The Worldwide Introduction of the 2009 Nissan 370Z

A good chunk of Southern California is burning with brush fires this Saturday evening in November, but it turns out that the hot place to be is here in this small parking lot, as the incendiary new 2009 Nissan 370Z makes its first official public appearance anywhere on the planet. There are no firefighters on hand — or even an open flame — but the scene is on fire. Inside Line is the first to get its hands on the new '09 Z-car, and we're letting you get your hands on it, too.

If you aren't here, it's your own fault. It's not like you weren't invited.

We're in the parking lot of TWBA/Chiat/Day, Nissan's advertising agency in the U.S., and there's a scrum of wired-up Z-car people, some hitters from the project team at Nissan who created the new car and a platoon of people from Inside Line. Lights are hung from gantries to make the scene as bright as day, and digital cameras and handheld video cams are on every hip. There is even free food from the best damn taco truck in L.A.

It's the coming-out party for the 2009 Nissan 370Z, a full week before its official debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Is it hot enough for you?