Nissan’s freshening of the Z car is a slow but steady step into the future for this performance model. The overall shape remains the same, with the car being widened, shortened, and lowered slightly. The headlights evolve into the new Maxima style with LED beneath the boomerang lenses. A slight increase in cargo room is created for the coupe, although it still remains nearly useless.
The powerplant, shared with the Infiniti G37, is a 3.7 liter V6 producing a bit over 330hp while returning a useful average of 26mpg highway. Either a 6 speed manual or 7 speed automatic can be attached. The manual comes with a superbly useful synchronized rev matching downshift system that blips the throttle for the driver in downshifts. You won’t realize how useful this system is until you drop to second in a curve and marvel at how smoothly you begin putting the power back down.
The interior receives Infiniti like styling upgrades, and feels much more refined and luxurious than the 350z.
This car performs nearly identically to the BMW 135i, while looking far more sports car-esque. The ride is a bit harsher than the 135, but all in all, its an excellent alternative to the BMW.
Several package and option combinations are available. The $1,800 navigation system package is the same as the Inifiniti system, adding a 9.3Gb hard drive, compact flash reader and ipod interface. The sport package is by far the most useful package with the inclusion of 4-piston opposed aluminum calipers with 14.0″ x 1.30″ vented front discs and 2-piston opposed aluminum calipers with 13.8″ x 0.80″ vented rear discs, the incredible synchro rev matching system, a limited slip differential, 19″ forge lightweight wheels with performance tires, and front and rear spoilers. The touring package includes power heated leather seats, Bose speakers, and a few other minor ammenities. The 370z coupes will start at just under $30,000 for a base model, and a fully loaded Sport Touring edition will come in just over $40,000.
Two big changes hit the 911 models for 2009. Most exciting is the all new 7-speed twin clutch transmission dubbed PDK or “Porsche Doppelkupplung” that replaces the old tiptronic auto, and eliminates any sluggishness in the automated shifting department. The 6-speed manual is still offered if you feel the need to push the pedal yourself, but the dual-clutch is able to shift significantly faster thus also being able to hit a 0-60 time about .2 faster, as well as returning slightly better MPG than the manual.
The refreshed model also introduces direct injection. The 3.6l engine now produces 345hp and 287ft-lbs up from the previous 325hp and 273ft-lbs. The 3.8l engine on the S model now makes 379hp and 310ft-lbs versus 355hp and 295ft-lbs. The engine itself is also quite a bit lighter and sturdier than the previous model. A new crankcase and a closed-deck block lighten and cool the engine as well. A limited slip differential is now an option on the base and S models, and pairs very well with the new engine and suspension.
The base model coupe and cabriolets get an entirely new braking system as well. 13×1.3 front discs and 13×1.1 rears in addition to the 2008 Porsche Turbo’s calipers now adorn the new entry level 911. A slight body refresh and standard bi-xenon headlights are a couple more of the many small changes included in the new model. A 40Gb hard drive and voice activated bluetooth nav systems are a couple nice new options. All in all the 911 is once again one of the coolest sports cars on the road and well worth the starting $75,600 tag (if you make $200k a year.)
The standard features list is extensive, the only options being cross drilled rotors, a sunroof delete, and an engine block heater.