with automatic rev matching
7-speed auto w/ manual mode and paddle shifters
Brakes Standard:
Front: 12.6 x 1.10-inch vented discs.
Rear: 12.13 x 1.10-inch vented discs.
Optional:
Front: 14.0 x 1.26-inch vented discs.
Rear: 13.8 x 0.79-inch vented discs.
Suspension Front
• Double wishbone aluminum suspension
• High vacuum diecast aluminum alloy
• Subframe construction
• Stabilizer bar
• Shock absorbers
Rear
• Independent multi-link aluminum suspension
• Steel
• Subframe construction
• Shock absorbers
• Stabilizer bar
Wheels Standard:
Aluminum-alloy
Front: 18×8 inches
Rear: 18×9 inches
Optional:
RAYS light weight forged alloy
Front: 19×9 inches
Rear: 19×10 inches
Tyres Standard:
Yokohama ADVAN Sport
Front: P225/50R18
Rear: P245/45R18
Optional:
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
Front: P245/40R19
Rear: P275/35R19
