Car Of The Day: December 28, 2011

Today's car of the day is Maisto's 2009 Nissan 370Z.

The Nissan 370Z (known as the Fairlady Z in Japan) is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motors. It was announced on October 29, 2008 and was first shown at an event in Los Angeles ahead of the 2008 Greater LA Auto Show, before being officially unveiled at the show itself. The 370Z is the sixth-generation of the Nissan Z-car line, succeeding the 350Z.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Nissan 370Z

A fairly nice casting from Maisto.  Could stand to have an interior, but definitely a solid effort.

Almost every piece and component of the 370Z has been redesigned from the previous model (350Z). It is powered by the VQ37VHR 3.7 L (230 cu in) DOHC V6 with Variable Valve and Lift Control and produces 332 bhp (248 kW; 337 PS). Power delivery to the rear wheels comes through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual transmission which features the world's first synchronized down shift rev-matching system, SynchroRev Match. The SynchroRev Match system is only available with the sports package. The differential offered with the Sport Package is indicated to be a viscous limited slip differential.

Compared to the 350Z, the 370Z has a wheelbase 4 in (100 mm) shorter at 100.4 in (2,550 mm) and an overall length 2.7 in (69 mm) shorter at 167.1 in (4,240 mm). The overall width has been increased by 1.3 in (33 mm), the rear track by 2.2 in (56 mm), and overall height reduced by 0.3 in (7.6 mm). The smaller exterior dimensions and use of more lightweight materials help reduce weight. (Although it should be noted that a 2003-2005 base model 350Z is actually lighter in weight than the 370Z). The 370Z features a front aluminum subframe, aluminum-alloy engine cradle, aluminum door panels, an all-aluminum hood, and an aluminum hatch.

Front body torsion rigidity is improved by 10 percent with an extensively revised body structure which includes a new front suspension cradle to reduce front body lateral bending, new rear structural reinforcements, and an underbody "V-bar" to help reduce rear lateral bending. Additional enhancements include the use of a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthening of the rear fender and hatch areas. Rear body torsion rigidity is improved by up to 22 percent and rear body vertical bending rigidity is improved by up to 30 percent. The new structure weighs slightly less than the 350Z.

The coefficient of drag is 0.30 and 0.29 with the Sport Package, figures identical to the 350Z. Nissan has also changed the clutch and brakes of the 350Z for the 370Z. The brakes have been changed from the more expensive Brembo racing brakes to Nissan branded brakes which are manufactured by Akebono.

The coupe version was introduced in 2009. This was the base-model offered in both manual and automatic transmission both using unleaded petrol. The engine is a 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 aluminum-alloy engine producing 332hp(@ 7,000 rpm) and 270 lb-ft (@ 5,200 rpm) of torque. Standard and optional equipment includes 19-inch wheels, Bluetooth, electric seats, limited slip differential, Bose sound system and subwoofer, heated seats, and climate control.