2009 Nissan 370Z­

L.A. Auto Show­

L.A. Auto Show
The 2009 Nissan 370Z is significantly shorter in length than its predecessor.

If this year's L.A. Auto Show wasn't the happiest place on earth, the new 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe did as much to cheer things up as the updated 2010 Ford Mustang. Though built on the same basic platform as the 350Z it replaces, the 370Z is a tighter, tauter-looking package with more power, the promise of better handling, a stiffer structure for better crash-test performance, and upgraded cabin materials. The redesign slices 3.9 inches from wheelbase and 2.7 inches from overall length while adding 1.1 inches to width. Curb weight is little changed despite the dimensional trims and greater use of aluminum throughout the car, offset by reinforcements to Nissan's ubiquitous "FM" corporate platform.

As the model name implies, the 2009 Nissan 370Z uses the same 3.7-liter V6 as the Infiniti G37 line at Nissan's upscale division. Outputs here are 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, up from 306 and 268, respectively. Transmissions comprise a 6-speed manual and a new 7-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. Both include electric controls that automatically "blip" the engine to smooth downshifts; it's a claimed world first for the manual gearbox. Other functional changes include a thoroughly refettled suspension, an underhood cross-brace a la Nissan's GT-R supercar, upsized "sport" brakes as a new option, and a repositioned cargo-bay crossbar that allows more room for cargo. The 370Z also gets new seats and a clean-sheet "driver-centric" dashboard with a traditional-Z layout.

The 370Z starts sale in January with base and Touring coupes starting at around $30,000. Convertibles apparently take a year off, but Nissan promises new-gen editions for 2010.

2009 Nissan Cube

L.A. Auto Show

L.A. Auto Show
The 2009 Cube slots below Versa in Nissan's lineup.

Another happy L.A. Show debut was the whimsical 2009 Nissan Cube, a redesigned version of the long-running Japan-market "cult" car. Although an obvious rival for the boxy Honda Element and Scion xB, the Cube is smaller than both, sharing a front-drive platform and powertrains with Nissan's Versa compact car.

There are three trim levels: base, S, and top-line SL. All team a 122-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional CVT automatic. Antilock brakes are standard, as are front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and even a stability system with traction control. Nissan says the interior is designed as "an inviting social space for up to five passengers," three of whom can "lounge" on an adjustable "sofa style" rear bench seat that sits higher than the twin front buckets. Sounds a bit risque, doesn't it?

Like other vehicles courting urban trendsetters, the 2009 Nissan Cube is meant as a canvas for owner customizing and is long on options. Among the available factory-fitted items are a high-power audio system, satellite radio, rear-obstacle detection, keyless entry and engine-start system, and so-called "water drop" interior accents. Dealers will stock all manner of accessories and trim items.

Cube starts sale next spring. Prices haven't been announced yet, but the base model is expected to sticker in the low- to mid-teens. There's talk that Nissan may offer a full-electric model, similar to the 2007 Denki Cube concept, but we wouldn't look for it until 2010 at the earliest.

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