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By
EWAN KENNEDY
16 January 2012
The latest of the Nissan line of Z-cars, the 370Z, is the first
full redesign of the Nissan sports series since its
re-introduction in 2003. Introduced in 2009, the latest Nissan
sports car has a shorter wheelbase, more lightweight body
materials, a new more powerful engine and a new seven-speed
automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.
The Nissan 370Z is strictly a two-seater, plus rear parcel shelf,
so there is no room for annoying children or a fur-shedding
example of man’s best friend. Just driver and a significant
other. It’s a big car so the limited seating means the two
occupants are far from cramped.
Seats are sports style leather with non-slip cloth insert. Both
are four-way power adjustable, the driver’s adding manual lumbar
and four-way height movement.
The
driver has easy access to information from a deep-set instrument
panel incorporating speedo and tacho, plus a three-pod cluster of
oil temperature, voltmeter and clock dials, the latter something
of a ‘Z’ tradition.
The steering wheel is marginally oval shaped and has improved
thumb grips and palm rest for added driving comfort.
The rear strut brace of the previous model has been replaced with
less intrusive structural reinforcements, while a new shelf behind
the seats is now able to take briefcases. A retractable cover is
standard and a locking glove compartment has been added.
A Bose premium audio system has all the latest hi-tech bells and
whistles, while satellite navigation with 3D mapping and 7-inch
colour screen is now a standard fitment.
On
the outside, there has been an attempt to make the car look more
aggressive, especially around the front end. Designers have called
on the old and new, incorporating hints of Datsun 240Z styling
with Nissan GT-R cues. However, curvaceous lines cannot get away
from the softer traditional Z appearance. Voluptuous rather than
muscular just about sums it up.
To get into added aggression it’s necessary to lift the bonnet.
As its name suggests the Nissan 370Z is powered by a 3.7-litre V6
engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift.
Power is up to 245 kW, while torque tops out at 363 Nm. Power
delivery is improved all the way to the 7500rpm redline.
The automatic transmission comes with centre console-mounted stick
shift and steering column-mounted paddles. Rear wheels are driven
via a limited-slip differential.
The
engine hums at low to medium revs but really bursts into full song
in the upper band. There’s even a soul-stirring blip on
downshifts when using the paddles. Nissan has always had a way
with engine performance and the 370Z motor maintains the
tradition.
The 370Z’s wheelbase (2550 mm) is nearly 100 mm shorter than the
previous generation (2650 mm), while overall length is reduced by
65 mm (4250 mm/4320 mm). Overall width has been increased by 30 mm
and the rear track by 50 mm. It all adds up to even more road
stability on already sure-footed going under varying conditions.
Ride comfort too is what we have come to expect from the Z range.
Like most vehicles today safety is high on the list of 370Z
inclusions. Systems include ABS anti-skid brakes with electronic
brake force distribution and brake assist.
Standard fitments also include Nissan’s dual stage front
airbags, side airbags and door-mounted curtain airbags. Seatbelts
have pretensioners and load limiters.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
370Z 3.7-litre two-door coupe: $68,640 (manual), $71,640
(automatic)
370Z Roadster 3.7-litre two-door convertible: $75,790 (manual),
$78,790 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not
include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact any Nissan
dealer for driveaway prices.
ENGINE:
Type: 3.7-litre V6
Cylinders: Longitudinal Six/four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 3696 cc
Bore x stroke: 95.5 mm x 86 mm
Compression ratio: 11:1
Fuel system: Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Maximum power: 245 kW/7000 rpm
Maximum torque: 363 Nm/5200 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle
levers
Drivetrain: Longitudinally mid-mounted front engine/rear-wheel
drive; carbon fibre composite driveshaft; viscous limited-slip
differential
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4250 mm
Overall width: 1845 mm
Overall height: 1315 mm
Wheelbase: 2550 mm
Track width, front/rear: 1540/1565 mm
Gross vehicle mass: 1780 kg
Tank capacity/reserve: 72 litres
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration 0-100km/h: N/A
Max speed: N/A
Fuel: Premium unleaded petrol
Fuel consumption, combined cycle: 10.4 litres/100km; CO2
emissions, 257g/km
RUNNING GEAR
Front axle: Double wishbone multi-link aluminium suspension,
hollow anti-roll bar and twin-tube shock absorbers.
Rear axle: Independent multi-link aluminium suspension, hollow
anti-roll bar and twin-tube shock absorbers.
Brakes: Ventilated discs at front, fixed four-piston callipers,
ventilated discs, two-piston callipers at rear. ABS, Brake Assist,
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Steering: Power rack-and-pinion, vehicle speed variable assist
Wheels, front: 19 x 9J; rear 19 x 10J five-spoke alloy. Spare:
aluminium alloy T145/70D18
Tyres, front: P245/40 R 19; rear 275/35 R 19 Bridgestone Potenza
RE050A. Spare, steel 18x4T
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/100,000 km
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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