Nissan 370Z Shapes up to Stun

Japanese concept artwork: the new Nissan 370Z

Now there's been no doubt that the Nissan 350Z has done an excellent job of reviving the idea of the sporty Nissan, reminding us of the Datsun 240Z and preparing us for the new Uber Nissan, the GTR.

But far from being forgotten in the wake of the arrival of it's more illustrious big brother, the 350Z (it appears from the Japanese press) will soon become the 370Z, with a commensurate rise in cylinder capacity from 3.5 to a 3.7l V6.

The 350Z's outgoing engine has lately provided propulsion in the order of 300bhp. With the increase in capacity it looks as if the 370Z will build on the 350Z's reputation as a real driver's weapon with a likely 330+ bhp and RWD.

A siginificant power increase might put an end to Boxster comparisons and place it firmly in Porsche 911 territory.

But the big story is the looks.

The 350Z's design managed to appear butch, without any real drama or beauty.

The rear haunches seem much better resolved than those of the slightly leaden and overly 'styled' 350Z. The overall design seems to possess a more compact cohesiveness whilst the short overhangs continue to give the impression of agility.

If the 370Z does indeed take its design cues from this shapely concept artwork it will be a stunner indeed.

That's enough design-babble wittering from me!


Thanks to Autoblog for the break.