Nissan 370Z Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The new Nissan 370Z has arrived on the heels of its much-loved and great selling predecessor, the 350Z. That rave reviews have ensued is not surprising, as the 350Z was still well regarded, even at its advanced age. With the new Z still based on Nissan's highly versatile FM-Platform - now further modified for use on the 370Z, a lot was expected and Nissan has delivered.

But where the old car didn't fare well - in its interior - is where the new car makes its biggest strides. Quality and materials issues aside, the 350Z had a good-looking interior. But that of the 370Z is even better styled, keeping the signature Z-car elements like the three secondary gauges on the top center dash and the hooded instrument panel, and adding a good helping of soft-touch materials and top-notch quality. The door panels - now covered in a faux suede alcantara material - look and feel much better and combine with the other improvements to elevate the feel of the Z's cabin from value-driven sports car to simply sportscar.

The old gearshift that rattled more than a cheap "no-tell-motel" vibrating bed is much improved. And while the vibrations aren't completely banished, at least they're not too obtrusive. That gear shifter, by the way, is connected to the most noteworthy feature of the new 370Z...

The only real nod toward high-tech wizardry in the 370Z is the "Sychro-Rev-Match" system which makes anyone sound and feel like a racing superstar, with perfectly matched throttle blips delivered every single time you grab a lower gear. Now, I have to confess that I didn't like the idea of this system at all. I know how to heal-and-toe for myself, and I don't need a stinkin' computer to do it for me. But after trying it, I have to admit that it is EXTREMELY COOL! Although I did leave it off 90 percent of the time. After all, I've got a reputation to protect!

Much more than a gimmick, the system helps keep the car stable while braking and downshifting at speed if you can't heal-and-toe for yourself. It even smoothes out everyday driving and increases clutch life as a bonus. Expect to see other manufacturers borrowing this idea for future models.

But while the Z's interior has gotten much better, there are still some compromises to discuss.

Incredibly - and thankfully - the 370Z shuns the new-car trend to gain weight with every successive generation. This pays dividends in terms of the Z's dynamics, but other parts of the car suffer a bit due to the extreme weight watching. For one, there is a lot of drivetrain noise inside the cabin of the new Z - and unfortunately, the sound is more John Deere than sportscar appropriate. So perhaps a little sound deadening could have helped. Then again, given a choice between better performance and more refinement... well, let's forget I even brought it up.

The 370Z is a sportscar after all, so some compromises can be expected and endured. Thankfully, as far as two-seaters are concerned, there is plenty of space for the Z's occupants. Even the luggage compartment has been improved now that the rear chassis stiffening brace has been relocated further forward, although the space remains shallow, so you'll still want to pack lightly.

Overall, the interior of the 370Z epitomizes the concerted efforts of the Nissan design and engineering team when creating this new sportscar. By improving those few things that needed improvement, and tweaking and refining those things that were already good, Nissan has taken a very good sportscar and elevated its stature to near greatness.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
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?