An exhaust note can tell a lot about a car. The Nissan 350Z had a unique, burbly soundtrack but it was relatively weak. While driving the new 370Z, it became clear the exhaust note was fiercer and produced a deeper bellow. It was adjusted and meaner.
This theme has been carried out throughout the new Z car.
Not only does the 370 feature a new engine, it also has a new transmission, improved fuel mileage, more technology and it is lighter. Considered the “Everyday Sports Car,” the new Z is something to behold, especially when it has been fine tuned.
Additionally, the new Z has styling that makes the outgoing 350 seem dull and dated. While the 350 had a very clean, minimalist look to it, the 370 is much more interesting with more curves and sensuality.
With that said, one of the greatest improvements is the upward trending beltline, which seems borrowed from the Datsun 240Z. Compounding this greatness is the new, clamshell-style roofline that looks similar to the flagship GT-R. If only the A-pillar had been painted black it would have created beauty worthy of admiration from Florentine artists.
Certainly the most controversial aspects of the new design are the headlights and taillights. Styled with a “boomerang” design, they have this wraparound look that takes some getting used to.
The headlights work stylistically but it’s the taillights that are disproportionately large.
By fiddling with the exterior dimensions, Nissan has effectively changed the monotonous 350 into a bulkier, wider and more aggressive looking 370. Overall length has been shortened nearly three inches, the wheelbase has lost nearly four inches and the rear track has grown approximately two inches.
Nissan knew that the last Z car was ordering from the super-sized menu. Through the constriction of exterior dimensions and use of aluminum bodywork, the 370 is 95 pounds lighter than a comparable 350. And if that was not enough, the motor has been placed lower in the vehicle in order to obtain a lower center of gravity. These crucial changes improve handling, big time.
Settling down within the cabin of the Z was pretty easy and surprisingly roomy. At first, the cabin seems claustrophobic and full of black, but as time progresses it becomes more intimate.
The windshield is close and has a relatively significant rake to it, so, driving a Z is like wearing a pair of sunglasses – very vintage Porsche. Center stack buttons and controls are easy to use and all within a fingertip of the shifter. An irregularly shaped, three-spoke steering wheel greets you and is a comfortable fit.
Glancing over your shoulder will reveal the largest blind spot known to man. If a naked woman was doing her very best Shakira impression, there is no possible way I would get a peek. Although unnerving on the highway, downshifting two gears and accelerating erases any doubts; if your mirrors are adjusted properly the blind spot is not that bad.
Given that my tester was lacking the premium leather seats, I was happy to find the black cloth seats were relatively comfortable at first. However, on the long haul there was not enough thigh support for a long-legged individual.
Feeling and knocking about the cabin makes it pretty clear Nissan has stepped up their game. Fit and finish is top notch and the soft-touch materials used throughout the interior are first rate. In fact, the interior felt nicer than the Infiniti FX35 I had in the winter, which was priced in the mid $50,000 region.
Putting these aspects aside, the 370Z is a driver’s car and it does not make it seem otherwise.
Placing your foot on the firm, springy clutch and moving the shifter through the six speeds made it crystal clear. It takes some work to get the car into gear; you are not going to be shifting with fingertips. And, watch out for fifth because you may find yourself in it while trying to throw into third.
In regards to the SynchroRev Match system, I like it. Yeah, so it blips the throttle for you. Yeah, people say it takes the fun out of it. But if you put a novice behind the wheel it sure makes things much easier. Remember, if you feel like you are the real deal and can best Michael Schumacher you can turn it off at the touch of a button.
Equipped with a 3.7 liter V6 packing 332-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque adds 26 horses and a couple torques over the 350’s VQ-series motor. Combined with a lighter, stiffer, wider and lower package, the Z skirts along briskly and handles with a gratuitous amount of poise.
Through the corners, grip is seemingly endless while body roll remains in check. Rocketing through a bend never felt so right.
And, the best part is the steering feel, which feels very BMW-esque. Weighted reasonably heavily with ample steering feedback it is direct like a Mitsubishi Evolution without being as light as an Evo – this is a good thing. Better yet, it is not numb! True road feel from a modern car? Almost unthinkable and I adore it.
Compound this with the confidence-inspiring heft and width of the vehicle, I felt as though I could take on the planet.
A big disappointment in recent test cars have been the brakes but thankfully the Z was equipped with the sport package. This means it was set-up with Nissan Sport Brakes good for 14 inch front rotors clamped by four-piston calipers and 13.8 inch rear rotors being squeezed by two-piston calipers. Brake pedal feel is instantaneous and can be modulated without putting yourself through the windscreen. Another plus.
Probably the most surprising aspect of the new Z car is the suspension, which does not jolt the passengers harshly or make the car bounce from stiffness at speed. Even with the staggered 19 inch rims, going over bumps does not make you cringe pre-impact. There is enough give so uneven surfaces do not break your back and there is a proper amount of stiffness dialed in to ensure there is no float.
Unfortunately, due to a large bolt in the road my fun was short lived. Lo and behold it was a flat rear tire that could not be located, due to its awkward size, during a spring weekend that killed the festivus.
With that said, sadly there was only one full day of driving in the normally equipped 370Z. But, in retrospect, the Z did look pretty badass with the donut that featured a painted black rim.
So, what does this mean? Essentially, the new 370Z is a proper sports car that is highly capable for a bargain of a price. With an as-tested price of $33,740, the Z comes to play with an impressive set of kit for cheap.
At the end of my time with the Z, I obtained nearly 19 MPG. Pretty solid for a car with over 300 horsepower.
Considering its build quality and athletic ability, I am confident saying this is the best sports car for less than $35,000.
DO check out the 370Z. If you wind up bringing one home, DO option it with the sport package, DO look into black rims and DO learn to adjust your mirrors correctly. And, DON’T get a flat.