L.A. Auto Show: Nissan 370Z = 332 HP

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

OK, Red Emblem racers, now that we’ve answered the first question on your minds, here’s the rest on the the latest Z: peak horsepower comes at 7,000 rpm, just shy of the 7,500-rpm red line. Torque is rated at 270 pound-feet at 5,200 rpm.

Putting that output to the wheels are two new transmission setups. The six-speed manual gets a nifty (optional) rev-matching downshift feature. Add heel-and-toe technique to the list of soon-to-be-lost driving arts.

The automatic is a seven speed with paddle shifters. The carbon-fiber drive shaft remains in place, and a viscous limited-slip differential is an option.

Manual models weigh in at 3,278 pounds, the slushbox ups poundage to 3,314. So for manual models, that’s a 42-pound weight loss some of us could achieve through diet and exercise.

I’m heading to the floor for the official debut now. Stay tuned.

-- Peter Y. Hong