Designed as a replacement to the 350Z, the 370Z's styling is evolutionary. Overall, the 370Z -- which was developed under the code name C53D -- keeps the same general shape as the 350Z. As previously speculated, the newest Z receives a "boomerang" headlight treatment similar to the design seen on the 2009 Maxima.
The rear is also a bit stubbier, with a sharper crease along the trailing edge of the hatch. The 370Z's rear taillights also have a fishhook design similar to those seen on the Maxima's headlights.
The 370Z uses the same VQ37VHR powerplant found in the Infiniti G37 -- a V6 displacing 3.7-liter -- delivering 332 horsepower and 26 mpg on the highway. Those 332 horses will be sent to the 370Z's rear wheels via either a seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. Of note, the six-speed 370Z will be the first vehicle to offer a synchronized downshift rev matching system with a manual transmission.
As expected, the 370Z will offer a serious performance upgrade over the model it replaced, the 350Z. The 370Z will ride on a shorter wheelbase than the previous car and uses more lightweight materials. Those changes net a lighter curb weight, meaning all around performance -- acceleration, braking and cornering -- will see a marked improvement.
Suspension duties for the new car are handled by a double wishbone setup up front with a multi-link setup out back. Brembo brakes and 18 and 19 inch wheels are also be part of the 370Z package.
The 370Z should offer buyers a little more cargo room -- although the coupe is not cavernous by any stretch of the imagination -- thanks to the relocation of the car's trunk-mounted support member.
Starting at $30,610, the 370Z Coupe is about $1,700 more expensive than the 350Z it replaces. The base model comes with a 6-speed manual, while upgrading to a seven-speed automatic brings the total to $32,660.
An optional Sport Package can be added to the base model, priced at just $3,020, has 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match, and a Viscous Limited Slip Differential. The self-explanatory Navigation Package, priced at $1,850, offers a hard drive-based navigation interface with a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and iPod connectivity.
The better-equipped Touring package starts at $35,280 with the six-speed manual. The Touring model adds heated leather-appointed power seats, HomeLink, Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio, cargo cover and aluminum pedals.
There are many optional features for the 370Z, including an aerodynamics kit, premium paint colors like Chicane Yellow, an Illuminated Kick Plate, painted splash guards, and the usuals such as carpeted floor and trunk mats.
SPECIFICATIONS
General
- Body StyleCoupe
- SizeCompact
- Market SegmentStandard, Sports
- Weight3232 lbs
Exterior
- Length167.2 in.
- Width72.6 in.
- Height51.8 in.
- Wheelbase100.4 in.
- Ground ClearanceTBD
- Front Track61.0 in.
- Rear Track62.8 in.
- Weight Distribution54/46
- Drag CoefficientTBD
Interior - General
- Seats2
- Passenger Volume51.6 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume6.9 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded)TBD
Interior - Front Row
- VolumeTBD
- Leg Room42.9 in.
- Head Room38.2 in.
- Shoulder Room54.4 in.
- Hip Room54.6 in.
Propulsion
- Fuel TypeGas
- Engine Type3.7L V6
- Power332 hp @ 7000 rpm
- Torque270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
- Transmission6-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy26 mpg
- City Fuel Economy18 mpg
- Forced InductionNone
- Direct InjectionNo
Chassis
- LayoutRear Wheel Drive
- Front SuspensionDouble Wishbone
- Rear SuspensionMulti-Link
Wheels
- Front18" Aluminum
- Front TiresP225/50R18
- Rear18" Aluminum
- Rear TiresP245/45R18
COLOURS