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The Nissan 370Z Clocked in India! Are you Ready?
Nissan has showcased its proud coupe 370Z in the Indian market with a manual six gear, and seven speed automatic gearbox options tagged at approx 53 lakhs and 54 lakhs INR respectively. The 370Z is the latest successor to the legendary Nissan Z family and has claimed as many as 9 awards ever since its launch early last year. This will add yet more variety, after the Porche's 4 seater Panamera, to the once deserted Indian buyers platter whose choice used to be limited to the BMW's Z4 or the Merc's SL350. But the Nissan 370Z is not just any roadster, "its practical." reckons Nissan. Infact Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, Managing Director & CEO, Nissan Motor India Private Ltd calls it an "Everyday Sports car" claiming that "It’s an authentic sports car that you don’t have to make sacrifices to own – or drive everyday." Well what more can one ask for? The 370Z drives on a 3.7 litre 24 valve V6 generating an impressive maximum of 332 horse power at 7000rpm and a torque as high as 363 Nm at 5200 rpm. Its equipped with a 4 wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic force distribution system and Brake Assist. Adding to the safety is Nissan's 'Safety Shield' which includes Bi- Xenon Vehicle Dynamic Control, Dual front, side and curtain SRS airbags, etc. The 6th generation FairLady is shorter at 4250mm, lower at overall height of 1315 mm but broader at overall width of 1845 mm when compared to the 350Z. The redesign also added a high of 30% to the front torsion rigidity and registers a 22% improved rear torsion rigidity. The new front suspension cradle resists the front body lateral bending and a combination of new rear structural reinforcements and an underbody "V-bar" help reduce rear lateral bending. With all this studded the new Z weighs slightly less as to the 350Zs, thanks to the smaller exterior dimensions and the use of more light weight materials, though the coefficient of drag equals at 0.30. This introduction marks the beginning of Nissan's new growth strategy to parade nine models in the Indian market by 2012. "The luxury car market in India has registered a fair amount of growth in the last few years and is growing at a significant rate every year. The emphasis has shifted from pure price consideration and affordability to design, quality and pleasure." added Mr. Abhijit Pandit, VP –Operations, Hover Automotive India Ltd, the strategic alliance partners for sales, marketing for Nissan in India supporting the move.
By the by, the 350Z and the 370Z don’t share much in common other than the amazing looks and the FairLady Z legacy. Almost the entire unit has been redesigned with commendable scrupulosity.
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