Full details of the 2009 Nissan 370Z revealed
By Andrew C., 27 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
2009 Nissan 370Z
Nissan made available early this month the first authorized photo of the future 2009 370Z Coupe, which is making its first introduction to the world at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, and at this time the company has released official information about the vehicle, together with a tentative estimate for its final sticker price. The initial remodeling of the representative Nissan Z from the time it was introduced again as a 2003 model, almost every part and component has been altered. This consists of a shorter wheelbase, greater utilization of lightweight body materials, a fresh engine with extra horsepower and enhanced fuel efficiency, a new seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, a world's first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the manual transmission, and a significantly enhanced passenger compartment. Following the 'affordable performance' theme of its 350Z precursor, Nissan is aiming a bottom price of about $30,000 for the latest 2009 model, final pricing and specs will be made available soon. Included in the presentation is Nissan's award-winning 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 engine in the current Z. This is an identical engine as found in the Infiniti G37 Coupe, and in the latest Z-car application, it will generate 332hp (247kW) and a peak torque of 270lb-ft (366Nm).
The ground-breaking rev-matching downshift feature on the six-speed manual transmission is certain to attract both praises and complaints, as fans lose one more facet of control over the car. The function of "SynchroRev Match" is to automatically control and adapt the speed of the engine when shifting to the exact speed of the subsequent gear position, basically "blipping" the throttle for seamless shifts. This helps to enhance vehicle stability and smoothness by lowering the usual roughness when the clutch is utilized. A button next to the shifter deactivates the system for drivers who choose to have fuller control of the vehicle and is available as an extra option. Meanwhile, the latest 7-speed automatic receives its own Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) attributes, which offer manual-like shifting reaction when run in manual mode. Shift times reach a low of half a second. Drivers can employ either the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. Projected fuel efficiency is 18mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway for the six-speed manual version; about 1mpg higher than the retiring 350Z. The same fuel-economy is also anticipated to feature in the automatic.
The wheelbase of the latest Z is almost four inches shorter than the preceding generation, 100.4 inches from 104.3 inches, attained by moving the rear wheels toward the front in the second-generation FM platform, whereas total length is reduced by 2.7 inches, 167.1 inches from 169.8 inches. Simultaneously, the total width has been improved by 1.3 inches, the rear track by 2.2 inches and total height lowered by 0.3 inches, giving the 370Z a much more aggressive posture. Weight is effectively lowered through more compact surface dimensions and extensive use of lightweight materials. The Z features aluminum door panels for the first time, together with an all-aluminum hood and an aluminum hatch. Simultaneously, the body configuration was expansively modified, enhancing front body torsion rigidity by 30%. A fresh front suspension cradle to lower front body lateral bending, new rear structural supports, and an underbody "V-bar" all assisted in the reduction of the rear lateral bending. Other improvements consisted of the use of a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and support of the rear fender and hatch areas.
There is an improvement of the rear body torsion rigidity up to 22% and rear body vertical bending rigidity up to 30%. Drag coefficient is 0.30, which is 0.29 with the Sport Package, the same as the preceding generation 350Z Coupe. The latest Z also keeps the earlier model's zero front lift and zero rear lift when outfitted with the rear spoiler. Standard perforated discs complete with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) round off the braking hardware. The optional Sport Package consists of the large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8inch rear rotors, in contrast to the 12.6-inch front/12.1-inch rear standard rotors, with four-piston front and two-piston rear aluminum calipers. In the interior, the traditional three-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock are preserved, although the speedometer and tachometer currently also includes an "initial sweep" feature, which comes to life at ignition.
The driver and passenger's seats are both designed with anti-slip materials in the main seating surface. The seats are offered with a choice of leather trim, heater functionally, and electronic four-way adaptable movement. Coming as standard are adjustable dynamic head restraints. Typical inside comfort and convenience attributes include Nissan's Intelligent Key with a power starter button, two 12 volt power outlets, four cup holders, high intensity discharge (HID) dual-function xenon headlights, and a four-speaker stereo. Synthetic suede and leather-appointed sport seats are added to the Touring version complete with adjustable lumbar support, a Bose audio system with eight speakers, XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth interface. A touch-screen Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic along with Real-Time Traffic and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and Interface System for the Apple iPod are all included in an optional Navigation Package.
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