Nissan Invites Facebook Fans to Design a Custom 370Z

QUINCY, MASS. (02/22/2012)(readMedia)-- As social media websites like Facebook increase their presence in the marketing world, automakers like Nissan are finding better ways to use them as fan-engagement tools. Nissan recently announced its "Project 370Z" Facebook campaign, which invites its fans to come together and create a one-of-a-kind, wholly performance-tuned Nissan 370Z.

Facebook users are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/nissanperformance to weigh in on different aspects of the upcoming vehicle, from its engine to its suspension and brakes. Options with the greatest fan support in the form of comments, wall posts and fan likes will appear on the custom 370Z when it is finally built. Currently in the first phase of voting, fans are choosing parts related to the car's power, while the latter phases will have them reacting to handling and design options.

"Fans of the Nissan 370Z know quite a bit about every aspect of a sports car, so the vehicle that they dream up will likely be just as potent on the road as it is online," said Paul Butts, general manager of Greater Boston Nissan dealership Quirk Nissan. "I'm sure many current 370Z owners will be participating as well, and they've likely installed some of the featured aftermarket parts on their own car. You can already see that a very in-depth enthusiasts' discussion has started on Facebook."

After voting ends, Nissan will unveil the fan-designed 370Z at ZDayZ, an annual Nissan performance-car enthusiast event held in late May. After its debut, the one-off 370Z will take to the auto-show circuit, traveling to ZCON 2012 and the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. Staff at leading car-enthusiast publications, forums and blogs will also be invited to take the completed 370Z for a spin, meaning the vehicle will see a substantial amount of track time after its debut.

While the Facebook-spawned Nissan 370Z won't be sold at Nissan dealerships, the automaker recently revealed a refreshed 2013 Nissan 370Z that will go on sale in June. The new 370Z debuted at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show earlier this month, featuring a variety of appearance upgrades.

The 2013 Nissan 370Z has a streamlined front fascia, ditching the former model's aggressive front fangs to draw more attention to its sleek, arrow-shaped headlights. Other additions include a dark-finish fuel-gauge trim and two new body colors: Magma Red and Midnight Blue. For added sporty appeal, Nissan gave the Coupe model 18-inch alloy wheels and upgraded the 370Z's Sport Package to include 19-inch alloy wheels, Euro-tuned shock absorbers and red brake calipers. The new Nissan 370Z also receives a red rear reflector and standard LED daytime running lights.

"Nissan gave the 370Z a more modern, up-to-date look that aficionados are going to love," added Butts. "The car is already extremely customizable, and now Nissan is giving its fans more options to play with. The result is a tinkerer's dream car."

About Quirk Nissan:

Quirk Nissan, a premier Greater Boston Nissan dealer, is focused on providing superior value and service in every aspect of the automobile purchase and ownership experience. Quirk Nissan offers a full line of new Nissan vehicles, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned Nissan cars, SUVs and trucks, and is known for the honesty and integrity of its sales, service and parts staff. For more information, call 877- 647-7861, visit their website at www.quirknissan.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkNissan or stop by their dealership at 600 Southern Artery in Quincy, Massachusetts.