The New 2009 Cars From Nissan
The Tokyo-based company has quietly been working on the next-generations Z and GT-R.
2009 Nissan 370Z
Nissan has announced several months ago that the 350Z would undergo a significant makeover, and now Mag X, Japan’s leading car spy magazine, uncovered key elements in the upcoming Z’s styling along with providing vital information.
The headlights are an odd “V” shape, which creates a “squinting” effect. But the face is now more distinctive than before. Also adding spice to the new-look Z are “fangs.” These body-colored dividers are incorporated inside the grille to separate the air going to the radiator and the brake vents.
The overall shape and profile of the new Z will remain relatively unchanged. However, it will be slightly smaller than the current car, measuring roughly 163 in. from bumper to bumper, about 6.5 in. shorter than its ancestor. The interior space will stay the same, but the car will weigh some 200 lb. less, tipping the scales at about 3010 lb.
This means that the new Z will be the Speedy Gonzales of the highways. A reliable source in Japan has told autos.aol.com that this new vehicle will be powered by a 3.7-liter V-6, the same engine used in the Infiniti G37 coupe, with output bumped to 350 bhp at 6500 rpm and torque to about 280 lb.-ft. at 4500. This new power-to-weight ratio for the “370Z” will allow the car to reach 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds.
2009 Nissan GT-R Spec V
It seems that the Spec V will be to the GT-R lineup what the Porsche GT3 RS is to the 911. It will be significantly 220 lb. lighter than the base car. Extensive use of carbon fiber will help the GT-R weigh in at about 3600 lb. The interior may come standard with a rollcage or structural brace like the one in the original GT-R Concept, as well as carbon-fiber Recaro front seats.
The GT-R Spec V is a serious performance car, one mainly intended for the track. New lightweight 6-spoke wheels will help you distinguish it from the base GT-R. the Spec V’s 3.8-liter V-6 will pump out about 520 bhp at 6500 rpm and 435 lb.-ft. of torque from 3200 to 5200, roughly a 10-percent increase from the base engine. The IHI turbos, mounted to the exhaust manifolds for quick response, provide 11.8 psi of boost, helping the GT-R reach 60 mph in 3.4 sec., and get to the quarter mile in 11.8 - right there with the others despite its test weight of 3960 lb. The Dunlop SP Sports get noisy at highway speed, but other than this and an occasionally clunky low-speed shift, the GT-R is a capable daily commuter. Combine this added power with the car’s lighter weight and you have a very fast machine.
As for price, let’s just say that extensive use of carbon fiber will definitely have an effect. The projected MSRP of the GT-R Spec V is $120,000.