Nissan today took a bold step for its brand and consequently validated the power of the video game industry, announcing that its 2009 Nissan 370Z will make its consumer debut in Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed Underground. This is the first time an auto manufacturer has partnered with a game company to reveal a new car worldwide.
The Nissan Z won’t hit showrooms until eight weeks after the game’s release, and it won’t be seen publicly until the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 19. That’s one day after Need for Speed Undercover ships for Xbox 360 and PS3 in North America. The game will ship in Europe for both the PS3 and Xbox 360 on Nov. 21.
“Our relationship with EA has been instrumental in bringing the Nissan brand to a passionate and unique audience,” says Christian Meunier, Vice President, Nissan Marketing. “By launching the all-new 2009 Nissan Z first through Need for Speed Undercover, we also gain the spirit and energy that EA gamers experience so strongly.”
Need for Speed Undercover designers worked closely with Nissan to accurately replicate the overall look, feel and performance of the all-new Nissan Z. The 2009 Nissan Z marks the first full redesign of the Nissan ZÒ since its reintroduction as a 2003 model.
From the game’s opening moment, players will be thrust right into the action with gamers whipping the 370Z in and out of traffic at high speed. Need for Speed Undercover takes players back to the franchise’s roots and re-introduces break-neck cop chases and spectacular highway battles. Players discover a world of high-stakes and high-speed action in some of the world’s hottest cars.