2010 nissan 370z weight savings and design

It's lighter -- probably: This one area where we can only speculate, since we weren't allowed to weigh the new Z. But it very well could be lighter, as the car has lost significant length and only gained only a bit in width. As for rumors of a larger engine, which could offset losses elsewhere? We'll get to those later, because we found additional evidence of weight savings due changes in materials and structure.

We had heard rumors Nissan might be replacing a few of the high tensile steel body panels with either composites (a la BMW M3) or aluminum (used for the 350Z's hood). To confirm what is steel and what is not on the new Z, we used a simple test: running a magnet over all the major body panels.

Our magnet did not attach to the front or rear fascia or hood -- which wasn't surprising as these have traditionally been made of non-ferrous materials (urethane/aluminum). It stuck to the front and rear fenders, as well as the roof, which wasn't surprising either. When we got to the doors and rear hatch, our magnet failed to attach. Tapping these panels revealed a definite metallic tone. What does this mean? While they could be composite, they are more than likely aluminum. Either way, this would mean significant weight savings. If you've ever hoisted the rear hatch of a 350Z, an aluminum piece could mean a big difference.

When we peered through the rear hatch glass we noticed further evidence of weight reduction. Gone is the massive brace that ties the 350Z's rear strut towers together. Instead, the Z mule had a much thinner pipe-shaped brace directly behind the seats.

It's more aggressive, but clearly a Z: Despite the light camouflage, more compact dimensions, and reworked profile, there is no mistaking the Z heritage, and several current Nissan design themes.

Most striking is the new Z's roofline and fastback. The A-pillar appears to be straighter and sharper. The windshield looks to be the same (as these are expensive pieces to manufacture), but the supporting A-pillar seems straighter and sharper. Instead of swooping towards the tail in a graceful curve, the A-pillar meets the leading edge of the roof at a point, which is similar to the design found on the Nissan GT-R. But unlike the GT-R, the roofline curves back in what looks to be constant arc before flattening out a touch for the tail (and attachment point for rear spoiler). From the front three quarter angle, the smaller Z rump disappears as the curving roofline merges into the wide rear fenders for a look reminiscent of a Porsche 911.

Upon closer examination, it becomes clear how this look was achieved. Compare the beltlines (where the bottom edge of the window meets sheetmetal) with the current Z and you'll notice a striking change. On the old car, you could trace a continuous belt line that stretched from headlight to taillight. On the new Z, the horizontal seam behind the rear window is gone because there is no longer overlap from the rear hatch; the rear fender sheetmetal now extends all the way up to the edge of the hatch. This creates a beltline that turns up just after the B-pillar and a tiny, porthole-like set of rear windows.