Evolution Blurs Z Line
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday November 26, 2008
"RESPECTFUL but not retro" is how Nissan describes the latest take on its original sports coupe, the 240Z.
Sure, there is just a hint of a tribute to the old "24-ounce" around that rear quarter-window and yes, there is a shade of similarity in the nose-cone where air intake (you can't really call it a grille) and headlights show a link to the past, but the fact of the matter is this latest coupe, now called 370Z, is ample demonstration of the march of progress, the next step in Nissan's evolutionary march.As with all previous Zs the numbers tell the story. This time around the V6 engine displaces 3.7 litres and comes with variable valve timing (known as VVEL or Variable Valve Event and Lift) to boost both low-end power delivery and high-end torque.While the engine is based heavily on the VQ35HR used in the current car some 35 per cent of the componentry is new and, combined with the increased output, brings power and torque outputs up to 247 kilowatts and 366 Newton metres, gains of 17 kilowatts and eight Newton metres.Buyers will be able to choose between two electronically enhanced transmissions an automatic and a manual both designed to maximise performance. The automatic is the same seven-speeder fitted to the GT-R, which means a sequential manual shift gate and up/down shift paddles on the steering wheel.The manual sounds like fun. Fitted with something called "Synchro Rev Control" the six-speeder has a synchronised system that gives a throttle blip on up and down gearshifts to match engine speed for the next gear position. Translation? Anyone who can push a clutch pedal and move a gear lever with even modest dexterity can be a hero driver, a shift jockey par excellence.In real terms the new Z is smaller and lighter than the 350. The wheelbase has been pruned by 100mm to 2550mm and overall length is down by 70mm to 4250mm. Overall width is out by 33mm and the rear track has been pushed out by an impressive 55mm.More compact dimensions and a greater use of lightweight materials has reduced weight a little, down to 1466kg compared to the current car's 1480 kilograms.Nissan also claims to have given the body structure an extensive reinforcing regimen to improve overall rigidity but, at this stage, is not saying by how much compared to the 350Z. In terms of style the car has lost some of the "jelly mould" look of the 350Z and gone back to its roots, appearing as a modern take on the old front-engine, rear-drive grand touring two-seater of old.As with the 350Z, the interior is a place only for two with a control layout that is totally driver-oriented and one that looks like it could have been lifted from a sports motorcycle.Once again, the main instrument binnacle is attached to the steering column so the wheel/gauge relationship does not change.This time around the rear strut brace (running across the luggage area in 350Z) has been removed (replaced with less-intrusive structural reinforcements) and a shelf area behind the seats allows for storage of smaller items, such as briefcases and laptop bags.When will we see it? Nissan Australia is not saying at this stage but European deliveries start in April so it is on the cards that we could see it here in the first half of the new year.There is also no indication about any plans to continue the Touring and Track variants of the current car into the new model.PORSCHE OPTS FOR AN OILER PAGE 60 Peugeot's Partner van is big on Euro design flair, see your Saturday Drive
© 2008 Newcastle Herald