NISSAN 350Z

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Nissan's successful 350Z was replaced in late 2008 with the 370Z sports car, which enjoyed its world debut at the '08 Los Angeles Auto Show. Starting at $29,930, the 370Z Coupe is about $1,500 more expensive than the 350Z it replaces. The base model comes with a 6-speed manual, while upgrading to a 7-speed automatic brings the total to $31,230.

The better-equipped Touring package starts at $34,460 with the 6-speed manual or $35,760 with the aforementioned automatic. The Touring model adds heated leather-appointed power seats, HomeLink, Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio, cargo cover and aluminum pedals.

An optional aerodynamics kit adds another $650. Also available is a premium paint color, Chicane Yellow ($500). An Illuminated Kick Plate will set you back $200, and painted splash guards are $220 for four. Carpeted floor mats are $115 for four, while a carpeted trunk mat is $95.

An optional Sport Package, priced at just $3,000, has 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, larger  Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match, and a Viscous Limited Slip Differential. The self-explanatory Navigation Package, priced at $1,850, offers a hard drive-based navigation interface with a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and iPod connectivity.

Designed as a replacement to the , the 370Z's styling is evolutionary. Overall, the 370Z -- which was developed under the code name C53D -- keeps the same general shape as the 350Z. As previously speculated, the newest Z receives a "boomerang" headlight treatment similar to the design seen on the 2009 Maxima.

The rear is also a bit stubbier, with a sharper crease along the trailing edge of the hatch. The 370Z's rear taillights also have a fishhook design similar to those seen on the Maxima's headlights.

The 370Z uses the same VQ37VHR powerplant found in the Infiniti G37 -- a V6 displacing 3.7-liter -- delivering 332 horsepower and 26 mpg on the highway. Those 332 horses will be sent to the 370Z's rear wheels via either a seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. Of note, the six-speed 370Z will be the first vehicle to offer a synchronized downshift rev matching system with a manual transmission.

As expected, the 370Z will offer a serious performance upgrade over the current 350Z. The 370Z will ride on a shorter wheelbase than the current car, and will also use more lightweight materials. Those changes net a lighter curb weight, meaning all around performance -- acceleration, braking and cornering -- will see a marked improvement.

Suspension duties for the new car will be handled by a double wishbone setup up front with a multi-link setup out back. Brembo brakes and 18 and 19 inch wheels will also be part of the 370Z package.

The 370Z should offer buyers a little more cargo room -- although the coupe is not cavernous by any stretch of the imagination -- thanks to the relocation of the car's trunk-mounted support member