We’re not too sure what to think of this 370Z Convertible. Scratch that, we know exactly what we think of this butchered 370Z. When the newest Z debuted we immediately fell in love with its progressive lines and remarked how, unlike its predecessor, it looked purpose built to be a convertible.

As for the ARK Design vehicle, it just doesn’t seem to work at all. The complete aero kit looks somewhere between Nissan’s ulra-cool URGE Concept and the newly-released Mercedes-Benz SLS retro supercar. The modern and retro designs just don’t seem to work together at all.

But don’t listen to us. Tell us what you think.

GALLERY: ARK Design Nissan 370Z

Nissan never fails to impress at Tokyo Auto Salon and 2010 was no exception to the rule. In-house tuning company NISMO showed off its offerings for the brand’s most popular performance platforms, the FairladyZ, Skyline Coupe and Skyline Sedan, or as they’re known in North America: the Nissan 370Z, Infiniti G37 Coupe and G37 Sedan. All three carry the “Sporty Package” option from Nissan which looks to include a mild performance increase though a new sporty exhaust system, as well as a new lip kit for both the NISMO Skline Coupe and Sedan. The Skyline Sedan package also looks to include some additional LED fog lights.

As for the NISMO 370Z, that model is already offer in the U.S. after being introduced at last year’s New York Auto Show. This NISMO edition takes the Z to an even higher level in every performance category with 350hp – an increase of 18 ponies over the stock Z. Torque is up as well, but just slightly, to 276 ft-lbs – an increase of 6 ft-lbs. Power is also achieved at a higher rpm with the 3.7-liter V6 strung-out to 7400 rpm to acheive maximum horsepower, as opposed to the stock cars, 7000 rpm max power level.

To give the car even better track performance, Nissan gave it a standard limited slip differential and stiffened up the chassis with special “body dampers” on the front frame rail and below the rear cargo area. And of course, the car comes with a NISMO springs and a big NISMO strut tower bars front and rear. The front springs are 15 percent stiffer and rear springs are 10 percent stiffer, with the new strut bars incresing stifness by 15 and 50 percent respectively.

As expected, the stock brakes are replaced with front 4-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors and rear two-piston calipers and 13.8-inch rotors. Those big brake sit inside a set of amazing looking 19-inch NISMO wheels. Manufactured by RAYS forged, the new wheels measure 19×9.5-inches up front and 19×10.5-inches in the rear witt front 245/40/19 tires and rear 285/35/19 tires.

Finally, the NISMO Z gets some styling additions including a new front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and rear spoiler that are all functional, reducing lift on the front axle and increasing downforce in the rear.

GALLERY: NISMO 370Z

GALLERY: NISMO Skyline Coupe

GALLERY: NISMO Skyline Sedan

Nissan is launching a limited Europe-only Nürburgring Edition of its 370Z. But don’t worry if you don’t live in Europe… it’s not as exciting as it sounds.

The cars are inspired by the bright yellow racers that competed at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hour race and will share the same Premium Ultimate Yellow paint. They will also get special decals, a Cobra exhaust system, a numbered plaque and 19-inch OZ wheels with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires, that measure 255/40/19 up front and 285/35/19 out back.

And… well… that’s it.

According to CarScoop, Nissan’s press release doesn’t say anything about suspension modifications and the Z will continue to be powered by the standard 331hp 3.7-liter V6.

Pricing is set at $50,400 Euros ($71,700) and buyers will also get a $215 gift card for the Nürburgring – which should buy at least a few laps.

Just 80 of the Nissan 370Z Nürburgring Edition models will be produced.

NOTE: Nissan has yet to release any photos of the 370Z Nürburgring Edition. The picture above is purely for illustrative purposes.

[Source: CarScoop]

Nissan just couldn’t wait for the New York Auto Show doors to open to unveil its high-performance NISMO version of the 370Z, choosing to give select media a sneak peak the night before at a private event in the Big Apple.

Enthusiasts are sure to love the NISMO car as it’s more than just a few bolt-on aesthetic parts (even if it has those too). This NISMO edition takes the Z to an even higher level in every performance category.

For starters, the NISMO edition car comes with 350hp – an increase of 18 ponies over the stock Z. Torque is also up, but just slightly, to 276 ft-lbs – an increase of 6 ft-lbs. Part of the reason for the added power is a new H-pipe exhaust, which, Nissan tells us, also gives the car an excellent sound – but we’ll have to wait to drive it to find out.

Power is also achieved at a higher rpm with the 3.7-liter V6 strung-out to 7400 rpm to acheive maximum horsepower, as opposed to the stock cars, 7000 rpm max power level.

And possibly better than the added power (for those who really appreciate track days) is a standard limited slip differential.

To give the car even better track performance, Nissan stiffened up the chassis with special “body dampers” on the front frame rail and below the rear cargo area. And of course, the car comes with a NISMO springs and a big NISMO strut tower bars front and rear. The front springs are 15 percent stiffer and rear springs are 10 percent stiffer, with the new strut bars incresing stifness by 15 and 50 percent respectively. 

As expected, the stock brakes were tossed in favor of a more serious setup with front 4-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors and rear two-piston calipers and 13.8-inch rotors. Those big brake sit inside a set of amazing looking 19-inch NISMO wheels. Manufactured by RAYS forged, the new wheels measure 19×9.5-inches up front and 19×10.5-inches in the rear witt front 245/40/19 tires and rear 285/35/19 tires. 

As mentioned earlier, the NISMO Z does get some styling additions, although they are more than just aesthetic. The new front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and rear spoiler are all functional, reducing lift on the front axle and increasing downforce in the rear. 

“One look at the dramatic NISMO 370Z body and you know that this isn’t your everyday sports car,” said Nissan boss Al Castignetti. “The styling is highly emotional yet totally functional – expressing dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance.”

Inside, the NISMO branding is obvious with the name stitched onto the special seats made of a grippy fabric. Also inside the cabin can be found plenty of red stitching and some nice NISMO gauges.

“The NISMO name is known throughout the world as the leading supplier of race-bred, factory-tuned, extreme performance Nissan parts, accessories and vehicles,” said Castignetti. “The new, second-generation NISMO Z proudly – and deservedly – wears the NISMO badge, carrying on the tradition of bringing racing-inspired performance and engineering to the street.”

The NISMO 370Z is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission in one of five colors:  Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red and Platinum Graphite.

GALLERY: Nissan NISMO 370Z

GALLERY: Nissan NISMO 370Z additional photos

More on the NISMO Z after the jump:

When a car manufacturer first releases a car they usually provide the press with stock photography and video. Normally the film is rather dull and is just something to fill the video portion while a show’s announcer talks over it. You know, typical driving shots along some abandoned coastal highway… that kind of stuff.

That being said, we wouldn’t normally post a press reel but Nissan has put together quite a work of cinematography – very Top Gear-esque. It’s well worth taking a look at, if for no other reason than to drool over Nissan’s new 370Z. The profile on this car is breathtaking… even if the front end looks a little odd.

Better yet, the new Z gets more power, a wider track and less weight!

Check out our test of the new Z car in the Reviews section.

Official press release after the jump: