Next Gen 350Z caught at the ring

An early test mule for the next-generation 2009 Nissan 350Z recently arrived at the Nürburgring test track in Germany. It wore what looked like sheet metal from the current-generation Z-car, but a closer inspection makes it clear that this car has been substantially modified.

Various cutlines indicate a reworked chassis with a shorter wheelbase. This observation has ignited rumors of a new Nissan sports car smaller than the 350Z, but we think something else is going on....
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richardp996 - 6/21/2007 12:25:02 PM

+1 Boost

I respect the 350Z, I just wished Nissan developed an extreme-performance model with a large increase in horsepower and torque with some racey equipment. The potential is there given that consumers are into vehicles like that. The Nismo Z is more of a last hurray before the successor to the curent Z is unveiled.

I bet Nissan could have developed customer spec racecars like BMW's 320Si WTCC race, Z4 M Coupé, and 120D endurance cars and sold them internationally for different privateers in particular racing series.

PlanB - 6/21/2007 1:24:41 PM

+1 Boost

370Z, nice. I agree with the article, the current Z, which I love, is a wee bit chubby. The weight/size loss along with the higher output engine(depending where they tune it) should bring the car up to par with its competition next gen.

Will_ - 6/21/2007 4:34:58 PM

+1 Boost

325hp coming from the same 306hp engine in the Infiniti G37 is impressive.

STJ88 - 6/21/2007 4:45:46 PM

+1 Boost

The infiniti G37 has 330BHP not 306BHP.

dlin - 6/21/2007 10:12:05 PM

+1 Boost

Based on the data collected from dyno test G37 in fact has about 360 hp.

dlin - 6/23/2007 1:48:12 AM

+1 Boost

Dyno doesn't lie and it doesn't need to compare to 06 engine. It is what it is.

Same thing happens to BMW when they claim 335 is 300 hp. In reality it is about 360 hp engine output. If it's not because BMW tweak the chip it could get to 400-450 hp.

These factory numbers are all marketing game.

xj13 - 6/22/2007 9:09:46 AM

+1 Boost

Better than any lexus, go nissan.

EnnNorak - 6/22/2007 10:06:22 AM

+1 Boost

Yes, GO NISSAN GO, but make sure this car gets a conventional 6-speed automatic and not the dreaded CVT. Younger purists who want the manual transmission should be aware that my wife cannot or will not drive a stick shift.