Review 2010-2011The Monster Car Nissan 370Z Concept Design Performance

Variant 2010 Nissan 370Z and 2011 Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z has been redesigned from the previous model (350Z). It is powered by the VQ37VHR 3.7 L (230 cu in) DOHC V6 with Variable Valve and Lift Control and produces 332 bhp (248 kW; 337 PS). Power delivery to the rear wheels comes through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual transmission which features the world's first synchronized down shift rev-matching system, SynchroRev Match. The SynchroRev Match system is only available with the sports package. The differential offered with the Sport Package is indicated to be a viscous limited slip differential.

Compared to the Nisan 350Z, the 2010 Nissan 370Z has a wheelbase 4 in (100 mm) shorter at 100.4 in (2,550 mm) and an overall length 2.7 in (69 mm) shorter at 167.1 in (4,240 mm). The overall width has been increased by 1.3 in (33 mm), the rear track by 2.2 in (56 mm), and overall height reduced by 0.3 in (7.6 mm). The smaller exterior dimensions and use of more lightweight materials help reduce weight. (Although it should be noted that a 2003-2005 base model 350Z is actually lighter in weight than the 370Z). The 370Z features a front aluminum subframe, aluminum-alloy engine cradle, aluminum door panels, an all-aluminum hood, and an aluminum hatch.

2010 Nissan 370Z

Front Nissan 370Z body torsion rigidity is improved by 10 percent with an extensively revised body structure which includes a new front suspension cradle to reduce front body lateral bending, new rear structural reinforcements, and an underbody "V-bar" to help reduce rear lateral bending. Additional enhancements include the use of a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthening of the rear fender and hatch areas. Rear body torsion rigidity is improved by up to 22 percent and rear body vertical bending rigidity is improved by up to 30 percent. The new structure weighs slightly less than the 350Z.

2011 Nissan 370Z

Nissan 370Z Roadster

The convertible model was introduced for the 2010 year model. It features a soft-top roof, although automotive magazines originally said it would have a retractable hardtop. The touring model adds heated and cooling leather-appointed power net seats, a 6-CD Bose audio system with 8 speakers (with dual subwoofer) and MP3/WMA playback, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Nisan 370Z Touring model also includes following options:

2010 Nissan 370Z Coupe

* Sport Package: adds 19-inch RAYS forged wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only), and Viscous Limited Slip Differential.
    * Navigation Package: adds touch-screen Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information, a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback, and a USB port for iPod connectivity.

2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Spcial Limited Edition

This model is a limited version based on the 2010 Nissan 370Z Coupe Touring, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Datsun 240Z arriving in North America. It includes manual transmission, the Sport Package (including SynchroRev Match, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and viscous limited-slip differential), special "40th Quartz" exterior color, red leather interior upholstery, a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers, 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace, red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary seatback and floormat embroidery, and red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads. It also has a leather steering wheel with red stitching, a plaque of authenticity, and commemorative premium satin car cover.

2011 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The 2010 Nissan 370Z Touring coupe adds leather and faux suede upholstery, power seat adjustments, heated seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo cover, Bluetooth and an upgraded Bose sound system with six speakers, two subwoofers, an in-dash six-CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio. The track-ready 370Z Nismo comes with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, high-performance tires, a limited-slip rear differential, stiffer suspension tuning, a more powerful V6, upgraded brakes, unique front and rear fascias, a larger rear wing and special Nismo interior trim details. The 370Z Nismo has a tuned version of the same V6 engine that develops 350 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual with SynchroRev Match is the only transmission offered.

The 2011 Nissan 370Z uses the same VQ37VHR powerplant found in the Infiniti G37 a V6 displacing 3.7-liter  delivering 332 horsepower and 26 mpg on the highway. Those 332 horses will be sent to the 370Z's rear wheels via either a seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. Of note, the six-speed 370Z will be the first vehicle to offer a synchronized downshift rev matching system with a manual transmission. As expected, the Nisan 370Z will offer a serious performance upgrade over the model it replaced, the 2011 Nisan 350Z. The 2011 Nissan 370Z will ride on a shorter wheelbase than the previous car and uses more lightweight materials. Those changes net a lighter curb weight, meaning all around performance acceleration, braking and cornering will see a marked improvement.

2011 Nissan 370Z

The 20011 Nissan 370Z Price Starting at $30,610, the 370Z Coupe is about $1,700 more expensive than the 350Z it replaces. The base model comes with a 6-speed manual, while upgrading to a seven-speed automatic brings the total to $32,660. An optional Sport Package can be added to the base model, priced at just $3,020, has 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match, and a Viscous Limited Slip Differential. The self-explanatory Navigation Package, priced at $1,850, offers a hard drive-based navigation interface with a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and iPod connectivity.
The 370Z isn't without flaws. The V6, while strong, lacks some refinement and feels labored at high revs. This might seem a petty complaint, but it substantially dulls the enjoyment of a spirited run on open roads. The coupe is also remarkably noisy, especially when fitted with the larger, optional wheels and tires. These are unfortunate flaws, as the rest of the 2011 Nissan 370Z package is stellar. It honors and advances the Z philosophy of outstanding performance at earthly cost. Even so, others are worth consideration, including the more refined BMW 1 Series, the capable Hyundai Genesis coupe, the related (and considerably more polished) Infiniti G37 or the trio of American pony/muscle cars.

2010--2011 Nissan 370Z Interior

The 20011 Nissan 370z All Body High-quality materials and solid construction are prominent throughout the 370Z's cabin. Touring models feel even more upscale, with leather upholstery and upgraded faux suede door inserts. The roadster's lined, fully automatic soft top drops down beneath a body-color tonneau cover in about 20 seconds.