The V6 has a throaty soundtrack that evokes memories of straight-six big-hitters of old...

When it first saw the light of day in 1970, few people would have expected the Datsun 240Z to wrestle the world’s best selling sports car title from the MGB. But as successes go, it was well earned by Nissan – the Goertz-inspired styling, a throaty straight-six and lively handling proved a hit with buyers, and the rest, they say, is history.

Nearly 40 years and six generations on, the Z-car has been refreshed once again. Now known as the 370Z, Nissan’s definitive sports car receives a myriad of changes over the 350Z, 2003’s reboot of the long running series. Underneath the familiar looking styling, lurks a remounted engine and seats to lower the centre of gravity; a body shell that is 30 per cent stiffer; and a shorter wheelbase and wider track to improve the car’s stance.

The enlarged V6, with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control now boasts 326bhp and 269lb/ft. It’s 35% new, and despite being considerably more powerful than its forebear, is 11% more economical in government tests.

Inside, it’s a story of quantifiable improvements, too. The dashboard’s been reconfigured with the tacho now taking centre stage, while the signature elements – the high-mounted trio of auxilliary instruments atop the centre console – remain, ergonomics have been improved. There’s slightly less boot space than before, but the rear strut brace has been removed, making it a more useful place to put your golf clubs.

But let’s not get too lost in the details – these improvements stack up and result in a new Z-car that has moved on the game considerably. It’s telling that Nissan’s benchmark was the Porsche Cayman, rather than price rivals like the Audi TT, and the first impressions are that Nissan is spot on doing so: the 370Z is a delightfully old-school offering, a sports car cast in the traditional mould.

Firstly, that V6 has a throaty soundtrack that evokes memories of straight-six big-hitters of old. It delivers lusty performance, too – 0-60mph comes up in 5 seconds, with its top speed limited to 155mph. One of the manual car’s more engaging tricks is its Synchro Rev system, which blips the throttle for you on down-changes. Its sounds gimmicky, but works a treat.

We also tried the automatic version, and despite not being a dual clutch system, it was quick and responsive, with speedy upchanges, and the obligatory downchange blip. Could we live with it? Easily.


In the corners, the 370Z is interesting. Steering is meaty and well-geared at 2.5 turns from lock to lock, but smooth turn-in isn’t easy. But then, this car isn’t about subtlety, and you’ll end up roughnecking it for the sake of it. The seating position is agreeably legs-outstretched, but some people will still find it a little on the high side, despite being lowered, but as you’re sat almost on top of the rear wheels, and it has a lively rear end, you’ll not be complaining that it doesn’t feel sporting.

It might be a car of percentages, but the 370Z is an engaging, charismatic sports car and one that screams ‘down to earth’ in a way that no other rival at this price point comes close to.