Nissan Facebook Fans Invited to Participate in "Project 370Z," Helping Define the Ultimate Enthusiasts' Z® Car

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today launched a social media-directed Nissan 370Z build-up called "Project 370Z" at the Chicago Auto Show – where the upcoming 2013 Nissan 370Z is also being previewed.  The goal of the project is to utilize the passion and knowledge of Nissan Z® fans online to help direct the creation of a unique, one-off Nissan 370Z utilizing readily available aftermarket parts and accessories.  Fans will vote on potential modifications and follow along with the progress online through facebook.com/nissanperformance.

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"Car companies build project vehicles all the time, but we thought it'd be interesting to harness the power of social media to reach out to Z® enthusiasts – the people who are doing this to their own cars everyday," said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA.  "Together we'll create a vehicle that expands on the already outstanding performance and style of the Nissan 370Z with a balance of street and track ready modifications.  Then we'll share the finished project at upcoming Z® car enthusiast gatherings around the country."

Project 370Z will be built in several phases – power, handling/brakes, interior and exterior.  Fan Likes, Comments and Wall Posts will be reviewed over the course of each voting session and the part or accessory with the most fan support will be chosen for the build.  For example, in the initial Power Phase, fans might vote between a turbocharger or supercharger for the factory 3.7-liter V6.  Phase 2 may include suspension and braking system, since the finished vehicle is expected to see substantial track time.  Fans will take part and share in every aspect right up until the final design is revealed at its planned debut set for late May at the annual "ZDayZ" event.

ZDayZ is an annual Z® car enthusiast gathering that takes place in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee.  Each year the event draws hundreds of Nissan Z®, GT-R and other Nissan performance car enthusiasts from all over North America.  This year's ZDayZ will be held on May 17-20.  Attendees will participate in a car show, exhaust sound-off, dyno competition, group dinners and  multiple group drives – including runs on "The Tail of the Dragon," which has 318 curves over an 11-mile stretch of scenic Tennessee mountain highway. 

"We're excited to see how this group-sourced Z® will come out and how it will perform on both the street and track," said Brancheau.  "Social media has become a powerful communications tool and a great way for us to stay connected with our tremendous fan base.  Immediacy, like social media itself, is another benefit of Project 370Z – which will be built from start to finish in less than four months."

In addition to its debut at ZDayZ, Project 370Z will be shown at other enthusiast events such as ZCON 2012 and the 2012 SEMA show.  The finished 370Z will also be made available for testing by leading enthusiast publications, forums and blogs.

The 2013 Nissan 370Z, which goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in June 2012, features a number of enhancements – including a revised front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.  More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010.

With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands.  A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

SOURCE Nissan North America, Inc.