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Nissan 370Z unveiled at LA Auto Show

By Ben Pulman

Motor Shows

19 November 2008 17:10

Nissan pulled the wraps of its new 370Z coupe at today’s LA Auto Show, and confirmed that a Roadster version will arrive within the next 12 months. Topping the list of 370Z talking points are a shorter wheelbase, a larger engine, a seven-speed automatic and the world’s first rev-matching six-speed manual gearbox.

A rev-matching manual? So I won’t need to heel and toe in the new Nissan 370Z?

Nissan dubs it the ‘SynchroRev Match’ function (they would, wouldn't they?), and it essentially blips the throttle to smooth out any shifts. But no, enthusiasts needn’t worry because the system can be switched off. And you only actually get the fancy gearbox if you tick the options box for the Sport Package. There’s also a  new seven-speed automatic available, and that too features a shift-matching system and comes as standard with paddle-shifters.

What engine are these clever gearboxes mated to?

A 3.7-litre V6 with variable valve timing that helps to produce 327bhp at 7000rpm and 270lb ft at 5000rpm. Those gains might not sound much over the current car (309bhp and 264lb ft), but a strict diet means the new 370Z weighs around 100kg less than its predecessor at 1466kg.

Everything from the fuel tank, exhaust, sound system and alloy wheels shed the pounds, and with the help of an engine positioned 15mm lower in the chassis, the centre of gravity has dropped too.

>> Click 'Next' to read more about the Nissan 370Z's unveiling at the LA Auto Show