Nissan 370Z Coupe Revealed

LOS ANGELES — Nissan today pulled the covers back on its redesigned 2009 370Z Coupe, which formally debuts November 19 at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Inside Line brought you details of the sixth-generation Z-car nearly two weeks ago, including our educated guess that the new, shorter Z will share its 3.7-liter VQ engine and seven-speed automatic transmission with the latest incarnations of the Infiniti G37 coupe and sedan.

Although we've been privy to several rounds of spy photos, this is the first official look at the 370Z's uncamouflaged sheet metal, plus production-ready cabin.

The architecture of the interior is familiar, as the steering wheel is mounted on a movable pod and there are three small instruments on top of the dash, but the cheap, hard plastic of the current Z-car has mercifully disappeared.

This is the first significant overhaul of the Z since the fifth-generation model was introduced in 2003. U.S. sales begin in early 2009, and a 370Z convertible is also expected for the 2010 model year.

Inside Line says: A full list of the 370Z's final production specs will be revealed at the L.A. show.