2009 Nissan 370Z

The 370Z’s new 3.7-liter VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) V-6 churns out 332 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque vs. the previous 3.5-liter’s 306 and 268, respectively. EPA-rated fuel economy is 18 mpg city and 26 highway with either transmission (one mpg city and two highway for the automatic, and one highway for the manual transmission, better than the 2008 350Z’s.) The new six-speed manual’s “SynchroRev Match” system, which comes with the optional Sport Package, provides smooth, racing-style downshifts by automatically “blipping” the throttle to adjust engine rpm to the exact speed of the next gear position. The new, optional 7-speed automatic features similar Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) for quick, manual-like shifting using either the shift lever or the standard shift paddle.


The new lightweight (double-wishbone front, 4-link rear) suspension provides improved grip and road holding along with reduced impact harshness and better ride. The vented 4-wheel-disc braking system is upgraded for improved feel and fade resistance and reduced noise and vibration, and its anti-lock (ABS) system includes Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering is reworked for improved response, and the standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) has new hardware and all-new logic.

Features and Options

Nissan’s “Intelligent Key” with push-button start, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, two 12-volt power outlets, quad cupholders (two in the door panels, two in the console) and AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio with illuminated steering wheel controls are standard equipment. The Touring model adds leather and simulated suede 4-way power heated seats with adjustable lumbar support, 6CD/MP3/WMA eight-speaker Bose audio with XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and HomeLink Universal Transceiver.


Standard safety features include dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side airbags, roof-mounted side airbags, seat belt pretensioners and load limiters and Active Head Restraints. A $3,000 optional Sport package adds Bridgestone Potenza performance tires on 19-in. forged aluminum wheels, front and rear aerodynamic spoilers, larger sport brakes, the world’s first SynchroRev Match feature (with the 6-speed manual gearbox) and a viscous limited slip differential. An $1,850 Navigation package includes a touch-screen nav system with XM NavTraffic and Real-Time Traffic, a 9.3-GB Music Box Hard Drive and an iPod interface system.

Driving Impression

We excised both manual- and automatic-transmission 370Zs on a variety of public roads and a tight roadracing course and found it better than its 2008 350Z predecessor in every possible way. The steering is more precise, the handling more solid, the braking more secure and the performance more exhilarating. We especially appreciated its supportive and comfy new seats, its well-appointed, higher-quality interior and its exclusive rev-matching system that eases and smoothes every manual downshift, even for experienced expert drivers. With the coupe starting just under $30,000 and the uplevel Touring model less than $35K, the 2009 370Z represents a relative performance two-seater bargain, and the new 2010 370Z Roadster should arrive by late summer to offer open-air excitement for maybe $4,000 more. Bracketed by the popular Mazda MX-5 below and the Chevy Corvette above it and undercutting pricier Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche entries, these very nice new Nissan sportsters should satisfy at least as well as their 240Z ancestor did four decades ago. (www.nissanusa.com)

About the Author
Former automotive engineer Gary Witzenburg has been writing about the auto industry, its people and its products for major magazines, newspapers and web sites for more than 20 years.