Nissan 370z

The first Datsun 240Z rolled into American showrooms in 1969. Four decades later, we've got our hands wrapped around the thick, leather, multi-function steering wheel of its direct descendant, the all-new 370Z. With a 332 hp V6 and a six-speed manual transmission directing power to the rear wheels, our outlook is decidedly positive as we head out on the street (our First Drive on the track was back in December). Is all of the hype surrounding this new coupe justified? How does it compare to the GT-R? Just how did the all-new Z-car fare after a week in our garage? Find out after the jump.Our test model had been plunged in a bath of Monterey Blue paint at the Tochigi, Japan production facility and with a tint of metallic in its reflection, the all-new for 2009 coupe looks stunning with its shorter wheelbase and wide stance. Still instantly recognized as a "Z," the aluminum and steel sheet metal is wrapped aggressively around Nissan's "front midships" (FM) platform, shared with the Infiniti FX and G37 family. From the toothed front grille to the flared rear fenders, the styling leaves little doubt about its intended sports car mission. With more than a passing resemblance to the Nissan GT-R, the 370Z lures stares and thumbs-up from pedestrians, and stoplight competitions from boy racers

The interior of the 370Z is just as impressive. Forget everything you knew about the questionable 350Z interior – the 370Z is nice enough to wear an Infiniti badge. Top rate upholstery, plastics, and synthetics exist in abundance within the cozy cockpit. There is storage (or an optional NAV system) above the audio system. The three-pod IP, with three more gauges center-mounted high on the dash, is just about perfect. Unfortunately, the earned grade drops two full letters with the inclusion of that terrible fuel/coolant temperature mess on the far left. While it looks really poor in pictures, it's even worse in practice as the slightest bit of ambient light washes it out (or you find yourself mindlessly counting the remaining dots on the fuel gauge).