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| Nissan 370Z | |
|---|---|
| Name | Nissan 370Z |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Production | 2008–2020 |
| Assembly | Zama, Saitama, Japan |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe, 2-door roadster |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine | 3.7 L VQ37VHR V6 |
| Predecessor | Nissan 350Z |
| Successor | Nissan Z (RZ34) |
Nissan 370Z The Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car produced by Nissan from 2008 to 2020. Conceived as the successor to the Nissan 350Z, it continued Nissan’s lineage of Z-car models that date back to the Datsun 240Z and engaged drivers in markets including Japan, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
The 370Z was introduced by Nissan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show as a rear-wheel-drive sports car built on an evolved version of the FM platform and powered by the VQ engine family. It targeted competitors such as the Toyota Supra (historical lineage with the Toyota Celica and the later A90 Supra), the Mazda RX-8, the Porsche Cayman, and the Chevrolet Camaro, aiming to blend Nissan’s performance heritage with modern chassis and powertrain developments.
Design work for the 370Z was led by designers influenced by earlier Yutaka Katayama-era concepts and contemporary forms seen in concept cars displayed at events like the Tokyo Motor Show and the Geneva Motor Show. Exterior styling emphasized a low-slung profile with flared fenders and a fastback roofline, reflecting cues from the Datsun 240Z, the Nissan 300ZX, and the Nissan 350Z. Engineering development focused on weight reduction, chassis rigidity, and a compact V6 installation derived from the VQ37VHR engine program, informed by lessons from projects such as the Nissan GT-R (R35) and collaborations with suppliers including Brembo and Nissan Motorsport divisions.
The base 370Z used a 3.7-liter VQ37VHR DOHC V6 producing approximately 332–350 horsepower depending on market tuning and up to 276–276 lb·ft of torque in certain configurations; later NISMO variants increased output. Transmissions included a 6-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter and a 7-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and manual mode; drivetrain tuning took inspiration from programs like the NISMO GT projects and endurance campaigns such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans for durability benchmarks. Braking systems often featured ventilated discs with options from Brembo and suspension geometry and limited-slip differentials were influenced by setups used in GT4 and Super GT categories. Performance figures placed the 370Z in direct rivalry with vehicles like the Porsche 911 (997), the BMW Z4, and the Audi TT RS in acceleration and handling metrics.
Throughout its run, Nissan offered coupe and convertible roadster bodies, along with trim levels such as Base, Sport, Touring, and performance-focused NISMO editions. Special editions included limited-run models commemorating anniversaries and partnerships similar to releases seen from Mazda and Subaru—for example, commemorative packages with unique paint, interior appointments, and suspension tuning inspired by motorsport partners like Motul and Yokohama. NISMO versions added aerodynamic components, stiffer suspension, recalibrated engine management, and visual elements echoing Nismo racing liveries used in Super GT and IMSA support programs.
Manufacture of the 370Z took place at Nissan Shatai facilities in Japan, with exports to major markets in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The model’s lifecycle intersected with global events affecting auto markets such as the late-2000s financial environment and evolving emissions and safety regulations from agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the European Union regulatory framework. Sales trends showed steady demand among enthusiasts while broader market shifts toward crossovers and electric vehicles influenced Nissan’s later strategy, culminating in the successor model announcement and the transition to the Nissan Z (RZ34).
The 370Z platform saw competition and aftermarket development across grassroots and professional racing series, including SCCA club events, time attack competitions, and endurance races inspired by 24 Hours of Nürburgring entries. Tuning companies and parts suppliers such as HKS, Greddy, Sparco, and Recaro provided forced-induction kits, suspension components, and cockpit equipment; notable racing teams adapted 370Zs for GT4-style regulations and national touring car classes influenced by FIA standards. Factory-backed and privateer NISMO efforts leveraged data from Super GT and Blancpain GT Series programs to refine aerodynamics and reliability.
Critics praised the 370Z for its sharp steering, potent V6 character, and value proposition relative to rivals like the Porsche Cayman (987) and Toyota 86; publications such as Car and Driver, Top Gear, and Motor Trend reviewed its driving dynamics and long-term ownership traits. Enthusiast communities, aftermarket tuners, and historic references to the Datsun 240Z and Nissan 300ZX solidified the 370Z’s place in Z-car heritage, influencing later models and collectors in auctions and preserved examples within automotive museums and private collections. Its legacy continued through Nissan’s ongoing Z lineage and the company’s motorsport and performance divisions.
Category:Nissan cars