Early Prototype Hints at Next-Generation Nissan 350Z
By Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor edmunds.com

An early test mule for the next-generation 2009 Nissan 350Z recently arrived at the Nürburgring test track in Germany. It wore what looked like sheet metal from the current-generation Z-car, but a closer inspection makes it clear that this car has been substantially modified.

Various cutlines indicate a reworked chassis with a shorter wheelbase. This observation has ignited rumors of a new Nissan sports car smaller than the 350Z, but we think something else is going on.

At roughly 3,600 pounds, the current-model Z-car is far heavier than its natural competition, the 2,900-pound Porsche Cayman and the 3,100-pound BMW Z4. We think Nissan is looking to push the Z closer to its natural competitors when it comes to performance, and this cut-down chassis might be an attempt to create a leaner, lighter Z.

Instead of employing exotic materials to reduce the Z-car's weight, it looks like Nissan is simply whittling down the chassis to a smaller size. The current Z has a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, and while the next-gen Z isn't likely to match the short 95.1-inch wheelbase of the Porsche Cayman, we're guessing something between the two numbers is a safe bet.

All our talk about BMWs and Porsches isn't just speculation, either. According to our spy photographers, Nissan brought along a BMW Z4 coupe and a Porsche Cayman for this particular test session at the Nürburgring.

And don't be surprised to see a 370Z badge planted on the trunk lid of this new car, as an upgrade to Nissan's new 3.7-liter V6 is also likely to appear. Rated at 330 horsepower in the Infiniti G37, the 370Z's V6 would probably come in around 320-325 hp, a modest bump to the 306 hp delivered by the current 3.5-liter V6.

With so much attention focused on the debut of the Nissan GT-R this fall, look for Nissan to wait until early next year to reveal the 2009 370Z.




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