NISSAN 370Z
An unapologetic old-school sports car which bares a badge with over 40-years of pedigree behind it.
Nissan’s ‘Z’ car has been produced since the late 60’s and is designed to be an exciting, inexpensive sports car that delivers its driver a truly invigorating drive. There have been six generations of Z’s and the latest is the 370Z – a car that makes no apologies for its retro approach.
The Nissan 370Z has a wide, muscular shape with a long bonnet under which hides a 3.7-litre V6 engine producing 325bhp, all of which is sent to the rear wheels. Crucially – and unusually in this era – the engine is normally aspirated, meaning that its wildness isn’t dampened by a turbocharger. The V6 soars to a high rev limit of 7,500rpm – just past the point peak power is obtained.
An automatic gearbox is offered with the 370Z, but it is intended to be driven as a manual. The 6-speed gearbox features rev-matching technology for hugely satisfying downshifts that produce the effect of the ‘heel and toe’ technique without you having to do so. For 2018 models, Nissan has fitted a sports clutch to the 370Z too, designed to give improved feel and an even smoother gearchange. As all Synergy enthusiasts will know, brakes are just as crucial a part as an engine in a sports car, and Nissan hasn’t neglected this important area, fitting the largest front brakes ever fitted to a Z - 355mm ventilated front discs, with four-pot calipers.
If the standard 370Z isn’t quite potent enough for you, Nissan’s tuning division ‘Nismo’ has also got its hands on a 370Z and weaved their magic to create a special edition of the 370Z. The Nismo 370Z gets improved power output – increased to 340bhp – 19” alloy wheels courtesy of famous Japanese alloy wheel designer RAYS, which also give an extra inch of width to the tyres – performance Bridgestone Potenza S001’s. Work has also been done on the chassis and suspension to provide superior cornering performance, and the exhaust has been allowed to breathe freer. The interior also gets a Nismo makeover, with race-inspired Recaro sports seats and a Nismo steering wheel to give you that extra racing car feeling when you’re sat behind the wheel.
One of the last old-school feeling sports cars on the market, with a blistering V6 and a lovely rear-biased balance, the Nissan 370Z is something a bit special and a true Japanese performance icon.