It’s a miracle! The automotive alchemists at Nissan have recreated the magic of the classic Datsun 240Z in the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe. Road tests are confirming what our eyes told us: It’s fast. It’s a handler. It has the goods on just about anything out there, regardless of price.
The 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe channels everything we fondly remember about the legendary Datsun 240Z with the benefit of everything designers and engineers have learned about automotive technology. It’s not only good; it may also be the greatest. On the very day Car and Driver was testing the new Z, they were also putting a $278,000 Aston Martin DBS through its paces. The Car and Driver track team found the 2009 Nissan 370Z superior in all respects. What does performance cost? How about $29,930 (MSRP) for the Z? Save yourself a cool 250 Gs and buy the Z!
Rest assured, channeling the original was exactly what Nissan had in mind with the new Z. Here’s what Nissan Corporate said in their press release. “But to get the full measure of the new model, now designated the Nissan 370Z, one need look no farther than the subtle upswept line of the new rear quarter window. Quintessentially Z, the window harkens back to the original 1970 240Z – a car that revolutionized the sportscar world with its unique combination of performance, style and especially value. The new 370Z solidifies the Z's position as one of the most desirable sportscars on the planet – at an affordable price – bringing true sportscar performance to everyone.” Okay, the window is cool, but that’s not the only thing that really turns us on about this car.
We are with the Car and Driver guys. “Locked and loaded with a 332-hp, 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 and unique "SynchroRev Match" six-speed manual, which blips the throttle on downshifts without a heel-toe maneuver, the Z rips to 60 in just 4.7 ticks on its way to a quarter-mile run of 13.3 at 105.7,” they found.
How did Nissan do it? The Car and Driver boys thought they knew. Simply put, for this year’s iteration, Nissan reduced the Z’s weight and size and boosted its overall power. Between the previous and present Z models, Nissan eliminated 2.6 inches in length, 0.4 inches of height and 3.9 inches from the wheelbase. Additionally, steel elements on the doors, rear hatch, front suspension cradle and hood reinforcements were replaced with lightweight aluminum components. Engineers and designers even streamlined the fuel tank and audio and exhaust systems to save weight, putting the ultimate savings up to about 88 pounds.
Conclusion? “Its organic steering is a model of linearity and responsiveness. Its brakes with a variable-ratio pedal are stout and easy to modulate whether decelerating gently for a red light or aggressively for a hairpin. Its grip is immense rendering instant turn-in and near-absent understeer. The most alluring aspect of the new Z is the sense it imparts: It feels sharp, direct and balanced,” exclaimed the Car and Driver test drivers. Performance? Check.
Comfort and control? Check. Inside, the 370Z’s cabin is more reminiscent of a jet fighter’s cockpit than a conventional two-seater. The instrument panel and center console envelop driver and passenger, while a rear storage area enhances versatility and usefulness. Nissan’s design was based around a concept of layers, and as such, incorporates unique information, operation and holding layers. The first, the information layer, features the easily viewable gauges and information readouts. The operation layer includes the steering wheel, shifter and switchgear, which are optimized for coordinated function. The holding layer includes the seats, kneepads and door trim support including an innovative driver’s seat that helps the driver perform as well as the Z does.
There are just two 370Z trims: Base and Touring. Standard on both interiors are Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Start, power windowsand locks, automatic temperature control, two 12volt power outlets and a four-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD capability, an auxiliary input and illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls. The 370Z Touring adds heated leather-appointed power seats, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, eight-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio and a cargo cover.
Technology? Check. Available on the new close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching system, which allows drivers to experience race-inspired gearshift performance, regardless of their own skill level. The Z’s "SynchroRev Match" function intuitively controls and adjusts engine speed while shifting to the precise speed of the next gear to ensure smooth, seamless shifting. Ultimately, the system can be deactivated, but when utilized improves the Z’s overall balance and smoothness by limiting the shift-shock associated with typical clutches. The SynchroRev Match system is offered as part of the optional Sport Package, which also includes a viscous limited-slip differential, 19-inch forged Rays wheels, Bridgestone tires, Akebono brakes and front and rear spoilers.
This exciting new 370Z represents the essence of the Nissan brand just as the original 240Z did nearly 40 years before. There’s nothing like a fast car when making one’s escape from a slow economy! We urge you to see and drive this car. It’s amazing.
