Nissan sheds weight

6:20am Thursday 27th November 2008

Nissan has made its first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its re-introduction in 2003.

The new 370Z sports a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, new engine with more horsepower and a new seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, as well as the world’s first synchronised down/up shift rev control system for the manual transmission. But to get the full measure of the new model, now designated the Nissan 370Z, one need look no farther than the subtle upswept line of the new rear quarter window.

Quintessentially Z, the window is reminiscent of the original 1970 240Z — a car that revolutionised the sports car world with its unique combination of performance, style and, especially, value. The new 370Z continues this philosophy, offering accessible performance, true sports car handling and athletic, agile design.

Pierre Loing, Nissan’s European Vice President for product planning, said: “The fresh character of the Nissan 370Z is immediately apparent in the crisp new exterior design, which is sportier yet still immensely identifiable as a Z.”

The 3.7-litre-powered car will go on sale in April.