Nissan 370Z Part 1: Design Review

Showing much respect for the past, the new Nissan 370Z represents a welcome return to Z-car design tradition. Representing the first major redesign since the 2003 model year, the 370Z replaces the popular 350Z, a car which returned the Z to its modestly priced roots after years of overweight and overpriced Z-cars. The result of an intense design competition between the Nissan design studios in Detroit, San Diego, Tokyo and London, the 370Z takes the Z-car's design to a whole new level.

The 370Z is much better resolved than the 350Z, with a more cohesive design that borrows styling cues from past Z-cars, but is at the same time completely modern. Where the old car seemed to try too hard with its geometric shapes, the new car is a natural athletic-looking sportscar.

The details work much better than before. As an example, where the 350Z featured vertical, non-automotive looking door handles, the 370Z now sports more dynamic looking vertical handles that are much slicker in appearance and more sportscar appropriate. But it's not just the attention to detail that has paid dividends. The new Z also benefits from some significant dimensional modifications.

Nissan's biggest visual enhancement is found in the 370Z's shorter, yet wider footprint. Giving up nearly four inches in wheelbase - most obviously seen between the rear wheel and the trailing edge of the door - the Z now sports a 99-in. wheelbase - a number many regard as sportscar perfect. The resulting car is not only more compact, but also exhibits much better proportions. A modestly increased width allowed designers to exaggerate those beautiful fender flares, which once again contribute to the car's aggressive character.

Perhaps the most appropriate Z-car design element can be found in the side window graphics, which are clearly inspired by the original 1969 240Z and give the new car a much more dynamic feel than that of the car it replaces. The upswept line also helps accentuate the aggressively flared rear fender forms perfectly. Those sexy hips are best viewed from behind and leave little doubt as to the cars intended purpose.

Inspiring much controversy, the Z's boomerang headlights and taillights seem to be part of a new Nissan corporate design identity, and were first seen on the current Nissan Maxima. While some have suggested a "different for different's sake" attitude, they at least convey a dynamic feel that the car backs up aesthetically and dynamically.

The 370Z also borrows a bit from the company's flagship - the phenomenal Nissan GTR. This is most evident in the slopping roofline, which now peaks just beyond the top of the windshield. You almost wish the designers had gone a step further and blacked out the A-pillars as they did on the GTR however. In a more subtle way, the front of the car also recalls the GTR, with a much more aggressive mouth than the somewhat generic opening found on the 350Z.

Another departure from the 350Z is found on the lower body side, which, like the rest of the car, is more organic. The sharp line defining the bottom of the door sees the surfacing below tapering away underneath the car, relieving the car's visual mass compared to the old car's boring and somewhat flat surfacing in this area.

With more than a nod to tradition, the Nissan 370Z forges ahead with a design that - while not revolutionary - is still quite fresh and modern... and completely true to its Z-car roots.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Nissan 370Z

Performance
- Acceleration: Noticeably better than 350Z, but the VQ37 still sounds strained and harsh at the top of the rev range
- Handling: Great bite turning into corners - throttle steer on the menu despite the grip afforded by those BIG rear tires - needs more steering lock to be a true drifting machine, though
- Braking: Brembo makes way for Akebono, and if McLaren trusts 'em on their Formula 1 car, they'll do just fine, thank you!

Design
- Exterior: Gorgeous and finally Z-car appropriate - even the funky details (lights, door handles, etc.) now work well
- Interior: The single biggest improvement over the previous Z - materials especially nice for the price

Utility
- Comfort: Perfectly acceptable for two passengers
- Space: Much improved, especially at the rear, but space is still not exactly abundant

Safety
- Dynamics: Initial understeer will prove safe for those lacking a bit on the ability side - good transitional responses
- Technology: Stability and traction control plus airbags, ABS, etc., etc.

Value
- Price: Takes the crown from the Chevrolet Corvette as the best bang for the buck on the market
- Mileage: That sixth gear helps - as does some self-control on your part

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: The styling will get you... then the power... then the handling... so yeah, it hits all the right spots
- Fun to spank: Yes, but a mechanical LSD would have worked better than the viscous type if you want to nit-pick

SPECIFICATIONS
Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 3.7 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 332 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3360 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.2 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.7 @ 104 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 18 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $29,930
Competitors: Mazda RX8, BMW 135i?, Infiniti G37S?