2010 370Z spotted in Germany

NURBURG, Germany — Yet another prototype of the 2010 Nissan 370Z has been spotted in Germany ahead of its 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show debut. This follows extensive testing in California and Arizona earlier this month, according to sources inside Nissan.

Wearing only minimal camouflage, the styling details of the redesigned coupe are now evident. It gets a pair of boomerang-shaped headlights up front that are similar to those used on the recently redesigned Nissan Maxima. The taillights appear to have a similar shape, although black tape obscures the final design.

Another major detail that was not obvious in previous spy photos is the shape of the roof. It appears similar to the GT-R supercar with a flat, steeply sloped roof, thick B-pillar and small rear quarter window.

This prototype also gives a good idea of just how wide the 370Z's fenders flare out in back. When viewed from behind, the Nissan looks more like a Porsche Cayman than a $30K Nissan.

Comparisons to Porsche's coupe are bound to continue, as Nissan targeted the German coupe throughout development. With a 300-plus-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, the smaller and lighter 370Z should be able to deliver similar performance for a significantly smaller base price.

Inside Line says: Smaller, lighter and more distinctive-looking than before, the 2009 Nissan 370Z looks like a suitable follow-up to the flagship GT-R.