Nissan 370Z

After mock-ups in Japanese car mags, spy shots taken at test facilities and speculation over the car’s name, the successor to the Nissan 350Z is finally here in all its official glory. This is the 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe, so called because it has a 3.7-liter V6 engine nestling between those distinctive headlights.

That same engine, which is in the Infiniti G37 (Nissan’s luxury coupe), has 330 horsepower. Although there’s some tuning leeway, the 370Z should have a similar rating. The G37 also has the option of a seven-speed automatic transmission, so expect that to be a choice alongside a six-speed manual.

This is the first full redesign of the Z line since the fifth generation came out in 2003. The generation-six 370Z is said to be slightly wider and shorter than its predecessor, which is good for two reasons. First, because it will enhance the car’s stance, making it even more fun to drive. And second, because the trend is usually for successive generations of cars to get bigger, put on more weight and lose the original spirit. By bucking this trend, it shows that Nissan still cares about the driving enthusiast.

Which is no doubt why the company has been working with the makers of the next big video driving game,"Need for Speed Undercover" in which players can drive a virtual version before the real model hits the showrooms in the early part of 2009 (the convertible version is due later as a 2010 model). Apparently, Nissan has been making sure that the digital car has the same characteristics (as near as possible, without real physics getting involved) as the road-going machine.

The Los Angeles Auto Show, taking place in November, will be the first place to see the 370Z in three dimensions.