2009 Nissan 370Z
The 6th-generation Z-car, internally known as the Z34 debuted for the 2009 model year.
Although the Z34 chassis used the same basic Nissan FM platform as the preceding Z33 did, the new model was extensively re-engineered, with most components being new. This resulted in a car that was slightly shorter, lower, and wider than its predecessor, yet despite being lighter due to the reduced dimensions and extensive use of aluminum, and even a few carbon-fiber components, was also significantly stiffer than the 350Z.
Mechanically, perhaps the biggest change was that the V-6 engine was enlarged to 3.7L, with a corresponding increase in its output to 332 HP, up from the 306 HP of the 3.5L unit found in the last 350Zs. Another change was to the benefits of those poseurs who prefer slushboxes as opposed to a proper transmission, as the 5-speed unit found in the Z33 chassis was replaced with a new 7-speed unit. However, some cost-cutting also took place with the mechanicals, as the Brembo brakes which had been available on some trims of the 350Z were dropped, and all 370Zs came with brake systems sourced from Akebono in Japan.
Performance figures taken from tests by automotive magazines suggest that the 370Z coupe was capable of accelerating from 0-60 in just over 4 and a half seconds, ran the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 105.7 mph, and could do about 1G on the skidpad in stock form.
The base MSRP for the 370Z in the US market was $29,930, ($35,902 in 2019 dollars) up almost $1,500 from that of the 2008 350Z. Although sales increased by nearly 3,000 units over the previous year, they were still sluggish overall, with only 13,117 units moving off the lots in the US that year, reflective of a soft economy and a continuing trend in market preferences away from performance cars and towards SUVs.