11-20-2008 01:18 AM

Today at the LA Auto Show, Nissan finally revealed the 370Z to the world, finally, at long last, and for reals. Mitsubishi also brought out a couple of classics to show the world, “Hey, we’ve been doing this since waaay before rebadging ourselves as Plymouths!”

We’ve been following the Nissan 370Z since March, because it’s one of the few new Japanese cars to explicitly draw on its heritage for its design (the other being the Toyota FJ Cruiser). We love that! Nissan recognized the importance of it too in their press release:

to get the full measure of the new model, now designated the Nissan 370Z, one need look no farther than the subtle upswept line of the new rear quarter window. Quintessentially Z, the window harkens back to the original 1970 240Z – a car that revolutionized the sports car world with its unique combination of performance, style and, especially, value…. The new 370Z’s ‘super evolution’ builds on the best features of both the first and last generations Z–cars – respectful but not retro, simple yet sophisticated, and 110 percent pure Z.

We now know the specs:

• 100.4-inch wheelbase (3.9 inches shorter than the 350Z)
  
• 167.1-inch overall length (2.7 inches shorter than the 350Z)
  
• 332hp @ 7000rpm, 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200rpm
  
• 3.7-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 (VQ37VHR) with VVEL (variable valve event and lift)
  
• available in either 6MT with world’s first “SynchroRev Match” or 7AT
  
• carbon fiber composite driveshaft
  
• aluminum hood, doors and hatchback
  
• 3,232-pound curb weight (107lb less than base 350Z)
  
• standard 18-inch wheels with optional Rays 19×9 (front) and 19×10 (rear) forged alloys
  
• two models available: 370Z and 370Z Touring
  
• prices starting at $29,930
  

Nissan also announced that a taste of JDM chic is coming to America in the form of the third-gen Nissan Cube. We think the second-gen Cube is one of the most ingeniously designed cars of all time because it dared to be asymmetrical, and the new one carries the tradition on proudly. It comes a 1.8L DOHC inline four, rated at 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque and we’d spring for the 6-speed manual over the CVT.

Honda managed the incredible feat of bringing a concept to the LA Auto Show without having photos of it leaked all over the internet before its debut. The FC Sport concept is a mid-engined sports car powered by twin hydrogen fuel cells visibile through the rear canopy. The seating position puts the driver in the middle with passengers on either side and to the rear. The designers claim this is an F1 seating position, a nod to the company’s long Formula 1 history. It’s cool, and thus not slated for production at all.

Best of all though, Mitsubishi brought out a couple of immaculate nostalgics, continuing a most excellent trend that started with 1974 and 1981 Lancer rally machines and the Galant GTO R73-X. This time it was the 1973 FTO and the Colt F2000 open wheeled racer, which won the Japan Grand Prix and was powered by a 290PS, DOHC, 16-valve four - in 1971!

European brands like BMW, Porsche Audi and Jaguar all had some historic cars representing, but Mitsubishi was the only Japanese marque to do so. Triple diamond mafia represent!

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Sorry. I'll keep my Nismo 350Z.

That open wheeler is boss!

Sorry. I'll keep my Nismo 350Z.

I'm keeping my Tree Fiddy also. The 370 is nice, but not enough of an improvement to justify making the trade and going into debt again. This way I have more money for 240Z parts!