2009 Nissan 370Z – First Steer
May 8, 2009 by David Twomey
In these days when even a Mini is bigger than its predecessor it’s certainly unusual for a manufacturer to be boasting that its car is smaller, and better for it, but that’s certainly the case with Nissan’s new 370Z.
While the 370Z may be a little bit smaller than its predecessor, the 350Z, it is bigger and better in almost all other respects, boasting a bigger engine, more power, better safety and improved handling.
CarAdvice has just spent a day driving the 370Z over some challenging sections of road used for Adelaide’s iconic Classic Adelaide Rally, and we’ve got to say right from the get-go this is one fine sports car.
Nissan was making no secret of the fact that it was benchmarked against the Porsche Cayman, and we’d have to say that in most respects its delivered an automotive body-blow to its benchmark, plus it costs nearly $50,000 less.
It’s also instantly recognisable as something different from the 350Z, something that befits a car that will be 40-years-old later this year.
While the history of the Nissan Z-car may have been a bit of a case of the good, the bad and the downright ugly, there’s none of that in this latest iteration.
In it’s benchmarking against the Porsche the 370Z has eschewed bulking up by going lighter, slicing 100mm out of the wheelbase behind the driver, while the front and rear tracks are 15mm and 55mm wider.
At the same time the 370Z retains styling cues that link it directly to its heritage, the signature quarter window behind the doors echoing the original 240Z, the sharply raked roofline and hatch and the trio of gauges across the top of the dashboard.
It’s only a little over two months since Nissan launched the latest version of its iconic sports car the GT-R supercar, and now it has further stimulated the sports car market, which the company says is holding up surprisingly well in the current automotive market, with the more affordable 370Z.
“The 370Z’s pricing is more Mazda RX-8 but in terms of performance and other attributes it’s closer to the likes of the Porsche Cayman, Audi TT and BMW Z4,” said Nissan Australia’s brand manager for passenger cars, Darren Holland, in Adelaide.
He went on to add that Nissan considered that the 370Z sat in its own space in the sports car market.
Nissan is certainly going all out to lure buyers with the lavish equipment level on the 370Z.
Standard features include xenon headlights, electrically adjustable heated sports seats, Bluetooth, climate control, Bose audio, DVD satellite navigation, cruise control and 18-inch alloy wheels. Six airbags and stability control, called VDC in Nissan parlance, are both part of the safety package.
The 370Z utilises Nissan’s FM platform, which underpins the US-market Infiniti G37 coupe, and also gains that car’s pop-up bonnet to give more protection to pedestrians in the event of an accident.
At the same time the pricing has been sharpened and the single model is now $2000 cheaper than the previous 350Z Track, with buyers paying $67,990 for the six-speed manual and $70,990 for the seven-speed automatic.
No exterior panels are shared with the 350Z and the 370Z features a slightly larger engine, 3.7-litres as opposed to 3.5-litres, developing more power and torque, 245kW at 7000rpm, compared with 230kW, and 363Nm at 5200rpm, compared with 358Nm.
Peak power and torque figures occur at slightly higher engine speeds, but fuel consumption has been reduced significantly in ADR combined-cycle testing.
The new VQ37VHR engine, a DOHC power plant, has variable valve timing, which has been reworked to adjust valve lift as well. Nissan calls this new system Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) and says that it raises torque and drivability at both ends of the rev range.
The manual transmission 370Z uses 10.5L/100km and the automatic is even more economical, at 10.4L/100km. Both figures are a significant improvement on the 11.7L/100km and 11.8L/100km numbers for the manual and auto variants of the 350Z.
While the six-speed manual transmission is a revised version of the manual ‘box in the 350Z, the seven-speed automatic is entirely new and comes with paddle-shift and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) to blip the throttle when selecting a lower gear.
Both gearboxes also use the SynchroRev Match system developed by Nissan to ensure gearshifts are smoother and faster than previously.
Nissan says the new system, which uses clutch and gearshift sensors to monitor the driver’s input, can change gear in half a second. On the manual version of the 370Z, this system can be switched off, so drivers can do their own throttle blipping!
Using aluminium bonnet, doors and hatch Nissan shaved 100kg from the car but added equipment, much of it safety related, put about 85kg back into the car, which ended up being 15kg lighter than the 350Z at 1517kg.
The 370Z gets a new double wishbone front suspension and an improved version of the 350Z’s multi-link rear suspension, while both are stronger and lighter as a result of the use of forged aluminium components.
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering is a modified version of the 350Z’s and the level of assistance is varied according to the car’s speed, and the 18-inch alloy wheels carry Yokohama Advan Sport tyres, 225/50R18 at the front and 245/45R18 at the rear, while the spare is a space saver.
Brakes comprise ventilated rotors on all wheels, with 355×32mm rotors at the front, utilising four-piston callipers, and 350×20mm rotors at the rear, with twin-piston callipers.
As we’ve already said the 370Z is shorter, but wider than the 350Z, and overall length is reduced by 65mm but the wheelbase is 100mm shorter, achieved by bring the rear axle closer to the driver.
Despite the shortening luggage space is increased and boosted by the removal of the strut brace that was located in the boot of the 350Z.
Nissan, which calls the 370Z a ‘super-evolution’ of the 350Z, has sold 5000 of the previous model in Australia and is confident in predicting 370Z sales of at least 100 a month.
On the road the 370Z, despite being a smaller car overall, looks more muscular than the 350Z, helped in part by the wide-track stance and the purposeful twin-exhaust pipes protruding from the rear bodywork.
We also have to say that the arrowhead headlights and boomerang taillights that can look awkward in photographs manage to look purposeful and well resolved when you see the car in front of you.
Sliding behind the wheel into the very well designed and comfortable sports seats means you are presented with a large central tachometer flanked by two smaller dials, one the speedo, while perched above the centre console are three additional dials, including a temperature gauge and digital clock.
We do have to mention that the steering wheel isn’t reach-adjustable, and while there’s considerable adjustability in the seat to get a good driving position, tall drivers will find their legs are still a little too bent for a really comfortable position.
Fire up the engine with the obligatory start-stop button and there is a satisfying rumble from the V6 that makes you want to prod the throttle pedal immediately.
We started out in a seven-speed auto, which proved an excellent choice for the run out of Adelaide city environs in heavy traffic, and was equally up to the challenges of a very spirited drive along a particularly tricky and twisty piece of Classic Adelaide tarmac.
The road was wet to damp in patches and while the VDC was working hard on occasions, and the car did show a tendency to step out at the rear when power was brought on early coming out of tight corners, the overall effect was one of controllability.
Switching later to a six-speed manual car we found it to just as much fun, with a high level of control.
The ride in both cars was firm and taut, but never so hard as to be uncomfortable, except perhaps on the occasional extremely bumpy section of road.
Pushed through corners, and we found plenty of them on our 300+ kilometres, the rear-drive 370Z knuckles down and pours on the grip.
It feels sharper and more precise than the 350Z, itself no slouch in the handling department, and the steering is precise and delivers plenty of feedback and feel.
We must mention the manual gearbox’s SynchroRev system, which works really well, effortlessly matching engine revs with road speed on gearshifts.
Just as impressive is the seven-speed auto, which is smooth, quick shifting and highly responsive when controlled by the up-down paddles behind the steering wheel.
The overall verdict, a great step forward in the long story of the Nissan Z-car, with the 370Z providing a true sports car, that’s also a doddle to drive around town.
CarAdvice will be putting the new 370Z through its paces in a full road test in the coming weeks, so watch out for that.
Print it: 
So is this VVEL the nissan equivalent of Honda’s VTEC and Toyota’s VVTLi?
Is it smooth and linear like vtec or more surgey like vvtli?
A good news story to come out of Nissan Australia. Thank goodness.
ps. Did you mean “doddle” or really mean “doodle” ?
Worlds best affordable,nonturbo 6cyl sportscar.
sounds like an exelent car if i had the money i would defentely consider it but…
I dont thing i could live with its face side and rear profile i like but that front, what were nissa thinking.
Great to see nisian still making sporty rear drive 6 cylinder cars ,There a hoot to drive and love to be driven hard
You’ve said its smaller but is it lighter?
Great looking car, but between the Coupe and the new Roadster; tough choice for me.
Sure, its a good car but its nowhere as good as a cayman.
I think you’re getting a bit ahead of yourself mate
Youve driven both Shane? The general consensus amongst the press is its at least very close to the caymen performance-wise, and given the $50,000 saving its definitely better value.
I love how Nissan is making the porsche snobs squirm lately lol
Come on guys, you don’t compare this to a Cayman, this is an Audi TT competitor. The Cayman is a car that many have now called better than a GT-R (the new Cayman S anyway) and this isn’t better than the GT-R. This may be a fine car, it is getting fantastic reviews but it doesn’t compare to the Porsche.
Smokin’R32, your not a snob just because you drive a Porsche. And it’s not the Cayman drivers who should be squirming at this, it’s the 911 drivers that have to squirm at the GT-R. As of now, the Cayman is the smart mans Porsche. Currently being called better than the 911, it is fantastic. Sorry but this doesn’t compare. It may be fantastic but it just doesn’t compare.
I never said you’re a snob just because you drive a porsche, but after the whole GTR Nurburgring fiasco it became pretty apparent that a number of porsche fanatics, including porsche themselves, weren’t good sports when it came to some healthy competition. I just don’t see why its so hard to believe that Nissan can build a car that’s competitive with porsche products, they’ve have decades of pedigree and experience. I’m by no means a porsche hater, but when most motoring journos are saying the same thing I tend to believe them, they’d know better than most
Isnt it funny how nissan can keep giving us good performance cars at sane money,And all the porsche knockers keep saying yeh but its not as good as this or this ,But who cares the point is to give us good cars which are close to porsche performance or in some cases maybe better at affordable prices when most people cant afford a porsche thay can have these sort of cars which some people prefer anyway to save money
Topdog – I agree.
Back to the 370z, im not quite sold on the new headlights yet, though they are growing on me.
Sure the GT-r and 370z may have ‘poorer’ (and i use it loosely) interiors, less pedigree and less social status but for a lot of money less they give you at least 9 10ths of a porsches performance.
(Anti-spam word R34GTR)
I have driven lots of exotic fast cars in my time and had the chance to drive a 370Z when I was in Hong Kong last week.Engine was rough and strained over 5000 revs but beside that a nice tight bit of kit.
Also had a track day with the release of the new Cayman here on the gold coast a few weeks back and trust me when I say they are chalk and cheese in engine response ,smoothness and steering,and more particularly THE Occasion.
I have a great respect for the GT-R(particularly when I try to catch one in my Audi R8 on track days) but to compare a 370z to a Cayman is slightly of the mark.
I believe with the GT-R they got the mark of the 911 but they certainly didn’t touch the Cayman with the 370z
Totally agree Porsche’s are overpriced but that’s why they are the most profitable car company in the world.
What we said was that it was ALMOST as good as a Cayman, and having driven them I still stand by that.
They really need to be back-to-back tested to make a proper comparison and we will be looking to do just that.
Couldn’t resist, BTW: ant-spam word – nissan!
Looks good in yellow.
I’ve really gotta give some props to the photograher here, these are some fantastic shots out on the road.
Agree with those saying it’s not quite as good as a cayman, though these cars are all about the fun factor. I’d challenge anyone to spend some time behind the wheel of this car and not have smile.
I’m not sure – I mean the original 350Z was developed in the states, project was lead by an Indian fella and the engine came from a Renault.. what part of that car may I ask is JDM? just seems like a fat toad to me and now we have a smaller version – whats the difference the Americans who’ll use it , their lunch size will make up for the weight they tried to lose in this car..
WOW looks a lot better in motion that it does sitting still.. anyone agree???
The front end has finally won me over but the rear is still struggling.
I still cant see why they persist with those door handles either…. look at that side view, it is completely ruined by the tacky plastic looking handles :(
Still, at this price point.. id be considering it.
@Newbie: I have no idea what you’re point is, go test drive one
*your, dammit
Hey GAZZA
You could try the ABT treatment for your R8(Full throttle 2),that may help you on the track against those GTRs.
As for the 370Z it’s seems a better car than it’s predecessor but overall,it just looks too bulbous from the outside.The interior looks quite nice.
…….and no 19″ optional wheels or big-brake kits for the Oz 370Z’s. Poor effort.
Its offensively ugly
that is alot of power for a 6 cylinder motor though!
Nice car, but no thanks.
One wonders whether to “chip in” $5k more and get a BMW 135i. The BMW would not be as well equipped as the Nissan, but figures suggest that the 135i would smash the 370Z in almost every way.
i had a look at one of the cars yesterday at the local dealership, Very nice car indeed. and the finish looks top notch and the vehicle does feel very strong. my mate is now thinking of buying one.. as they seem to be a very well finshed car, with the looks and performance to match.
Why would you get this if you could purchase a 135i in the same price range?
Yep totally a agree Realist,too many dials and gauges for me as well!
Japs seem to boggle you with the gadgets dont they, almost like they’re compensating for the missing element that the Europeans provide you in really driving machines ;)
This car and the cayman has been tested buy Drivers Republic and Car magazine. The Cayman was rated best in both. In fact the 370 was not even as good as the first generation Cayman let alone the new model.
Car Advice, dont even bother wasting your time with a comparo, we all know the outcome of this- if you cant afford a Cayman, go for the 370z
realist i will give you one very good reason to buy the Z over a 135.
The 135 looks like crap as most things from bavaria do these days. except perhaps for the Z4, in fact the 370 is a direct competitor to the Z4, and the POS Cayman (Shane you have no idea)
Finally Chocolate Bavarian, you should perhaps sit in the car before saying it boggles you with gadgets, it simply puts most sterile germanian interiors to shame…
It really is great to see the lovers of all things german tear up because others can build better cars at half the price!!!
actually I think Nike had a lot to do with the design of the front and rear tail lights….
Fora M, are you really saying the 135i looks like crap? This thing looks like a catfish
This pretty much answers your questions about the 370z vs 135i, very close comparison but the edmunds say the 370 just pips the BMW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Po7XrQYIE
Cant wait to test drive this car next week!
Tom dont get this mixed up with your 94 model 318
They fixed up the interior but somehow found a way to make the exterior worse than the 350Z. I don’t think Nissan has styled a decent car since the S15 (GT-R looks OK, though). At least no cars that made it to Oz.
I would anyday put my money on GT-R,but dont have any.As far as i remember,guys correct me if im wrong,the GT-R did beat the corvette and the porsche by good timing last year i think.Coming back to the 370z,the specs look good but it has been let down by a poor exterior styling.The topside after the drivers cabin looks like someone hammered it in.But i wouldnt pay this price for a car that looks like this.No,thanks.
well, i think its hot as! lol… can i trade the kids in for it :)
I was a bit iffy re the front end and lights… and thought, dare I say, that they’d lost the plot… ?
BUT I had the PLEASURE of driving one this eve.. Let me promise you this kittykat a barrel of fun.. Great throaty sound, responsive growl under foot, tight athletic body. The interior is schmick feeling in the seats with nice suede door trims BUT way too much cheap looking plastic. A bit of a let down. The sound/visual system is top notch-apprently. I never turned it on….
For me; the growl off a planted foot did me nicely and I didnt want to hear anything else :)
The car has STUFFED my plans of purchasing a near new 350Z; I couldnt possibly drive one now. just doesnt compare