Doha-Qatar - 30 September, 2009

2010 370Z sports car – some see a car, others see an icon….

Doha: In the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z sports car since its re-introduction as the 350Z in 2003, nearly every piece and component of Nissan’s new 370Z has been rethought or redesigned. The 2010 370Z has a shorter wheelbase, makes greater use of lightweight body materials, has a new engine with a class-leading 328 horsepower yet with improved fuel economy, has a new 7-speed automatic transmission with F1-style paddle shifters and a world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the six-speed manual transmission. Inside, a new high quality driver-centric interior puts the driver centre stage plus a host of new technology features become available including a touch-screen Navigation system.

The 2010 370Z’s dynamic new styling offers dual benefits – a more aggressive appearance and a lighter, tighter structure for enhanced performance. The 370Z has a taut new skin – one that looks completely new, yet completely Z. The exterior design incorporates the original 1970 240Z styling cues, a sleek aerodynamic shape, a “dynamic motion” feel with a dramatic cantilevered roof (with Nissan GT-R styling cues) and a “low visual gravity.”

The new Z is powered by the fourth generation of Nissan’s award-winning VQ-series V6. The new 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) is rated at 328 horsepower and 37.0kg-m of torque. The new engine is backed by a choice of two new advanced transmissions, both designed to improve driver performance. The new close-ratio 6-speed manual includes an available world’s first “SynchroRev Match” system, which automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially “blipping” the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. The new 7-speed automatic with magnesium paddle shifters is designed to offer ultra quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode with a target time of 0.5 seconds between shifts.

“Quite apart from its fabulous specifiction and fresh new look, the new 370Z is going to upstage the sports cars segment with its unbeatable combination of performance and value” said Gilles Normand, Corporate Vice President, Nissan Motor Company who was present in Qatar to introduce the new models at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha. “At Nissan we call the new 370Z a ‘super evolution’ because it builds on the best features of both the first and last generation of Z cars (the 240Z and 350Z) and is respectful but not retro, simple yet sophisticated, and 110 percent pure Z. The new 370Z lives in the sweet spot of performance, style and value, a position that Nissan invented with the original Z in 1970. It’s an authentic sports car that you don’t have to make sacrifices to own or drive everyday” he concluded.

The 370Z will initially be available as a coupe from autumn this year but a convertible Roadster version will also be available to customers from early 2010.