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02/01/2012, 17:57
Car Review by DEREK OGDEN
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The story goes that when the first Nissan ‘Z’ sports car – the 240Z – was launched 40 years ago, in Canada it was written up in one publication as the Nissan 24oz as in avoirdupois.
Now, we know that this car set the scene for a whole series of Z cars that have undeniably carried their weight in the sports car market, so much so they are considered cult items by some enthusiasts. The latest of the line, the 370Z, is the first full redesign of the Nissan Z since its re-introduction in 2003. The new 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 370Z is a great family car. If your family consists of just two. Strictly a two-seater, plus rear parcel shelf, there is no room for annoying children or a fur-shedding example of man’s best friend. Just driver and a significant other.
INTERIOR DESIGN
It’s a big car – more than four metres long and approaching two metres wide – 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 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 now is 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 3-D mapping and 7 inch colour screen is now a standard fitment.
BODY STYLE
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 240Z styling with GT-R cues. However, curvaceous lines cannot get away from the softer traditional Z appearance. Voluptuous rather than muscular just about sums it up.
POWERTRAIN
To get into added aggression it’s necessary to lift the bonnet. As its name suggests the new 370Z is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift. Power is up at 245 kW, while torque has improved to 363 Nm - 350Z, 230 kW and 358 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.
SAFETY
Like most vehicles today safety is high on the list of 270Z 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.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
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 new Z’s wheelbase (2550 mm) is nearly 100mm 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. The 370Z has been around for a while and at launch in 2009 cost around the 70 grand mark. It still does.
PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS
Nissan 370Z V6 Coupe automatic, $68,640
(Manufacturer’s list price excluding government and dealer delivery charges)
NISSAN 370Z COUPE 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 calipers, ventilated discs, two-piston calipers 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
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