Nissan has released the first official photo of its new 370Z, which will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov 19.

The car replaces the five-year-old 350Z. It is more curvaceous and more powerful. Its 3.7-litre V6 produces 336bhp, versus the 350Z's 313bhp.

Nissan agent in Singapore, Tan Chong, expects to launch the car in the first quarter of next year.

RENAULT HOLDS BACK MPV PLANS

Legislative changes across Europe have prompted Renault to shelve its plans for its next Espace multi-purpose vehicle, which was planned originally for next year.

Tax revisions linked to CO2 emissions in France, Britain and Spain have put the car back on the drawing board.

The carmaker will also postpone the launch of two other unnamed high-end models.

ASTON MARTIN STRIKES GOLD

As if an Aston Martin DB7 was not stunning enough, British customisation company Alchemist has covered one in 24karat gold and platinum leaf.

The car was showcased after the premiere of the latest James Bond movie, Quantum Of Solace, in London last week.

The unusual customisation does not end with the metalwork. The car has seven diamonds embedded in its body, no doubt symbolising Bond's 007 code name.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 1, 2008.

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