L.A. Auto Show: The complete Nissan 370Z

Now we know what's in the 2009 Nissan 370Z.

Namely: a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the world's first synchronized downshift rev-matching system for the six-speed manual transmission (how many people heel-and-toe these days, anyway?), a shorter wheelbase than the 350Z (by nearly four inches) and better-quality cabin materials. Nissan says that nearly every component has been rethought or redesigned.

The rear track has been widened by 2.2 inches for a more "planted" feel, and the car is a tad lower. The 370Z gets lightweight aluminum door panels and an all-aluminum hood (the 350Z's hood had steel reinforcing). Also available are a front chin spoiler and a rear spoiler. Paint choices are Pearl White, Monterey Blue, Brilliant Silver, Solid Red Platinum Graphite and Chicane Yellow.

Saving weight was a major concern with the 370Z. By lopping 13.9 pounds from the fuel tank and shaving weight from things like the exhaust and audio systems, Nissan saved nearly 225 pounds to help offset the extra body bracing and other new hardware. The new Z is still lighter than the old Z by at least 42 pounds. Weight distribution remains at 53/47 front to rear, but the center of gravity is now lower, which will have a positive effect on the driving experience.

So should the new 3.7-liter V-6, which enjoys 26 more horsepower over the outgoing engine. Through the magic of variable valve timing, there’s now 332 horsepower at a peaky 7,000 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at a still quite high 5,200 rpm. Performance figures are still unknown, though Nissan does claim 18/26 mpg city/highway for either transmission.

The suspension is now stronger yet lighter, with all-new "high-response" shock absorbers, while the basic wheel-tire combo consists of 225/50 Yokohama Advan Sport rubber on light-alloy 18x8 wheels up front, with 245/45 tires on 18x9 equivalents at the rear. The brakes have also been upgraded to provide more feel and a greater resistance to fade.

The driver's hip point is nearly half an inch lower in the 370Z than in the 350Z, and the seat has an improved frame for better lateral support. The accelerator pedal is now floor-mounted for easier throttle control. That rear strut brace that took up most of the 350Z's stowage space is gone; there's a less intrusive bar mounted just behind the front seats.

The car goes on sale in January, starting at $29,930 for the basic tin-top (the convertible is still some way down the road). There will be two models: 370Z and 370Z Touring. The latter gets leather-covered heated seats, a Homelink Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth connectivity, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a cargo cover and aluminum pedals on top of the standard Z appointments.

There's also a Sport package that features the manual transmission's downshift function and larger brake rotors. Yet another option is the Navigation package with a touch-screen system, real-time traffic updates, a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive and an iPod interface.

-- Colin Ryan

Photos: Nissan

For more photos of production cars from the show, click here.

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