2009 Nissan 370Z: First Drive

Crisp-performing sports car strictly for enthusiasts

Nissan's latest Z car was redesigned for 2010 and has emerged as a precise-handling and fun-to-drive coupe. It is better finished than its immediate predecessor, the 350Z, and a far cry from the large, heavy, and lazy models sold in the mid-1980's. Power comes from a 332-hp, 3.7-liter V6 mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Our Touring model is equipped with the optional Sport package, topping out at $38,565.

Initial impressions

The 370Z is extremely agile, but its cornering prowess comes at a price. It has a stiff, choppy ride that grows taxing on a long drive. The 19-inch low-profile tires are partly to blame for the loud road noise, making easy conversation often impossible. While the upscale interior shows how far this car has come over the years, the two-seater cabin is still cramped, and it offers very little storage and cargo space despite the hatchback body style.

The V6 delivers powerful, free-revving propulsion with quicker acceleration than many V8s. It sprints to sixty mph in 5.3 seconds. We measured 23 mpg overall on premium fuel, which is not bad for a high-performance car. The six-speed shifter feels crisp and positive but some found it to be a bit notchy, with the shift motion feeling a bit stiff while changing gears. A new feature called SyncroRev match, part of the Sport package, automatically revs the engine prior to a downshift. That eliminates the need for the driver to hit the gas to make downshifts smoother. It works well and proved to be a boon to spirited driving.

At our track, the Z proved to be a sheer delight. It held on tenaciously in tight turns and adjusted its cornering line predictably. Experienced drivers can reach higher levels of performance by switching off the standard stability-control system. Braking is impressive and the pedal is easy to modulate.

The impeccably finished interior has attractive touches of suede-like material and stitched leather on the padded console that add to the upscale ambience. The well-padded seats are aggressively bolstered and provide good lateral support. Drivers sit low in the cockpit, cocooned by the wraparound dash and low roofline. The low seating position and wide roof pillars limit the view out, and climbing in and out requires some athleticism.

The instrument cluster moves along with the tilt steering wheel, a feature shared with the Infiniti G. This is a cute frill that most of us would have happily traded for a telescoping wheel, an Infiniti feature that this car lacks. The tach is front and center and ancillary gauges, angled at the driver, are mounted on the center stack, adding to the sporty ambience.

CR's take

The redesigned 370Z is the most focused Z yet, a true sports car with an emphasis on sharp responses. The price to pay is a stiff ride, lots of noise, and tight quarters.

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