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2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary

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Old 10-17-2009, 02:12 AM
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2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary

40th Anniversary Nissan 370Z Announced:



Nissan Celebrates Four Decades of Sports Car Leadership With New, Limited Edition 370Z "40th Anniversary" Model

Forty Years After the Debut of the Original Datsun 240Z, the Iconic Z Continues to Capture the Imagination and Passion of Sports Car Enthusiasts Worldwide

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Oct. 15, 2009) – The 25th anniversary is silver, the 50th is gold. And the 40th? Another precious metal, or more correctly metal, rubber and glass – the Nissan Z. Forty years ago, on October 22, 1969, the Datsun 240Z arrived in North America, heralding a new era in sports car design.

Where previous sports cars were primarily a.) imported from England or Germany b.) expensive c.) fragile or unreliable or d.) all of the above, the new import from Japan offered the performance of a Porsche, the looks of a Jaguar and the price and reliability of, well, a Nissan. The 240Z was a revelation to the automotive world – an affordable sports car that could be driven every day and was accessible to anyone with the $3,626 base price.

And though the price of a new Z might have changed a little in the past 40 years, its unmatched value, style, performance and segment leadership remains stronger than ever. To celebrate, Nissan has created a special, limited production version of the current 2010 Nissan 370Z Coupe, the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition. It will be available at select Nissan dealers nationwide beginning in spring 2010.

"Throughout the history of the automobile, a rare handful of cars stand apart as vehicles that not only capture the imagination of the world but also embody the essence of the automaker's brand, engineering and ideals. The Z is just such a vehicle," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

Changing Times – Literally When the original Datsun 240Z debuted as a 1970 model, its design and performance were considered state-of-the-art: a 150-horsepower 2.4-liter single overhead cam inline 6-cylinder engine, 4-wheel independent suspension, 14-inch wheels, choice of a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, and a quarter-mile acceleration time of 17.1 seconds at 84.5 miles per hour. The 240Z was conceived as a closed coupe body, rather than the typical open-top sports cars of the age, to enhance body rigidity and, therefore, improve handling and durability.

Needless to say, a lot has changed. Today's definition of state-of-the-art, as expressed in the sixth generation Nissan 370Z, includes a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), lightweight 4-wheel independent suspension with extensive use of aluminum components, available 19-inch super lightweight forged alloy wheels, choice of 6-speed manual transmission with innovative SynchroRev Match or refined 7-speed automatic and independent quarter-mile acceleration times of 13.5 seconds at 106.6 miles per hour. And today, the recently introduced 370Z Roadster – with its automatic-operation fully lined cloth top, offers nearly the same body rigidity and performance as the rock-solid 370Z Coupe.

Also, where the 240Z offered what many considered "luxuries" in a sports car – including roll-up windows and radio, today's 370Z is offered with items such as Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio and an advanced Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with touch-screen, XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather (XM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat restaurant guide, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and a USB fort for iPod connectivity.

About the Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition starts out as a 370Z Coupe Touring model equipped with manual transmission and Sport Package (including SynchroRev Match, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and viscous limited-slip differential) and adds a premium "40th Quartz" exterior color and red leather-appointed interior.

Additional exclusive equipment includes a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace. Inside, along with the red leather-appointed seats are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary seatback and floormat embroidery, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and a plaque of authenticity. Every 40th Anniversary Z also comes with a commemorative premium satin car cover.

Pricing of the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition will be announced closer to its on-sale date next spring. A Brief History: Six Generations of Z The journey from the original 240Z to the current 370Z, of course, made a number of interesting stops along the past 40 years. Interestingly, the 240Z might not have made the journey to America in the first place, if not for the efforts of one man.

Though many, many people were responsible for the design and engineering of the first generation 240Z, its success in North America can be attributed to Yutaka Katayama, who was president of Nissan's U.S. operations at the time. Known affectionately as "Mr. K," he was convinced that the company's new sports car design would be a hit in the U.S. There was just one problem – the vehicle's name: the Fairlady Z (which is still used in the Japanese market today).

With a name change for this market to "240Z" and some aggressive marketing, including early motorsports success, the Z became an instant hit – bringing attention and buyers not just to Z, but also to the entire brand.

After overseeing Nissan's growth in the U.S. in the '70s, Katayama returned to Japan and remains, to this day, linked to the Z's success here and around the world. On September 15th, 2009, Mr. K celebrated his 100th birthday and received cards and birthday greetings from Z lovers everywhere.

In 1974, as the engine displacement climbed to 2.6 liters the name changed to 260Z. The 2+2 model with an extended roofline and tiny back seat also appeared. In 1975, engine size increased again to 2.8 liters and the name changed to 280Z. Z cars continued to dominate on the racetrack, with Pete Brock, John Morton, Bob Sharp and P.L. (Paul) Newman among the many talented drivers.

Z sales continued to climb with the introduction in 1979 of the new second generation 280ZX. Now priced at just under $10,000, the 280ZX was named Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year" and sales passed 86,000 units. T-tops and a turbocharged engine followed in the early '80s.

In 1984, Z engine displacement increased again, with a 3.0-liter V6 replacing the classic Z inline-6, and the 300ZX was born. Also, a specially equipped model celebrating the company's 50th anniversary and priced at $25,999 was introduced. The 1984 Z was the best selling sports car in America.

The next breakthrough in Z history came in 1990 with the arrival of the totally redesigned, fourth generation 300ZX. Offered in two-seat and four-seat 2+2 models, it offered an unheard of 222 horsepower and a top speed of 150 mph. A few months later, the 300ZX Turbo followed – with 300 horsepower, a 160-mph top speed and a $33,000 price tag.

The 1990 300ZX captured the Z's second Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year" award, along with a spot on Car and Driver and Road & Track "10 Best" lists. The 300ZX also captured Automobile's "Design of the Year" and the first of four "All-Stars" awards.

By the mid-'90s, however, sports car sales in general were slowing and the Z had lost its "affordable" sports car positioning. With Z sales declining sharply and the core "value" positioning no longer part of the "Z DNA," sales of the Z in the U.S. slumped and sales were stopped following the 1996 model year. The last 300ZX imported into the U.S. was inducted into the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

The next chapter of the Z history came just before the end of the century. In 1999, Nissan and Renault formed what has become the highly successful Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Mr. Carlos Ghosn was assigned by Renault to head the new management team. Among his first tasks was not just to look at the business aspects, but to find the "soul" of the company. In interview after interview, people inside and outside the company brought up one model to him, one letter: Z.

Development of the new Z began later that year, with the return to the values of the original 240Z – a car that sports car enthusiasts would look forward to driving everyday; quick, inspiring and affordable.

In summer 2002, the Z was reborn with the introduction of the 2003 350Z. It was delivered, as promised, with an MSRP of under $30,000.

Following the 350Z's unprecedented success, the sixth generation Z, the 2009 370Z was launched last December. Now the little sports car that could comes full circle with the announcement of the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition.

"It's almost inconceivable that it has been 40 years since the original 240Z changed the course of Nissan and the concept of affordable, everyday sports cars," said Castignetti. "In a year, 1969, marked by the first man to walk on the moon, the 240Z made a remarkable first step of its own. Happy anniversary, Z."







@



Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the new Fairlady Z Roadster, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. In addition, the Fairlady Z Coupe receives minor new model enhancements and a new "Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary" model, which marks the first four decades of the popular Nissan sports car, joins the lineup.

Fairlady Z Roadster
Based on the latest generation Fairlady Z Coupe, the all-new Fairlady Z Roadster is a two-seat convertible with a fully , automatic power-operated, soft top. Along with providing the exhilaration of open-air driving, Fairlady Z Roadster offers high performance, dynamic design and excellent value.

Like the Fairlady Z Coupe, the new Roadster model features significant improvements in performance, style and technology versus the previous Fairlady Z Roadster design. With its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and advanced VQ37VHR 3.7-liter engine, it gives remarkably high levels of acceleration and handling, while also providing a comfortable interior with minimum wind buffeting - even with the top open.

Key highlights of the new Fairlady Z Roadster include:

* Optimal balance of sports car performance and open-top convertible exhilaration
* Signature Fairlady Z styling with an advanced, fully automatic canvas top
* Air conditionined seats for added occupant comfort, even on hot days
* Available advanced technology, including HDD CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment features and premium Bose® audio system
* Uncompromised Fairlady Z performance

Eye-catching Beauty With the Top Open or Closed
With its dramatic style and flowing design, the Fairlady Z Roadster achieves a rare feat for most convertibles – looking equally attractive with the top open or closed. With the roof open, the fully lined canvas top stows completely out of sight beneath a metal storage lid. When the top is in the up position, the roofline accentuates the Fairlady Z's classic long nose/short cockpit proportions.

Like the Coupe, the Roadster's aggressive exterior design features a dynamic arch-shaped character line that runs from the headlights to the waistline and continues back to the iconic Fairlady Z LED brake lights.

The convertible top itself features an improved texture and rich appearance (versus the previous generation design) by using fabric instead of canvas. The top is available in a choice of two colors – Black or Bordeaux.

Also offered are sculpture-like 18-inch cast aluminum wheels (chrome color coating) designed specifically for the Fairlady Z Roadster, which optimally balance sportiness and elegance. Larger 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels are offered as an option with the Version ST.

The Fairlady Z Roadster is available in a choice of eight body colors, including a new, elegant Premium Deep Maroon. All colors are protected with Nissan's Scratch Shield.

An Interior That Optimizes Open-Air Comfort
The high-quality interior is designed to enhance both driving enjoyment and passenger comfort. Airflow around the cabin is optimized by the front window moldings, while a rear deflector helps minimize wind buffeting when the top is open. With the top closed, a full fabric inner lining helps provide a quality look and feel, while also helping reduce the transmission of outside noise into the roomy cabin.

A choice of four seat upholsteries is available, including special Bordeaux genuine leather-appointed seating that creates a premium and rich interior atmosphere. Also a unique air-conditioning function is installed in seats made of leather and netted fabric offering enjoyable all-season open-air driving. Suede-like kneepads are offered on all models.

A user-friendly switch located in the center console controls the easy operation of the soft top. The automatic roof function locks and releases the top from the windshield header without driver intervention. The soft top can also be opened and closed without getting in the vehicle by pressing the request switch located on the driver and passenger door handles (when carrying the Intelligent Key).

The interior also features a luggage area that can hold a 45-inch golf driver set bag and a space behind the seats suitable for storing items.

Unmatched Driving Performance
The Fairlady Z Roadster's driving performance is considerably improved, compared to the previous model, through use of a shortened wheelbase, wider track and lighter vehicle weight.

The standard 3.7-liter engine, equipped with Nissan's innovative Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system, provides quick acceleration response, high power, high torque, improved fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions.

A 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and wide gear ratios offers seamless acceleration, along with improved fuel efficiency (versus the previous 5-speed automatic design) and quiet operation during high-speed driving.

The Fairlady Z Roadster is also available with an advanced 6-speed manual transmission with synchronized rev control that regulates the engine speed to the optimum level, matching the driver's shifting action when changing gears.

A tight body structure, appropriate for use as a convertible, with both high rigidity and greater collision safety is provided through efficiently strengthening the door and the trunk openings. Driving stability is enhanced by considerably improved torsional rigidity (compared to the previous model).


Advanced Safety, Navigation and Entertainment Systems
The Fairlady Z Roadster also includes a number of advanced safety and security systems, including a SRS door-mounted curtain air bag system.

The available HDD CARWINGS navigation system features enhanced entertainment functions, including an advanced map update system which can be downloaded from the PC or via mobile communications, an iPod®* connection system and terrestrial digital TV receiver.

Also offered is a Bose®** premium sound system, which has been specially tuned for the Fairlady Z Roadster's acoustics and provides an optimal sound field when the soft top is either open or closed.

Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary Edition

In addition to the new Roadster, a special Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary version joins the Fairlady Z lineup. Created in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the birth of the original Fairlady Z in October 1969, the limited edition vehicle will be available at Nissan dealers nationwide for one year following the release date.

Based on the Version ST (6MT/7AT), a highest grade of the Fairlady Z coupe, the 40th Anniversary Edition includes specifically-designed real leather seats, memorial engraving on the seat backs, dedicated aluminum wheels, and a 40th anniversary emblem on the rear body.



Fairlady Z Coupe Refinements

One year after the launch of the newest generation Fairlady Z, the Coupe receives a number of minor model year enhancements, including the adoption of an HDD CARWINGS navigation system with a built-in terrestrial digital TV receiver, an advanced map update system and iPod® connection. In addition, an Intelligent Key with a Z metal emblem is offered, along with new body color variations, including a new Premium Deep Maroon color.

Pricing
Fairlady Z Roadster
Price range: 4,357,500 yen to 5,092,500 yen, including consumption tax

Fairlady Z
Price range: 3,643,500 yen to 4,588,500 yen, including consumption tax

Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary(including consumption tax):

7M-ATx: 4,588,500 yen
6MT: 4,483,500 yen
Roadster






















 
  #2  
Old 10-17-2009, 10:15 AM
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Love the new Z. The convertible is damn hot.
 
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Old 10-17-2009, 09:51 PM
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i think the 40th coupe looks real nice.

but im not a "z-fanatic" so i got the 09. works for me. :p
check out my albums pages for picts.
 
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Old 10-17-2009, 10:00 PM
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think I like the nismo at a local dealer more.
 
  #5  
Old 10-17-2009, 10:01 PM
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yah, but the nismo is actually slower than the base with sports package... too much decoration (weight) and not enough power increase from the base.
 
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Old 10-17-2009, 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by kenchan
yah, but the nismo is actually slower than the base with sports package... too much decoration (weight) and not enough power increase from the base.
def didn't know that. haven't looked into em at all really, just seen it...smiled...n wished I could take one of em for a test drive.
 
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Old 10-17-2009, 10:11 PM
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That is pure secks. I think I know someone that sleeps in my bed that needs that.
 
  #8  
Old 10-17-2009, 10:21 PM
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not for nothing but this is like the 400 autoblog article that you have completely copied and pasted into a thread. along with tons of images.
how about just a link next time?
we dont really need FF bandwidth to be congested with random car news..
unless you want people to thing you wrote this? :-/

but seriously a link to autoblog next time ;)
 
  #9  
Old 03-18-2010, 04:09 PM
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WHAT???? patrick (keepitpg) hasn't commented on this???? he gets a woody over regular 370's - lol
 
  #10  
Old 03-18-2010, 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by kenchan
yah, but the nismo is actually slower than the base with sports package... too much decoration (weight) and not enough power increase from the base.
I don't know the exact details in weight but from what I remember we are talking about 20-30#s. Not enough to say it is slower than the base w/ sports package. Those decoration are functional downforce made to keep the car planted but I guess you can look at it as a way to slow the car down. Slow or fast it is depend on condition and if we talking about floor smashing pedal (going straight) or shift heel/toe .... IMO I think it is a fast car.

~Robert
 
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