Nissan 370Z to move upscale, leave room for entry-level front-drive sports car
Nissan 370Z to move upscale, leave room for entry-level front-drive sports car
When the 2010 Nissan 370Z finally bows later this year or early in 2009, it will be skewed a little closer to the GT-R than the outgoing 350Z. Not only will this make the all-new car a more performance-minded vehicle, but it will also clear the way for a new entry-level Nissan-badged sports car.
While the overall shape of the 350Z will remain, the 370Z will essentially be an entirely new vehicle. The most obvious change will be the bump in displacement from 3.5L to 3.7L — a change that should result in at least 330 horsepower.
But under the surface, the 370Z will actually be riding on an all-new platform. Nissan will be swapping the 350Z's FM platform to a new E global platform that already underpins the majority of the Infiniti range.
To further bump the 370Z upscale, it's quite possible that Nissan engineers will equip the car with the same dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission found in the GT-R, according to Car and Driver.
These changes should clear the way for an entry-level sports car, but the new car might not be exactly what enthusiasts are looking for. While previous rumors had the car pegged as a rear-wheel drive 240SX replacement, Nissan officials have revealed to Car and Driver that they are actually eying a front-wheel drive model. Larry Dominique, Nissan North America vice president in charge of product planning and strategy, says the new model will do battle with the likes of the Mazda MX-5, Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice, but we have a hard time believing a front-driver will be able to keep up with those rear-drive vehicles.
posted on: http://www.leftlanenews.com/nissan-3...ports-car.html
I personally find it good news.
I love the 350Z.
While the overall shape of the 350Z will remain, the 370Z will essentially be an entirely new vehicle. The most obvious change will be the bump in displacement from 3.5L to 3.7L — a change that should result in at least 330 horsepower.
But under the surface, the 370Z will actually be riding on an all-new platform. Nissan will be swapping the 350Z's FM platform to a new E global platform that already underpins the majority of the Infiniti range.
To further bump the 370Z upscale, it's quite possible that Nissan engineers will equip the car with the same dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission found in the GT-R, according to Car and Driver.
These changes should clear the way for an entry-level sports car, but the new car might not be exactly what enthusiasts are looking for. While previous rumors had the car pegged as a rear-wheel drive 240SX replacement, Nissan officials have revealed to Car and Driver that they are actually eying a front-wheel drive model. Larry Dominique, Nissan North America vice president in charge of product planning and strategy, says the new model will do battle with the likes of the Mazda MX-5, Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice, but we have a hard time believing a front-driver will be able to keep up with those rear-drive vehicles.
posted on: http://www.leftlanenews.com/nissan-3...ports-car.html
I personally find it good news.
I love the 350Z.
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Originally Posted by fabcas311
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