Nissan calls the new NISMO 370z “Possibly the ‘best-bang-for-the-buck’ sports car available today,” and I’m not sure that anyone in their right mind would disagree.  With the base model starting at $30K (add 3k for the sport package) and the touring ringing in at 35+, the NISMO isn’t that much of a stretch considering all the improvements.

The first thing that you will notice is the entirely redesigned body kit that is supposed to clean up some of the aerodynamic drag and possibly decrease some lift, although I haven’t seen any coefficient of drag numbers yet.  Next to catch the eye are the newly designed wheels.  The have an obvious relation to the sport package wheel that has a more traditional 5-spoke approach.

Beneath the wheels are the Nissan Sport brakes.  They don’t mention if these are an upgrade over the braking package on the Sport Package, I certainly hope they are (Click HERE to see why.)  Nissan also claims to have refined the suspension package for the new model and additional chassis bracing.  The new suspension will have “specially tuned springs, shocks absorbers, and stabilizer bars.”  The car will also benefit from a limited-slip differential fitted as standard equipment, this will help put those few extra hp to the ground.

Which brings me to my final point… power upgrades.  Every one knows that the Z33 (350z) NISMO should have come from the factory with at least a small bump in power and it looks like Nissan have learned their lesson.  The Z34 NISMO will feature an 18hp and 6 lb-ft jump to a total of 350hp and 276 lb-ft of torque.  This not-so-subtle increase is due to an enhanced exhaust system and upgraded ECU programing.  This last part about the ECU makes me excited to see what the future will hold as far as tuning modified 370Zs in the future.  Very interesting….

Gallery:  2009 NISMO 370z

Nissan Official site:  NISMO 370z

As always, there will be more info as I get it.  The full press release from Nissan is after the ‘read more.’

PRESS RELEASE:

06.17.2009 , Franklin, Tennessee

Nissan Announces Pricing on 2009 NISMO 370Z™

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced pricing for the all-new 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z™, which goes on sale today at Nissan retailers nationwide. The new, second-generation NISMO Z^® continues the tradition of the original, offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for – including a functional aerodynamic body design, 18 additional horsepower and a special sport-tuned suspension.

The 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z™, which is equipped with a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match, has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of US $39,130. Only three accessories are available on this well equipped vehicle – NISMO carpeted floor mats, illuminated kick plates and a carpeted trunk mat.

“The new NISMO Z^® is a tuner and Z® enthusiast’s dream – straight from the factory,” said Pat Steiner, Director, Specialty Vehicles, Nissan Division, NNA. “With its dramatic exterior, custom interior, sport-tuned performance and under $40,000 price, this new NISMO Z^® is possibly the best ‘bang-for-the-buck’ sports car available today.”

About the 2009 NISMO 370Z™
The NISMO 370Z™ was developed by Nissan’s Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan’s longstanding conversion partner. The NISMO Z^®‘s standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) develops 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque (versus the standard 370Z Coupe’s 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque), thanks in part to an exclusive free flow dual exhaust system, muffler tuning and an optimized Engine Control Module.

As expected of a true performance machine, the NISMO 370Z™ is offered with only one transmission – a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match-the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission introduced earlier this year on 370Z Coupe (which simulates perfectly matched heel-toe-like downshifting).

The NISMO 370Z™ also features a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, a reinforced strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity and a pair of performance body dampers to manage road-input vibrations and help contribute to the NISMO 370Z™’s stability and performance feel. The NISMO-tuned suspension includes specially tuned springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. Wider, unique 5-spoke 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels are mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires. Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential are also standard on the NISMO 370Z™.

Along with its standout performance, the new NISMO Z^® stands out from the crowd with its dramatic performance-oriented exterior and interior styling. The functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body modifications include an extended nose with a canard design at each corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler. Special side sills and a unique rear fascia help manage airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler also increases downforce.

The interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, a smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel with red parallel stitching, a smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. A serialized plaque of authenticity is also matched to each NISMO Z^®, identifying its unique serial and model year designation.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infinitiusa.com.