CAR REVIEW: 370Z
Nissan's Z cars go back a long way right to the start with the 240z which started Nissan's long list of cream of the crop cars. The most important history of the Z cars that struck my attention was that it was designed as a halo model back in 1969 to change consumers' perception in the Western world towards Nissan as it was named Datsun back then.
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| Datsun 240z / Nissan Fairlady Z / Daddy Z |
You might be wondering why write about 370z which went into production for quite some time ago but I realized that not many Malaysian journalists wrote much about this precious gem so I thought I'd take the opportunity to write about it instead. Looking at the first picture, I guess you'll agree with me that it has really beautifully sculpted lines huh?
Exterior!
As models evolved one after another, the designs of the cars deviated further but the 370z has brought the lines back! I'm freaking serious.
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| Looking good. More cheekbones yo. |
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| Smack that ass! |
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| I'm angry and I know it |
I can only conclude that the lines are brought back from the 240z to the 370z in a modern era. The lights has a boomerang like style to complement Nissan's current car lineups' theme, The front bumper has been given a more aggressive look with an aftermarket like side skirt and the back bumper is designed to give it a more complete look compared to the 350z. The wheelbase is shortened compared to the previous model with the use of lighter materials to give it a lighter kerb weight for awesome handling and magnified tail happy characteristics. Rims have been redesigned for a more modern look *ahem RAYS ahem* but the funky door handles have been kept with minimal changes. Overall changes makes the car a more track focused and uberly handsome looking car with with a stance that'll turns heads especially ladies. I'm just saying.
Engine!
The 370z is powered by the same 3.7 litre V6 VQ37VHR which is used by the Nissan Fuga (which could be the cars used by our ministers now) developing 332bhp and 269lb-ft of torque. Enough to get you from 0 to 60mph in less than 5 seconds. 4.9 seconds to be exact. The negative part of this engine is that the noise it makes doesn't really give you the goosebumps nor make your heart miss a beat. The startup sounds good with a few revs but it continues going with a pretty bland sound. The transmission is either a seven speed semi auto or a six speed manual with the world's first SynchroRev Match. I bet you would be wondering what the heck is SynchroRev Match. If you go to the circuit a lot, you'll know what heel and toe is and how hard it gets to perfect the down shift revs to keep the car at its optimum speed. But now, the manual uses this SynchroRev (with the usage of automotive magic and trickery) which helps you downshift without the clutch or heel and toe and keeps the car looking good in the track and most importantly making you look like some super-freaking-awesome-pro-racer.
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| Macho Bay! |
Interior!
The interior takes a step up from the 350z. The fit and finish feels more solid and complete while the leather upholstery feels very upmarket. The seats hug you snugly and makes you feel really comfortable behind the wheel. The interior feels like it has been given more thought into it with more time to make it feel more sporty as well as upmarket and comfortable, something the 350z lacked. The audio systems are also by Bose and as far as I know, I have not seen an official 370z from Nissan Malaysia that has a built in gps. Instead, the top of the center console which normally holds the touch screen is now a cubbyhole for your sunshades. The steering wheel feels nice to the touch while the buttons look funky and modern. All in all, the interior is all mmmm, yum!
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| Must love the tan leather! Anyways, now you see the multimedia system, |
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| Now, you don't. :P *Question: What is the difference on the dash between the first interior picture and this? |
Feels very driver oriented, ain't it? To conclude all this, I have to say that this is a very nice car both to look at and to drive. It likes to impress with the looks, interior and most importantly, the engine. I'd say this is one car to really have a ponder. It is currently priced at RM370k for the official Z coupe or RM382 520 for a convertible to pull chicks in. I'd get a coupe for myself if I could. A graphite one for me, please!
*Answer: The soundsystem of course. *smacks head* Info: The above picture is a newer model of the 370z.
