When Nissan’s 350Z was launched about eight years ago it marked something of a resurgence for the Japanese brand. That model marked a return to the sportier end of the market for the marque, drawing inspiration from the famous “Zee” cars of the late 1970s.
The 350 also heralded a dramatic change in the styling department. This pukka sportscar was masculine and angular with a good hint of aggression thrown in. A replacement model made its debut in 2009 and the 370Z’s looks were markedly different from its successor. And as was the case with the 350Z a roadster version followed not long after. Most recently CAR was presented with a roofless version of the 370Z for re-familiarisation.
One is first struck by how stubby the 370Z is, a full 100 mm shorter in the wheelbase than the 350Z. Another aspect that struck many of the testers is that the styling is a lot fussier. There are many more curves in the bodywork and light clusters than the angular 350. One team member commented that it seems as though the 350 received Botox treatment, which resulted in how the 370 looks. However you feel about the looks I cannot deny that the 370Z roadster turns heads wherever it goes, especially when the roof is stowed.
All models in the 370Z range have keyless entry and start-up procedures, which, I think, is one of most convenient of the mod-con features that any car can have. As a result, firing up the motor is simply a matter of prodding the “start” button. While the engine warms up dropping the fully automated soft top takes a scant 20 seconds. All models in the range share the 3,7-litre powerplant, and what a gem it is, too. It has that typically V6 creamy soundtrack as the revs build.
Our particular test car was fitted with Nissan’s seven-speed automatic transmission so setting off is simply a matter of sliding the console-mounted lever into “D” and tickling the gas pedal. Once moving you realise that the 370Z roadster has very good ride quality, especially considering that it has lost its roof. It’s not surprising to learn, though, that Nissan conceived the 370’s production plans with a roadster in mind. As a result added body strengthening and bracing have been in place from the design phase.
The torque convertor transmission can be lazy when trundling around at a snail’s pace, but if you DO need to affect a quick overtake or dive for a gap in the traffic then there are steering column-mounted paddles. Use these and the response time reduces markedly. In fact, while living out your Formula One fantasies the transmission feels and responds like a twin-clutch set-up. Nissan engineers were obviously keen to preserve the sporting bent of the Z, and they’ve done a very good job of it.
Coupled with the 245 kW output from the aforementioned V6 this car feels ably fast. There is good grunt through the middle of the engine speed range and no lack of willingness to rev. In fact, when in “manual” mode it is easy to hit the rev-limiter; the ECU does not override your gear choice and will not affect an upshift.
More impressive than the straight-line speed is the high level of lateral grip on offer. 19-inch alloys are independently suspended at each corner (double wishbones up front and multi-links at rear) and wear wide section – 245 mm front and 275 mm rear – rubber. Not only are the levels of adhesion high, but the well-weighted steering action and the limited slip diff’ makes the Z a very entertaining car to fling about in the twisty bits.
Summary
At R575 000 the 370Z is by no means cheap. In fact there are Porsche Boxster models that are more competitively priced. Don’t get me wrong, as a fun driving tool the 370Z succeeds and it surprised many team members by being both entertaining and comfortable, but which would you rather own a Nissan or a Porsche? It may be a question loaded with bias, but it’s nevertheless a question the market will ask, too.
Specifications
Model: Nissan 370Z roadster AT
Engine: 3,7-litre, V6
Power: 245 kW from 7 000 r/min
Torque: 363 N.m from 5 200 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,8 seconds
Fuel consumption: 10,9 l/100 km
Top speed: 250 km/h (limited)
Price: R575 200
Service plan: 3 year/90 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km
