The 2009 Nissan Fairlady Z
Learn a little about The 2009 Nissan Fairlady Z, the newest addition to the sports coupe line up.
Nissan’s proud sports car tradition stretches all the way back to the 1970’s when the company (then called Datsun) introduced the 240Z to the world. Small, agile and remarkably well balanced, the 240Z’s engine produced just enough power to keep it competitive with the sports car offerings that were coming out of Europe at the time, making it an intriguing and inexpensive option for drivers who might have been more used to muscle cars than Japanese coupes.
The 240Z would undergo many iterations over the next few decades, and the vehicle would grow in size until the 1990’s when it culminated in the 300ZX. Fast but portly, Nissan decided to reboot their flagship sports car after the turn of the new millennium and the result was the new Fairlady Z. Known as the 350Z in North America, the automobile was a great success, combining an excellent chassis, low curb weight and a very strong V6 engine to create a sports car unlike any that Nissan had been able to successfully export in many years.
While the look of the Fairlady Z was fairly cutting edge when it was first introduced, the sports car field is a very competitive one, and not only did Nissan want the chance to introduce new innovations under the vehicle’s skin and debut a new platform for the automobile, but they also wanted to completely makeover the look of the automobile itself. The Fairlady Z’s previously angular looks have been re-styled to create a more organic appearance, one which combined futuristic sharp lines with a uniquely sculpted design that emphasized the vehicle’s muscular traits. This has helped to modernize the coupe and keep it on the cutting edge when compared to the vehicles it is up against. In addition, the chassis underpinning the vehicle has been improved to not only strengthen the overall package but also improve rigidity and help make handling tighter.
Underneath the hood, the 2009 Nissan Fairlady Z sees the installation of a 332 horsepower, 3.7 liter V6 engine. This motor, which also produces 270 lb-ft of torque, is a significant improvement over the 3.5 liter unit which was found in the previous generation 350Z, thanks to improved variable valve timing a host of other technological upgrades. Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a new 7-speed automatic which can be shifted via paddles which are mounted on the steering wheel. The manual transmission has a novel feature which is meant to blip the throttle on downshifts in order to match engine revs with the selected gear, helping maintain greater control over power delivery and when setting up for a corner.
The Nissan Fairlady Z is an attractive proposition for those seeking a sports coupe which is as livable on a daily basis as it is fun to drive. Practical, (provided that you do not require rear seats), relatively inexpensive and beautiful to look at, the 2009 Nissan Fairlady Z is another homerun for the Japanese car company.
