Nissan 370Z Introduced to the World: Total redesign of the iconic Z car gets two thumbs up

The 2009 Nissan 370Z is a total redesign, and boy does it work. Driving impressions are embargoed until December 1, but check back here on that date because we have 500 miles worth of them.

Chassis, skin and engine are all new. The wheelbase has been shortened 4 inches, reducing the yaw and moving the "moment of inertia" - that rotational pivot point in the chassis - forward to an ideal position right under the driver's butt. The front suspension has been changed to a full double wishbone from A-arm over multi-link.

The chassis has been made 22 percent more rigid in front and 30 percent in rear, by use of ultra high-tensile steel and new braces under the hood and inverted struts in the cargo area. Despite the added weight of this strengthening, the curb weight has been reduced by 88 pounds thanks largely to an aluminum hood, doors and hatch.

The engine has been increased from 3.5 to 3.7 liters, with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift Control) technology, like having two camshafts - one for torque and one for horsepower which increases from 306 to 332.

With a totally new body, the 370Z has a wider stance and is more slippery. The panel clearances are tighter. Inside the cabin, there are storage shelves behind the seats and now a glovebox.

There's a new invention called synchro rev matching that blips the throttle automatically during downshifting with the manual transmission; it's heel-and-toe downshifting without the driver's heel. There's an optional new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Let's add this up: more power, less weight, better aerodynamics, improved handling. And 26 miles per gallon highway for this performance car.

Had enough? The price remains the same, a base 370Z for $29,930, with an optional Sport Package (19-inch wheels, big brakes, etc.) that Nissan promises will be inexpensive, maybe even downright cheap.

We would say we can't wait to drive it, but since we already have, we just can't wait to tell you about it.

Click here to see Emile Bouret's video introduction of the Nissan 370Z from the L.A. Auto Show.