Inside’s out on all-new Z-car

It makes its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show this week, and Auto Express already has the inside line on Nissan’s new Z-car.

This is the best look yet at the cabin of the 370Z. It’s an evolution of the current model’s dashboard, with a sleeker centre console that’s topped off with three large dials. Nissan will be keen to improve cabin quality – the 350Z was heavily criticised for its poor plastics.

There are further improvements under the bonnet. In comes a 3.7-litre V6 engine with 332bhp, which is 26bhp more than its predecessor. The unit gets a new variable valve control system, which is said to improve throttle response.

Nissan has made some big changes to the transmission, too, as European models come with the option of an automatic gearbox for the first time. There have also been some neat tweaks made to the six-speed manual. It is now capable of blipping the throttle automatically when a downshift is made, which smooths out the gearchanges.

Sales of the 370Z start early next year.