NISSAN 370Z he 370Z can rightly be considered Nissan’s halo vehicle. First introduced in 1970, this latest 2009 model is the sixth generation of the car. Nissan considers the Z to be a true and fitting sports car. Nissan’s approach is to offer world class performance at an affordable price. The philosophy was to offer a serious and rewarding vehicle at  the average transaction price of a typical vehicle sold today. This Z is 2.7 inches shorter, the wheelbase is 3.9 inches shorter and the height has been reduced by .3 inches. The vehicle width and track have increased minutely. This provides not only better handling, but a better driving feel. The vehicle will now pivot around the driver during performance maneuvers. The “370” in the vehicle’s name indicates an increase in displacement of Nissan’s VQ V-6 engine from 3.5 liters to 3.7 liters. There is a corresponding increase of 26 horsepower to 332. Engine torque is now at 270 lb.-ft., and the engine redlines at 7,500 rpm ’s. The torque band has been increased and smoothed so the overall power delivery of the engine is better. Again, some Nissan automotive magic delivers an increase in fuel economy along with the increase in power. The EPA rating for either the 6-speed manual or the 7-speed automatic is the same 18 city and 26 highway. Yes, the new Z gets a 7 automatic transmission with manual shift capabilities and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Also new this year, the 6-speed manual now offers an optional world ’s first Rev Match technology. On down shifts, the system blips the throttle automatically to get all the gears moving at the same speed. Acceleration with either the manual or automatic is virtually identical. The 370Z is offered in two models with only two option packages. You can select a Base or a Touring model with a Sport and/or a Navigation package. The Base model includes push button start, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, automatic air conditioning, a nice audio system with an “aux in” plug, 18-inch aluminum wheels, very comfortable sport seats and a new steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. The Touring model adds a Bose audio system with more speakers, XM radio, power leather seats, aluminum pedals and a cargo cover. The Sport package includes limited slip differential, Rev Matching on the manual transmission, 19-inch sport wheels and tires, front and rear spoilers and Nissan Sport brakes. The Navigation package adds a HDD Navigation system with great voice command, XM Traffic, audio input and a 9 GB music server, all built around a great Bose audio system. In total, the 370Z is the best Z ever. Though it’s a serious sports coupe, it comfortably accommodates daily driving chores in a low maintenance manner. Starting price is just a hair above $29,000, which also makes it a fantastic bargain.

2009 FORD F-150 PICKUP The glory days of “a truck in every driveway” are now over but that doesn’t mean that they have ceased being needed and popular. The F150 is still the most popular Ford vehicle and pickups still have an important place in the automotive landscape. Not long ago, people bought them because “everybody had one.” Nowadays, that’s not a good enough reason, and the trend has swung mostly to smaller more fuel efficient vehicles that more closely match people ’s real needs.  Notwithstanding, for certain tasks, nothing can match a pickup and the F150 aims to be the truck of choice. For 2009, the new SuperCrew version of the F150, already a large vehicle, has been extended 6 inches. The B pillar is now moved rearward, giving better visibility to front seat passengers. The rear seat area has also benefited from the stretch and the floor is nearly pool-table flat. With the rear seats pushed up out of the way, the rear cargo area is huge. Speaking of interiors, the new Platinum Edition is slotted above the King Ranch. The interior is trimmed tastefully and ruggedly. The second generation of Sync is available, plus a new 700-watt Sony audio system. This elegant, leather-trimmed interior comes with a nice faux woodgrain trim, a floor shifter, a large screen navigation system, a rear seat DVD entertainment pod and a sunroof. The stout frame of the F-150 has been strengthened and the ride has been smoothed even more. The very popular rear step gate that was introduced on Ford ’s Super Duty pickups last year is now on the F-150. As pickups have gotten bigger, it has become more difficult to climb into the bed. The step gate has a step that comes out of the tailgate, as does a rigid grab handle. Now, climbing into the bed of this large truck is very easy for virtually anyone. Additionally, Ford introduced a retractable side step feature. Currently, bed rail heights are so high that only a basketball player could stand on the ground, reach over the side and touch the bottom of the box. The step is positioned under the bed just behind the cab. By pressing on the release with your foot, a step pops out allowing almost anyone to climb up and easily reach inside the bed. The new F150 is civilized and rugged at the same time. Power has been improved and fuel economy increased. Even among some very tough competition, the new F150 was awarded the Pickup Truck of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association. As large and capable as the former F150 was, the new one is even better. Visit www.car-data.com for more information on these models.