The 370Z began life back in 2003 but under the 350Z name. In 2009, however, Nissan upped the Z-car's displacement from 3.5 liters to 3.7 liters and the 37-Z was born. Throughout its life, the 370Z has undergone only a handful of changes, the majority of them new tech features that help keep the model up to date.
The standard 370Z sees few changes, save for optional sport brakes, revised steering and suspension, and some new features in higher trim levels. The Nismo model, on the other hand, received new styling and an optional seven-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the Nismo Tech trim debuts in 2015.
The 370Z is one like many modern sports cars in that it starts off with only the basic features at a rather low price, but has a slew of trims and options available that can drive the price sky-high. Selecting the perfect 370Z depends on what you want out of it. If you are on a tighter budget and need a go-fast machine but can live without premium options, the Z has that. If you are a discerning buyer looking for a fully loaded sports car, the 370Z has it. Moreover, if you're looking for a true performance machine with race car-like suspension and upgraded brakes, the Nissan 370Z has that, too.
With the exception of Nismo models, all 370Zs have a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. All come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, but a seven-speed automatic is optional across the board.
The base 370Z carries an MSRP of $29,990 and includes features like 18-inch wheels, automatic HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, body-colored power mirrors, automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, power windows and door locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, auxiliary input, USB drive and steering wheel-mounted controls.
The Sport add performance enhancements like rev-matching with the manual transmission for perfect downshifts, a viscous limited-slip rear differential, sport brakes, and 19-inch wheels. Appearance-enhancing items include LED side marker emblems, a front chin deflector, and a body-color rear spoiler. The Sport trim pushes the Z's MSRP to $33,570.
The MSRP jumps to $37,070 for the Sport Tech. As its name implies, it adds a slew of tech features to the Sport. These include hard drive navigation with a seven-inch touchscreen, real-time traffic and weather, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a HomeLink Universal remote, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Bose audio system with eight speakers, DVD capabilities, and audio/video input jacks for adding a TV screen or other devices.
Starting at $37,970, the Touring builds on the base model with a collection of comfort-enhancing items. These include LED-illuminated "Z" side markers, heated outside mirrors, hard drive navigation with a seven-inch touchscreen, real-time traffic and weather, a rearview monitor, a HomeLink Universal remote, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, leather upholstery with synthetic suede inserts, and a Bose audio system with eight speakers, DVD capabilities, SiriusXM, Bluetooth audio streaming and audio/video input jacks.
The $41,990 Nismo adds a shot of steroids to the Sport trim with unique 19-inch wheels and a tuned suspension system featuring an increased spring rate, stiff dampers, rigid stabilizers and a three-point front strut-tower brace. Aesthetic enhancements include a Nismo body kit with exclusive front and rear fascias, spoiler side sills and a rear spoiler. Other special Nismo-branded features include a tachometer, embroidered cloth seats, signature red interior stitching, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shifter knob, aluminum-trimmed pedals, and a numbered plaque.
The Nismo Tech mirrors the Sport Tech by adding a number of tech items to the standard Nismo. The range-topping 370Z carries an MSRP of $45,490.
Unless you are planning to take it to the track every weekend, we suggest passing on the Nismo models. They ride rather roughly, don't come with many premium features, and are expensive.
