The 370Zis the current iteration in a long line of Z cars from Nissan. They have evolved quite a bit since their beginnings, but they still offer a great deal of performance for the money. With the introduction of the 370z, Nissan has put the somewhat portly 350z on a diet. Then made it smaller and added more power. What could be wrong with that formula? Along the way, numerous steel pieces were replaced with aluminum in the name of weight savings. The 370 Z is available as either a coupe or a roadster for top down fun.
All 370Z trims share the most powerful Z engine yet implemented. At 332 HP and 270 Ft. – Lbs. of torque, this 3.7 liter V-6 is a screamer. It can transfer this power to the rear wheels via either a 6 speed manual transmission or the optional 7 speed automatic transmission. A feature of note with the manual transmission is the SynchroRev technology which matches engine speed to wheel speed on shifts, even blipping the throttle on downshifts. It makes even the most heavy handed driver shift like the pros.
The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe, convertible
Engine: 3.7L V-6
Transmissions: 7-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Models: 370Z, 370Z with Sport Package, 370Z Touring, 370Z Touring with Sport Package, 370Z Touring with 40th Anniversary Package, NISMO 370Z, 370Z Roadster, 370Z Roadster Touring, 370Z Roadster Touring with Sport Package
What's New
The big news for 2010 is the arrival of the 40th Anniversary Edition, which -- you guessed it -- commemorates four decades of the Z in the U.S. Painted in unique "40th Graphite" gray and trimmed with a special red-leather interior, the 40th Anniversary Z boasts smoke-finished 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, Nissan sport brakes with red calipers, and a viscous limited-slip differential.
Exterior
With a cantilevered roof, "barbed" head- and taillamps, and a 240Z-like upswept beltline, the 370Z wears a tighter, more retro shape than the 350Z, which is 2.7-inches longer and 0.3-inch taller, and rides on a 3.9-inch longer wheelbase.
Interior
The 370Z's driver-oriented cabin sports big gauges, a race-style oval steering wheel, a convenient glovebox, and a useable cargo area. For a grander environment, the upscale Touring adds leather, Bluetooth phone, Bose audio, and aluminum pedals.
Performance & Handling
With a 332-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 and nifty "SynchroRev Match" six-speed manual, the 370Z rips to 60 in just 4.7 seconds on its way to a quarter-mile of 13.3 at 105.7 mph. Braking from 60 to 0 takes only 106 feet and lateral acceleration comes in at a Rubber Cement score of 0.99 g. The Roadster is a bit slower, the 350 horsepower NISMO a tad quicker.
Safety
The Z Coupe utilizes six airbags (dual front, side, and curtain), while the Roadster gets by with four (dual front and side). Active head restraints, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and stability and traction control are standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
Coupe (manual): 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Coupe (automatic): 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Roadster: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway
You'll Like
- 0-60 in under 5.0 seconds
- Nearly 1g lateral acceleration
- Tidy dimensions
- Driver-focused cockpit
You Won't Like
- High-rpm engine coarseness
- Still not a lightweight
- Some overwrought styling details
Sum Up
Fun and fast but some rough edges
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi TT
- BMW Z4
- Ford Mustang
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Porsche Cayman/Boxster