2009 Nissan 370Z: Modern performances and old-school flavour

For the Japanese, the Z is a little like the Corvette is for Americans. Not only it is a battle-tested sports car, but the Z is without a doubt one of the most mythical Japanese makes. Thus, updating it meant that Nissan had to preserve the car’s key features: design and performance.

A first-rate sports car, the previous generation 350Z had, especially in the beginning, a relatively impressive career in Canada. The proof is that Nissan moved 5,500 units of this car in five years, although I should mention that the 2004 introduction of the roadster greatly contributed to these sales figures, accounting for 65% of the total sales of the 350Z.

Coinciding with the beginning of Nissan’s fourtieth anniversary celebrations is the introduction of the sixth generation model, known as 370Z because of its bigger engine capacity. For now, only the coupe is available, but the roadster will follow next year, which will help the 350Z Roadster to survive another year.

Make way for sportiness

Z enthusiasts will surely be happy to learn that the Z’s turn toward the conventional is over and done.  Nowadays, it is all about pushing the limits of agility, performance, and driving pleasure, even if a large portion of the clientele chooses the Z mainly for its style. This year, Nissan is using the same 332-hp, 3.7-litre V6 found in the Infiniti G37. It would be an overstatement to say that its performances are far and away superior to those of the previous V6, but the power and torque are better distributed to optimize pick up. Smooth and very pleasant, this engine – code name VQ37VHR – also emits the most superb sound from two totally independent exhaust systems.

Some 60% of models sold are equipped with an automatic transmission, and this year the Z inherits a new seven-speed gearbox with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. This new gearbox not only improves output but helps save money at the pump. For pure pleasure, I have to say that the six-speed is still better. This year’s version comes with a sport mode that, when activated, helps the driver benefit from SynchroRev Match technology. As its name indicates, this system helps synchronize the engine speed when downshifting, which will save the driver from using the usual heel-toe method. This goes a long way to getting the most out of the car’s performance. Before going any further, you should know that the 370Z is shorter, lower and some 50 kilos lighter than its predecessor. Its centre of gravity is also lower, although the fenders are slightly larger. The use of aluminum also play a large role, since the suspension components are now made of it entirely, just like the hood, the doors and the rear hatch.

As for the steering, suspensions and brakes, they work in perfect harmony with the very rigid chassis, thus offering a ride that is at once incisive and balanced. The new Z features better agility and performance than its predecessor, and is even more fun to drive. The driver, once in a comfortable position, is at one with this easily tamed beast. And the 370Z is more comfortable than the 350Z despite a shorter wheel base. Upgrades to the shock absorption, which is still as firm as ever, and the improved chassis are to thank for the greater comfort.

Sayonara to Fisher Price plastics!

The design of the passenger compartment is somewhat progressive. The instrument panel is very similar to the old one, and the traditional central indicator dials are still present. Fortunately, the quality of the materials used has been greatly improved to a respectable level. A car would be nothing without some gadgets, and the Z now comes equipped with a start button, keyless entry and an audio system with a hard drive that can read just about any music file. Moreover, unlike our neighbours to the south, only the more luxurious Touring version that comes with two options packages is available in Canada.

The superb bucket driver’s seat is partially covered in leather and adjusts in multiple ways. The dash inclines with the steering wheel and also optimizes the driving position. On the other hand, how could Nissan not have included a telescopic steering wheel? I consider this a major oversight that Nissan would do well to offer.
Beautiful?

Definitely! To be honest, the first pictures that I saw didn’t do much for me, but I guarantee that once you see the car in person, it is a real knockout. The stylists were also able to include several of the original model’s design features. Think rear side windows, fastback styling and long nose. As for the boomerang shaped front and rear lights and the curved roof, they reinforce the car’s personality, much like the side blinkers that brilliantly integrate the last letter of the alphabet. Only the overly visible door handles seem to be too much. But maybe it’s just me…

When and how much?

The Z will be available in dealerships beginning in January. Nissan Canada has not yet revealed the price of this car, but we are assured that the Touring version without any options will hover around $40,000. The price tag is a pleasant surprise that will help make the Z more accessible, which was Nissan’s original hope to begin with. The one certainty is that this car will reach a larger clientele than its predecessor, since some found the 350Z too stuffy and too expensive. This is simply not the case with the 370Z…