Nissan 370Z news - Stretch limo? - 2008

Nothing's more important to a car manufacturer than the moment when the covers come off a new model, especially when it's the follow-up to one of your most successful coupes.

But Nissan seems to have got a bit over-excited and taken the unusual step of semi-unveiling what looks to be the replacement for the 350Z - imaginatively named 370Z. Why 'semi-unveiling'? Because the Japanese firm seems to be keeping the (rubber) sheets on.

The flared wheel arches and shorter body length - shortened by up to 10cm more than the current coupe - are clearly visible, as are the hefty wheels. But that's your lot.

The 370Z is, however, expected to share the same 3.7-litre engine found in the Infiniti G37, and is set to be officially unveiled later this year. We expect to like.

We've also heard on the grapevine that the Nissan Cube is preparing to go global. Should it traverse Japan's shores, the Cube will be mildly modified for its new markets - expect new, larger bumpers and a bunch of interior tweaks.

Engine-wise, it's likely buyers will be able choose between a 1.5-litre Renault-sourced diesel and 1.6-litre petrol. Let's just hope they leave that asymmetrical styling alone...