First look: Nissan 370Z
The successor to the 350Z gains a curvier exterior design
By Justin Lee
THIS IS THE first official picture of the Nissan 370Z. The car made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19 November.
As its new moniker suggests, the new 370Z is powered by a 3.7-litre engine equipped with variable valve timing. According to Nissan, this unit is an evolution of the 3.5-litre unit found in the 350Z and approximately 35 percent of the engine’s parts are new. The engine produces a maximum power output of 331bhp and peak torque is pegged at 366Nm.
There is an improved close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that includes the world’s first synchronised down or up shift rev control system, which allows drivers to experience perfectly smooth gear shifts every time. The manual gearbox also gets a Synchro Rev Control function that automatically adjusts engine speed when changing gear to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially blipping the throttle to smooth out any down or up shifts.
Inside, the 370Z boasts a high quality interior with Nissan paying particular attention to the texture of the materials used, as well as the level of fit and finish. Interior packaging has also been improved over the 350Z, including the removal of the rear strut brace (replaced with less intrusive structural reinforcements) and by adding a new shelf area behind the seats, creating a storage area. A retractable cover is standard on the 370Z and a locking glove compartment has been added.
