L.A. Auto Show: Nissan 370Z = 332 HP
OK, Red Emblem racers, now that we've answered the first question on your minds, here's the rest on the the latest Z: peak horsepower comes at 7,000 rpm, just shy of the 7,500-rpm red line. Torque is rated at 270 pound-feet at 5,200 rpm.
Putting that output to the wheels are two new transmission setups. The six-speed manual gets a nifty (optional) rev-matching downshift feature. Add heel-and-toe technique to the list of soon-to-be-lost driving arts.
The automatic is a seven speed with paddle shifters. The carbon-fiber drive shaft remains in place, and a viscous limited-slip differential is an option.
Manual models weigh in at 3,278 pounds, the slushbox ups poundage to 3,314. So for manual models, that's a 42-pound weight loss some of us could achieve through diet and exercise.
I'm heading to the floor for the official debut now. Stay tuned.
-- Peter Y. Hong
Photo: Peter Y. Hong / Los Angeles Times
