We’re not apologizing to Nissan, but we were pretty flippantly dismissive of both the 40th Anniversary Z and the Rogue S Krom Edition. Why? Because both struck as as badge jobs. When we think of special edition Nissans, we think of V-Spec, and that typically entails more power and/or pumped up handling. But not with these two cars. Though at least the Krom gets a new front end, which sadly isn’t nearly as eye-catching as the nose of the not-for-us 2010 Qashqai.

However, the truth of the matter is that our favorite ever special Nissan was the legendary Black Gold 10th Anniversary Datsun 280ZX (and the even rarer Black Red – only 500 made, as opposed to 3,000 Black Golds). And that car was little more than a plaque and a coke habit paint job. Our point? Nissan had better produce a theme song for this new car.

Celebrating the October, 1969 launch of the Datsun 240Z, the new Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition ($TBA; Spring 2010) thankfully moves beyond the quaint 150hp 2.4-liter engine of the original for Nissan’s latest and greatest tech. Features include a 332 hp V6 — sadly, not enhanced with turbo for this edition — 19-inch, “smoke” Rays wheels, a special 40th Quartz paint job, red brake calipers, red leather interior, red stitching, and the requisite 40th anniversary badges and commemorative plaque.