Nissan 370Z King Of The Mountain
October 1, 2009 by Alborz Fallah
Nissan 370Z King Of The Mountain.
Does the turbo AWD fraternity have to worry about the new 370Z? How about Boxsters, AMG Benzes, M-series BMWs and S-badged Audis? In Brisbane, there’s only one way to find out.
- by Alborz Fallah – photos – Tristan Schoonens.
Earlier this year I took a Mitsubishi Evolution X up Mount Glorious/Nebo here in my little country town called Brisbane. There are not too many roads that we can be proud of in QLD but Mt Nebo/Glorious are quite possibly some of the best driving roads I’ve ever come across.
There is one absolute mandatory prerequisite for any serious mountain run; you must have a capable car. For some this can be an old Skyline or WRX, for others its a Lotus Exige and once in a while you’ll see the occasional Ferrari along side the array of M3s and other European performance cars.
Of course the Nissan 350Zs have long ago made their name around the Brisbane mountain ranges. Hordes of Zs pile up on Thursdays for cruise nights and most often than not they find themselves driving up either Mt Cootha or Glorious.
So what about the 370Z? The latest incarnation in the Z lineup? Better looking, more power, better handling, better steering feel, pretty much better everything.
The first thing you’ll notice about the new Z is the uprated interior. What Mitsubishi and Subaru have both continuously failed to achieve with the EVO and STI, Nissan has done with the 370Z. No longer does the interior feel cheap with tons of hard plastics. Unlike its Japanese rivals, the Z is no longer just a great powerplant and handling package with a Spartan interior, it’s a proper luxury sportscar.
Minor details aside, the aim of this exercise with the 370Z was to take it up Mount Glorious and see if it could really keep up with the AWD turbos. Of course you can argue that this is a moot comparison and that they are totally different cars with the Z being more about looks than going around tight corners at speed.
Nevertheless, having spent four days with the Z, I had already fallen in love. I drove the R35 Nissan GT-R briefly some time ago and the first thing you’ll notice about the Z is how Nissan has managed to create the ultimate supercar killer with the GT-R and then water it down to create the Z.
It’s good to point out that the Z is not the absolute in Nissan’s sporting ability. It’s simply a compromise for the masses. If we could all have a GT-R, we would, but at half the price for the Z, it’s a compromise that’s well and truly worth it.
Porsche needs to be worried. Porsche needs to be really worried. Sure it has brand cachet over Nissan, but would I honestly pick a base model Boxster over a 370z? I don’t think so. So let me tell you why.
The car which most closely represents how the 370Z feels for me is the BMW M3 Coupe. Any car which is driven via the rear wheels sits between these two characteristics, it’s either rather soft and floaty in the rear with little predictability and control or its absolute perfection with extreme finesse and very predictable. The M3 sits in the right side of the scale and the Z is right on its tail.
Get the back out slightly and it feels like you can hold it there forever. Anytime you want to put the rear back in its place you simply turn the wheel and it all falls instantly into place. The smoothness in which the Z delivers power to the rear wheels can give you goose bumps. There is no sudden rush of power from the turbo like in the EVO and STI, it’s just pure harmony of you and the car all in the moment.
There is one problem with the Z which, ok I suppose it’s not really a problem but rather a hard choice. It’s clearly going to be difficult to pick between the seven-speed automatic or the brilliant rev-matching six-speed manual gearbox.
Having driven both I am still not sure which I’d pick. Both are a joy to drive, naturally you’d expect me to say go for the manual as its more of a man’s car, however the automatic is so inspiring that I’d almost have to consider it as not only will it change gears faster most of the time but it even has one more gear!
Then again the rev-matching system in the manual box can make you look like Lewis Hamilton. Every time you drop down a gear the Z will automatically rev match before you let the clutch out, essentially there is no longer a need to heal-toe or double-clutch for the perfect shift. It’s all done for you.
I turned the system off for a while as I was positive that despite all the technology, I can still down shift quicker, I can’t, you can’t either, nor can Lewis Hamilton. It’s pure perfection, it matches revs so smoothly that you’ll spend the first week just driving it around and going from third to second for no reason.
My first thought, of course, was how great the 370Z will be once the tuners get their hands on it and give it a bit more noise. How brilliant it would sound at lights as it comes in for a stop, gears shifting down in perfect harmony with the car automatically rev matching on each down shift. It would make even the most incapable manual driver feel godly in his ability to shift.
So it was time. Mt Glorious/Nebo has long been the home ground of all sportscars that get tested in Brisbane and I’d been looking forward to taking the Z up there for weeks.
The more you get to know the 370Z the more you start to understand just how much potential the car has. Whatever Nissan has done to the chassis has resulted in a brilliant feel through the steering wheel and cornering ability nearing that of its all-wheel drive rally inspired rivals.
After two solid runs up and down the mountain I am positive that the 370Z was capable of keeping up with almost anything.
You can jump on the accelerator, brake hard before a corner, turn it and power out, it won’t step out on you if you don’t want it to and the level of grip is extraordinary for a Japanese rear-wheel drive coupe.
The reason for that is Nissan’s determination to make a better all around car. This isn’t a 350Z with a new front and rear, it’s a whole new redesigned, reworked and highly improved machine and the work has paid off. It has more power, better handling thanks to a lower centre of gravity, lower weight thanks to lighter components, wider track and a tighter turning circle than the outgoing 350Z.
In simple terms, you just feel very confident driving the new Z, the seats are 10mm closer to the ground, it’s 15mm/55mm wider front and rear compared to the 350Z and it really does go a lot harder too.
Powering the beast is Nissan’s VQ37VHR 3.7-litre (hence 370Z) V6 engine that produces 245kW (at 7000rpm) and a very respectable 363Nm of torque (at 5200rpm). This means a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds (quarter mile in 13.9 seconds).
What was very noticeable around the mountain was not feeling the Z constantly changing gears as it now revs out to 7000rpm (800rpm more than the 206kW 350Z) allowing for that extra bit of power delivery when you need it the most.
The steering response is EVO like, just turn, point and accelerate. There is a whole lot of feedback that will let you know if you’re doing something wrong, you can drive the Z into corners at high speed so smoothly it will scare you.
It’s rather hard to fault the Z. If you’re waiting for a track edition to come out, don’t waste your time, the brake system on the 370Z is essentially the same as the Brembos found on the 350Z track edition minus the Brembo badge. Two solid runs and there was very little brake fade.
The car’s nanny controls are also easily switched off so if you’re out in a skidpan or a track day you can really get to enjoy the car. When they’re left on (as they should be on the road) the Z will let you have a little bit of fun before it cuts in.
Overall I am willing to admit it’s not as quick as the Mitsubishi Evolution X or Subaru’s STI around a mountain range, but its a lot more engaging and a hell of lot more fun!
More importantly, it looks better, it sounds better and it has a significantly better interior than both its Japanese rivals. As for comparing it to the Porsche Boxster, for the money the Z represents a much better overall car, unless you’re willing to spend $140k+ on a Boxster S, performance wise the Z will leave the standard Boxter for dead.
You can find yourself in a brand new 370Z manual from $67,990* and $70,990* for the 7-speed automatic.
It was really hard having to give the Z back. If there was ever a car for under 100g that just felt right in every way, it’s the Nissan 370Z.
Specifications:
- Engine: 3696cc DOHC V6 (24-valve)
- Power: 245kW @ 7000rpm
- Torque: 363Nm @ 5200rpm
- Induction: Multi-point
- Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear (LSD)
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: Not Tested
- 0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
- 0-400m: 13.9 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 247 grams per kilometre
- Fuel Consumption: 10.4 litres per 100km (ADR c0mbined)
- Fuel Consumption: 11.4 litres per 100km (as tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 72 litres
- Fuel Type: 95 – 98RON petrol
- ANCAP Rating: TBC
- Airbags: Dual Front & Side
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space saver
- Suspension: Wishbone (F)/Multi-Link (R)
- Tow Capacity: N/A
- Turning Circle: 10.0 metres
- Warranty: Three year/100,000km
- Weight: 1532kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8.0-inch
Visit the Nissan 370Z Photo Gallery.
Pages: Page 1 Page 2
Pages: Page 1 Page 2
Print it: 
Great car, good review. It’s good to know Nissan is still the king of rwd japanese sports cars. I might have to trade my 350 in for one soon. But are you sure there is no track edition?
Nope. My Dad has his new 370Z. There’s no options, the 370Z in Australia has all options applied unlike Japanese and U.S. market. You get everything, the only choice is Automatic or Manual.
How do you think it stacks up against the BMW 135i M Sport Coupe Alborz ?
BMW 135i M sports coupe’s looks are not really enganging and more of an acquired taste.
hey i test drove the mazda rx8 , subaru sti and the z today…
ive just paid my deposit for the 370z…
a real beast..
my opinion..
1st 370z
2nd sti
distant 3rd rx8..
i was so dissapointed with the mazda..
cheers
geoff
the 135i is a great car, and I think its probably the only car that will give the Z some run for its money for a similar price (the BMW is roughly 5g more).
However I think the Z has much more road presence and represents a better value for money overall (just).
Of course the 3.0-litre twin turbo charged BMW engine is one of the best engines in the world so its a hard choice isn’t it!
I was originally set on getting the 370z, then i changed my mind and decided to go with a BMW 135i, after this review i’m now confused again.. what a dilemma
Andy the 135i is a great car, I suppose it comes down to personal choice or brand loyalty. The Z, IMO, is a better overall package but I do love the 135i too and if the extra 5,000 is no issue (also remember options) then its a great choice.
The Z is a better handling car, its stiffer, it’s made from the ground up to be a sports car, the 135i is based on the 1-series which like all BMWs is sporty in nature but is not as ‘hardcore’ as the Z.
Perhaps the best way to work it out is to take them both for a test drive on the same day? Would be most interested in finding out what you pick and why!
this is what i will probably end up doing, for anyone interested in purchasing a 370z you may want to look up this forums
http://www.the370z.com/australia-new-zealand/
look in the sticky section \”how much did you pay\”
there is a nissan dealer on that forums that can get you the 370z on the road for 65k which is quite a big saving since the rrp is 67,990 for the manual not including on roads
Take the 135i – one of the worlds great engines, and luxury appointments are nicer than the Nissan.
That’s it, in the end it is just a Datsun and it is just a BMW… Stick with the BMW.
As good as the Bmw’s engine is (it is a great one), the Nissan VQ series has its share of accolades.
n/a 245kw and Nissan still have not adopted direct injection on these engines as yet!!
A proper sports car or a tarted up gap filler based on an entry model 1 series?
I am no badge snob like Martin and after a past test drive the “Datsun” clearly gets my vote.
Stick with the Datsun mate – I’ll stick with better build, features, quality and badge cache.
Plus the hotties that you can pull with a BMW can actually speak without you wanting to wash out their mouths with heavy duty soap.
Based on your philosophy of the 1 series badge credentials over a Nissan 370, I guess that you would put your money on a tarted up A-Class Mercedes (if available) over a Z as well!
Imagine the hotties at the lawn bowls you could pick up with that!!!
I guess you cannot prove the better build, quality or features either! Perception is a wonderful thing for some in need of a reality check!
The Datsun is fully sick maaate.
So, because I would rather something from Germany than something form Japan, that makes me a badge snob. HA! I like KIA’s. So clearly can’t really be a badge snob, I back the underdog on that front.
You like Kia’s but refer to the 370z as “just a Datsun”! Gotta love the irony.
Wow, what a great write-up and superb photo’s.
Keep up the good work Alborz. I think its a great improvement on the 350Z and has all the performance that one can realistically use on public roads.
I’m a huge fan of the F6 Typhoon but this new Nissan for almost identical money has me thinking……
“Wow, what a great write-up and superb photo’s.
Keep up the good work Alborz.”
Buck, you’ve GOT to be related to Alborz, right?!
Anyway, good to see more positive commentary on the 370Z. Definitely one of the more underrated cars on sale right now.
Does the rev matching gear box just adjust the engine speed to avoid compression locks or can it also adjust the cog speed to avoid damaging the syncro mesh on the gears?
It does it all Trump, you can literally change from 3rd into 2nd and instantly let go of the clutch and it will be in perfect revs with no damage to the box. It’s brilliant and needs to be driven and experienced to be believed!
So your saying the engine speed and the layshaft speed are all matched to the output shaft for which ever gear you select.
Forgive me for not beleiving you, especially when you start professing the benefits of an auto. Guess i better take one for a drive.
Essentially it does what you would do for a perfect down shift, the computer works out what revs and what position the box needs to be in for a perfect down shift
Alborz, what did you think of it in comparison to the STI?
No doubt the STI handles better around tight corners and can accelerate out quicker given its AWD, of course its also more practical and what not and slightly quicker from 0-100.
I suppose again its a personal choice, I am a Subaru fan as I happen to own one but the Z did inspire me to switch to RWD, it may be slower but its just so much more fun!
So Alborz would you reccomend this over an Evo as im about to go and test one tomorrow. Id like to hear your honest verdict on the pros and cons of this car. Theres a Nissan dealer close by to where ill be going so i might as well go test the Z as well. What do you reckon??
Yes I’m interested in how this handles vs an Evo X. I have an Evo X MR but I switch cars every year and the Z may be in my radar soon…..
Being an owner of a AWD Turbo, I am relatively bias in their favour, if all you wanted to do was go up and down the mountain and all you cared about was time and handling than you cant beat the EVO/STI but if you wanted a car that will stand out in a whole different way whilst also performing at a high level (of course not like the AWD) the Z is my pick.
Perhaps for me it was a case of having a car that wanted to have some fun too, the EVOs and STIs are so serious, all they do is perfect cornering and it seems that after a while, it didnt matter who was driving, it would still do it perfectly.
I agreed with that RWD cars are more “fun”, had a Supra and a MR2 GT SW20 and RWD cars have that “oomph” when you push down hard and that typical “responsive” handling on a straight (highway).
But if for results, 4WD is superior. Quicker take-off, quicker round corners, faster speed around corners, better grip etc.
For practicallity, I think STi is still king (overall value/performance… But I do like the 370Z… its comparing oranges to apples I suppose. RWD is designed for higher power outputs on the wheels… as 4WD tend to lose power through the drivetrain.
haha i play forza today and i was playing at nurburgring with like a f430, i couldn’t get under 10 minutes. i got like 11.something lol
Thanks for a good article Alborz,
Nice change from the bland articles focused on paper specs and stopwatch times offered up on other sites/mags.
You’re clearly showing the emotion of your time in the 370Z, any car that makes you feel that good must be a great car. That’s what owning/buying a car should be about, actually enjoying it.
zoom zoom
Thanks!
I’m interested to know if it has had any transmission problems like the GTR is having.
Good review Alborz, one day I’ll see you up the hill!
There has been one reported case and that was in america where the gear shift was stuck.
There hasn’t been any reported cases here in Australia by Nissan but as soon as there is one… we do get notified straight away.
Alborz, just wondering if you’ve driven a Lotus Elise (and if you have) how you think the 370Z compares to it? Both RWD 2-seaters for similar money. I own an Elise so I know all about them but just wondering if the 370Z gets anywhere near the Elise for driver feedback/enjoyment (”fun”)?
Yes I’ve driven the Elise and Exige, and no the 370Z is not in the same league, only because the Elise doesnt feel like a car but more an extension of your body. The Elise is really an overgrown go kart (i do love it though) while the 370z has some practicality and car like characteristics.
GO the STI, I say, its quicker, more practical (have two kids), handles better and safer, and has the big advantage of having that sweet boxer engine sound!!!
plus the white one in the photos looks fantastic!!!
Not exactly appropriate to have a picture of a car on a public road with abit of opposite lock on.
actually, i think he was just leaving the gravel side of the road in a hurry rather than actual opposite lock in that last photo…
Whinging for a bit of political correctness?
He hasn’t got any opposite lock in any of those photos, it really doesn’t change anything if he got the car sideways on the test anyway.
I gotta say though, awesome write-up, rarely do you see writers actaully reflect that well on how the car is to drive.
Alborz – your review does not mention your NVH observations for this vehicle – ie as a daily long distance road car is the level of road/engine noise acceptable – the 350 had a rather high road intrusion level which is fine for the occasional spin but can tiring on extended trips. Your comment appreciated.
I drove the Z, STI and Evo on the weekend and I really enjoyed them all but I think I will be going with the Z – not the same turbo rush but it is fast none the less and it does it without much fuss.
I know it’s obvious but interior wise one feels like a sports car the others feel like a plastic box with a tacked on sat nav.
370z takes Car of the Year Japan’s “Most Fun” Award.
“YOKOHAMA (Oct. 23, 2009) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that its much-loved sports car, NISSAN Fairlady Z, has won the Most Fun Award, one of the most coveted categories of Car of the Year Japan 2009-2010.”
http://www.nissan-global.com/E.....e.html?rss