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It’s
one of the world’s most recognisable sports car brands. And with its
updated looks, lower weight and more powerful engine, the Nissan 370Z
looks to be the best Z-car yet. Every aspect of the newcomer
has been changed over the 350Z it replaces, starting with the exterior.
While it’s clearly inspired by the current car, the 370Z has a
wheelbase that’s 100mm shorter and front and rear tracks that are 15mm
and 55mm wider respectively. This means the 370Z has a stockier shape
than its predecessor, while the flared rear wheelarches create an
aggressive look. Details include arrow shaped front and rear
light clusters, while Z emblems double as side indicators. The Ultimate
spec version we drove comes with 19-inch forged alloy wheels as
standard.Most impressive, though, is that despite all the
changes, the new 370Z has managed to weigh in 32kg less than the 350Z.
It’s helped largely by the extensive use of aluminium in the doors,
rear hatch and bonnet which, along with the shorter wheelbase, helps
the car’s agility.Inside, build quality impresses. A combination
of orange and black suede and leather lines the doors and seats,
although the area around the gearlever still feels a bit cheap. There
is much to admire about the 370Z’s interior, though. The driving
position is lower and provides better support around the shoulders.
Standard kit has increased, too. This range-topping Ultimate version
has sat-nav and an eight-speaker Bose stereo as standard.
Nissan
has also remedied the lack of boot space found in the 350Z. By
increasing the 370Z’s chassis stiffness, the firm has been able to do
away with the rear strut brace found in the last Z-car and create a
235-litre boot. There’s also a retractable cover to hide valuables from
prying eyes.Under the bonnet is an all-new 327bhp 3.7-litre V6
petrol engine. Our car came with Nissan’s new seven-speed Tiptronic
auto, which is a £1,400 option. As well as a gearlever, the auto also
adds a pair of steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters, similar to those
found on the firm’s GT-R. The Tiptronic box adds only three-tenths of a
second to the Z’s 0-62mph time, recording a figure of 5.6 seconds, it
still feels full of pace and is extremely rewarding to use. The
370Z also comes with Nissan’s new Synchro Rev Control technology on
Ultimate and GT-spec models. This uses sensors in the pedals and
gearbox to match engine revs as you shift down through the ratios,
giving a similar sensation to race-style heel-and-toe changes. This not
only ensures smoother downshifts, but also means you can carry more
speed in corners, it’s much smoother shifting around town, too.  A
lower ride height and stiffer suspension mean the newcomer handles
confidently. The steering is full of feedback and highly responsive,
and there are huge levels of grip in reserve. The downside to the
stiffer suspension is the ride around town, which is far from smooth.The
370Z is due to go on sale in July, and it’s undoubtedly an improvement
over the 350Z. Throw in a starting price of £27,000, and you will have
a hard time trying to find a more enjoyable, better looking and
performing sports car for the money.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/234867/nissan_370z.html

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