2009 Nissan Nismo 370Z - Specs - First Look

Given those impressive chassis figures, at least on paper, the car should have no problem with eating up most canyons or local circuits faster than its standard 370Z sibling. But just to make sure, a Nismo-tuned H-configured dual-exhaust and remapped ECU were included in the 3.7L V-6's slight massage. In its new form, the VQ37VHR makes 350 hp at 7400 rpm and 276 lb-ft at 5200 rpm or 18 hp and 6 lb-ft more than stock. The exhaust utilizes larger-diameter piping for lower back pressure, and it's designed to make more power on the upper end - we're also guessing its meaner-sounding when you plant your right foot in it. In being a pure enthusiast-only ride, only Nissan's close-ratio six-speed manual with its slick auto-blipping "SynchroRevMatch" feature will be available.

Bean counters should note that the beefed up Nismo is, in fact, beefier and tips the scales at 3300 lb. In comparison, a standard 370Z coupe, according to Nissan, weighs in at 3232 lb. The extra heft is most likely the result of the aero kit featuring a significant rear wing and the meatier Yokohama ADVAN rubber. With the extra pounds on board, don't expect the Nismo Z to post significantly better 0-to-60-mph numbers over the standard car's 4.7-sec runs.

Nismo's motorsport-inspired theme continues inside, with seats, steering wheel, and dash all receiving distinctive red stitching. The buckets get Nismo branding and are wrapped in the division's traditional livery, black and red, while an additional logo adorns the prominent tachometer. Like the Nismo 350Z, the latest model gets a unique serialized placard indicating its model year and edition number.

Nissan didn't give any indication of how many Nismo Zs it's aiming to build or how much of a premium it's looking to charge for them, but what we do know is it'll arrive on dealer lots this June. As the Nismo Z is essentially a loaded-up, single-spec model, Nissan says no options will be offered on the car short of its five exterior color choices, so ordering one shouldn't be a fuss. Be sure to check back for our complete First Test of the 2009 Nismo 370Z in the coming weeks...