Don’t let the evolutionary style fool you. The new 370Z is the first full redesign of Nissan’s iconic Z since the 2003 re-introduction of the 350Z. This newcomer plays host to a shortened wheelbase, extensive use of lightweight materials, a more powerful new engine, and innovative new manual and automatic transmissions.
The Z-car story began with the S30 240Z in 1969, when Nissan launched the iconic two-seater in Japan and later in America – it changed the way the rest of the world viewed Japanese vehicles with its inspired looks and sporty dynamics. Six generations and 40 years later much has changed, yet the principle remains the same.
Much like the 350Z, Nissan’s new Z-car draws a number of design cues from its distinguished predecessors. One of the most notable being the upswept line of the new rear three-quarter window – borrowed from the company’s 1970 240Z. There are also hints of Nissan’s more contemporary styling in the 370Z, such as the GT-R-esque cantilevered roof and low-slung silhouette.
“The fresh character of the Nissan 370Z is immediately apparent in the crisp new exterior design, which is sportier yet still immensely identifiable as a Z,” said Pierre Loing, Nissan’s European Vice President for Product Planning. “The new Nissan 370Z builds on the best features of both the first and last generations Z-cars – respectful but not retro, simple yet sophisticated, and unmistakeably Z.”
This more compact, aggressive-looking exterior packaging makes use of lightweight materials like aluminium suspension components, 19-inch Rays forged aluminium wheels and carbon fibre composite material used for the radiator and driveshaft help reduce weight (91 kg overall). At the same time, the body structure has been extensively reinforced, improving torsional rigidity.
The new Z’s wheelbase is nearly 100mm shorter than the previous generation 350Z (2 550mm versus 2 650mm), accomplished by moving the rear wheels forward in the 2nd generation FM platform, while overall length is reduced by 70mm (4250mm versus 4320mm). At the same time, the overall width been increased by 33mm and the rear track by 55mm.
Operated via a new start/stop button, the 370Z’s 3,7-litre VQ37VHR engine features VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). Its larger displacement and VVEL feature allows for improved power delivery from the new V6. It develops 245 kW at 7 000 r/min and 363 N.m at 5 200 r/min – indicative of the new Z’s focus on more low-end power, more high-end torque and enough grunt to allow for enthusiastic acceleration right up until the 7 500 r/min limiter. Extensive fine- tuning has lowered fuel consumption as much as 11 percent over the previous model.
Two new transmissions are offered. First up is the new “SynchroRev Control” close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox with the world’s first synchronized down/ up shift rev control system. This function allows drivers of any skill level to experience perfectly smooth gear shifts every time, automatically adjusting engine speed when changing gear to the exact speed of the next gear position – essentially “blipping” the throttle to smooth out any down/up shifts, and rendering difficult heel-toe pedal manoeuvres unnecessary.
Nissan claims the manual 370Z sprints to 100 km/h from zero in 5,3 seconds, while the automatic does the same in 5,6 seconds. Both transmissions allow the 370Z to reach an electronically limited 250 km/h top speed.
Besides its shortened body and wider track, the 370Z has also been lowered by 7,6 mm and features a unique 53/47 front to rear weight distribution for more responsive turn-in under braking and a perfect 50/50 split under hard acceleration.
The interior design builds on the 350Z’s interior ergonomics with the revival of the trio of instrument pods running along the top of the facia. Particular attention has been paid to improvements in the quality and finish of the materials used – an area where the 350Z had often been caught short.
The traditional 2-seat layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length centre console separating the driver and passenger’s seat. In the rear is an open luggage area with enhanced storage and accessibility, thanks to the removal of the previous car’s strut brace. New highlights include heated sports seats with leather upholstery and grippy cloth inserts, lightweight magnesium shift paddles and start/stop button. Six airbags ensure occupant safety.
“It has been forty years since the debut of the first-generation S30 in 1969. Six years since the launch of the 350Z. And now the Z has experienced a full model change that represents a quantum leap. Without doubt, the Z is the world’s best-selling sports car of all time. Z fans worldwide, an irreplaceable asset for Nissan, share the same passion and expectations. And we couldn’t let them down. We made sure to build “Z-ness” into the new 370Z, but also “newness” – a new design and new performance. We guarantee that it will offer ample thrills and surprises,” explains Shinjiro Yukawa, Chief Product Specialist.