370z heads for the cones. Photos by Brian Champagne
If there’s one term that’s improperly thrown around these days, it’s “sport.” Not only is a bulky Ford Edge crossover available with a “sport” package, but Dodge used to offer a Caravan “sport.” Minivans are many things, but sporty they are never. While the misnoming of “sport” continues, thankfully, the Nissan 370z is a true. It is not just sporty; it is a sports car. Substantiation:
It is small. The all-new 370 has a smaller wheelbase than the superseded 350. Who does that these days? Seems like every other model gets bigger and bigger until it has achieved boatdom.
Our test model had a six-speed manual. Automatics are getting better, and the Z offers a seven-speed auto for pansies, but if you want sport, not sporty, you gotta shift your own.
Cargo area is lousy. We’ve seen worse trunk space, but by definition, owning a sports car gets you out of driving when your friend is moving. It will hold an M-16 rifle (see slideshow), or the fruits of a reasonable trip to the grocery store, but no furniture of any type.
It is low. Getting in and out takes effort. If your car’s seat is bum-height, it is not a sports car (your car, not your bum).
The instrument panel is a monochrome tech show. Nissan did a good job with orange.
Now that design standards have been met, it’s time for the road test: This baby screams like a screaming baby. Lightweight and small, it is beyond nimble. Whatever tasks you assign it, it does promptly. Want to change lanes? You just did. Want to go around this curve quickly? You’re already around it. It’s an exciting way to travel. Independent, aluminum double-wishbone front suspension is a good starting point. Nissan adds a herd of other tech fun, and I don’t mean power (gag) seats. Most of the money you spend goes in front of the seats (engine), or under them (suspension).
The new 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) claims 332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. Some cars claim more than what they feel like, but this Z feels like 332.
Three big bones seems like a lot of extra cash, unless you’re the type to really smoke your brakes and require rev-matching when you shift. For another $1,530 you can move into the
For now, the best thing I can say about the 370z is: Sports car.
Comments
Stats! Where are the stats? How can you tell us about a sports car without the horsepower, the torque, etc?
My oops. Had it in the slide show, now it's in the article, too.
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