Question: How do you age a car ten years in seven? Answer: release the world beating GT-R. Sure, cars have advanced considerably since the 350Z debuted in 2002, but after riding around in one a couple of months back, the truth became self-evident: this dog no longer hunts. In fact, it felt like a 4th Gen Camaro — all engine and odd squeaks. No one saw the writing on the wall as clearly as Nissan. Hence the brand spanking nouveau 370Z. But is it any good?
It looks better. In my eyes the 350Z always looked like an Audi TT dressed up for gym class. Especially that roof. The new Z is better from all angles. It’s also more Japanese, too; checkout that catfish mouth. Nissan spent a good deal of time explaining to us that the rear quarter windows were influenced by the OG 240Z. I don’t see that as much as I see the squared off edges from the GT-R. Love the kink at the C-pillar and the slope of the roof/trunk. While the photos do it no justice, Jessica Biel’s got nothing on the 370Z’s rear end. Can you say badonka? I gladly can.
Inside is better, too. For instance, the Z now has a glove box! More importantly, the gauges are trimmed in a trick piece of brushed aluminum that would class up any car. Unlike the 370Z’s corporate G cousins, the interior vibe is much more sporting than entry-level lux. Even with the optional leather seats. To wit: there are now only two Z model: regular Z and Touring Z (Nissan refers to the latter as Leather Z). And there are only two options: Sport Pack (LSD, bigger brakes, bigger wheels, SynchroRev Match) and navigation. I’d advise against the nav as it’s the same also-ran system found inside Infinitis. Plus it uses up a valuable cubbyhole. As for the Sport Pack…
The SynchroRev Match (SRM) is the big buzz on the new six-speed Z. When you shift to a lower gear, SRM automatically revs the engine. Most people just use their right foot to perform said task, but that’s progress. And it’s a progressive system. If you’re going 10 mph and shifting from second to first, you only get a little blip. Running at 80 mph and going from sixth to fourth rewards you with a Big Old Blip. So yes, SRM works. In fact, it works well everywhere save for the track. Going Hell for leather on a closed course, the SRM “automatically” bangs-up against the 7,500 rpm rev limiter. With a two-second push of a button you can shut the whole system off. Verdict: good about 80 percent of the time.
A smaller buzz: the 370Z’s new engine. Nissan’s opted for the VQ 3.7-liter V6 from the Infiniti G. Due to shorter exhaust pipes, it’s slightly more powerful in Z form: 332 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 270 torques @ 5,200 rpm. Good stuff, but it doesn’t feel as maniac-fast in this application as it does in the G37 Sport 6MT. The G37 is fast for a four-door sedan. But when you’re talking sports cars, 0 – 60 mph in 5.1 seconds is mid-pack. Hell, the new WRX hits 60 in 4.7 seconds, shaming the Z (and the STI, EVO, Mustang GT, some Porsches, etc). My point: the 370Z could use more grunt.
The medium buzz: the 370Z is four inches shorter than its predecessor, wider and lower to the ground and 90 pounds lighter. From the way Nissan tells it, this was no little feat; they had to add roughly 200 pounds of regulatory crap. Aluminum in the hood, doors and rear hatch helped get the job done, allowing Nissan to maintain the Z’s 53/47 weight distribution. The boffins also changed the front suspension from multi-link to double wishbone (my fave) while leaving the rear 4-link.
This new Z is lighter, shorter and features better suspension, sharper brakes and bigger wheels. Nissan had us flog the Z around a private track (Spring Mountain) outside Vegas. Initially, I was surprised at how much speed the 370Z could carry though corners. Grip is essentially endless (thank the double wishbones and 19”x10” tires) and the steering feel is at least twice as good as the 350Z’s. Therefore…
I don’t know. I should be jumping up and down. On paper, the 370Z is a mean, corner-eating bastard. But something’s amiss. It’s too quiet inside, for one. And I really think the notorious FM platform is better suited to sedans (G) and sport-SUVs (FX) than pure sports cars. Put it like this: if it was my $30k (or so), I’d be shopping a (gulp) Mustang GT.
[Nissan provided a flight, hotel accommodations, meals, vehicles, gas and insurance. Note: Vehicles tested were pre-production models fitted with oil coolers, transmission coolers and differential coolers for repeated track use]
91 Comments on “Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z...”
Back to TopLeave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
You can also login using Facebook Connect.
90 pounds lighter, too.
According to Edmunds it still weighs 3314 lbs.
Ahh for the good ol’ days of the sub-3000 lbs two seater.
Your last line actually floors me. Having driven the previous version of the Z and a modded Mustang GT, I actually widely preferred the Z. Having said that I thought both cars were “faux” sports cars and wouldn’t own either.
The new Mustang must be a real gem.
…if it was my $30k (or so), I’d be shopping a (gulp) Mustang GT.
Poor baby, you must be sick! I’ll have McNaab’s mom cook you up some Chunky soup.
LEATHER ZED!!! I love it
Having owned both the 350Z and the 04-09 GT (well the 350z wasn’t mine technically), I also prefer the Mustang. I’m surprised JL didn’t mention it, but vehicle dynamics aside the GT sounds (and in my opinion) A LOT better. Really, I think the Z’s really don’t sound good at all… quite a shame for this type of car.
Also, please don’t turn this into a discussion about Crown Vics and Toyota Camry’s. Please?
Qusus:
The exhaust note on the Infinity G’s are why I can never own one of them. Beautiful cars ruined by some god-awful UFO sounding bullshit coming out the back. I don’t get it.
I think the Mustang comment would be completely indisputable if Ford would just put a freaking 6 speed in the thing.
… pre-production models fitted with oil coolers, transmission coolers and differential coolers for repeated track use.
Now why can’t Nissan make these coolers part of their Sport Pack, or even offer it as a Track Pack?
Nissan sure knows how to do ugly right.
@ lth
Look no further than the Launch Control debacle on the GT-R.
If the factory gives it to you, then the factory needs to warranty it.
I can’t imagine Nissan selling a track pack, encouraging customers to track their 370Zs and then honoring warranty claims when guys (and gals) shred their clutches and rears…..
-ted
“Sure, cars have advanced considerably since the 350Z debuted in 2002″
I tend to believe that most of the progress in the last 10 years has been toward the rear. Out side of getting fatter, what progress are you thinking of?
Flight, hotel (and dancers, err, entertainment), meals (and booze), gas and insurance…
And with the last sentence of your review chose to bust their balls by giving a nod to the (cringe) live-rear-axle Mustang GT?! (with pleather and a 5-speed manual, we assume)
God bless TTAC…and honest journalism.
A few questions for you, especially as compared to the Mustang:
How’s it ride?
How’s the visibility front and back? What sort of blind spots do those giant pillars in the rear create? Is it possible to parallel park without guessing?
What sort of regulatory crap was Nissan required to add? Ford changed almost nothing about the Mustang for 2010, was the ‘02 FM platform that inadequate?
Did you pick up on the NVH factor of the 3.7L that other reviews have complained about? They seem to think this “VQ” engine is about as smooth as a bucket of marbles. How does it compare to the Mustang’s V8? SRM aside, is the stick any good?
Why is the FM platform “notorious” and why isn’t it good for a sports car? The previous Z was accused of overly stiff suspension, but it was always one of the top entries in the numbers game. Is this iteration too heavy? Or too large? Or?
mattb :
December 17th, 2008 at 9:50 am
“I think the Mustang comment would be completely indisputable if Ford would just put a freaking 6 speed in the thing.”
A V8’s torque curve ought to be broad enough that you only really need a 4 speed (three + overdrive).
If you need 6, it’s either underpowered or you’re trying to get to 220mph
lth: From what we were told, the various coolers will eventually be available. Just not right away. And most people will never need them.
A little inside baseball stuff for you — I was on the 4th (of 4) waves of the 370Z launch. There were 23 other journos with me, all with varying skill levels, all given as much time as we liked on the track. I personally did 15 laps (13 as flat out as I could) before putting a wheel in the dirt and getting black flagged. I take certain pride in that as the only other people to get black flagged were, “some French Canadians.”
Anyhow, the situation was about 100 journalists (plus other track people) beating up on six cars for 4 days — they needed coolers.
I take certain pride in that as the only other people to get black flagged were, “some French Canadians.”
Yes, well, you can’t blame them. That’s not bad driving, it’s just how it’s done in Montreal. They don’t stop for reds, either.
Regarding the Mustang comment, must be that day to day driving enjoyment doesn’t hinge solely on dragstrip/dyno/trans gear numbers and suspension configuration. I’m stating the obvious, people are really cought up on specs these days.
If the pleather were more durable, that would be cool.
You touch on it your review, but the 350Z had a godawful interior layout. How well did they fix it? They added a glove box and spiffed up the gauge cluster, but what was your overall appraisal of the interior? Is it usable now? (They really need to allow longer car reviews.) The interior of the 350Z was the deal breaker for me and my wife when we got a new car back in ‘04.
P.S. As a driving machine, I really preferred the 350Z to the last gen. Mustang GT. Is the 2010 Mustang that much better, or is the 370Z that little of an improvement?
“332 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 270 torques @ 5,200 rpm.” and smaller and lighter. It sounds pretty good on paper, and as one of the first vehicles ever to get smaller and lighter, certainly after my heart. I guess I’ll have to drive it. The 350z suprised me with its relative lack of low end grunt, so perhaps these great stats can underwhelm as well.
I’m surprised there was no mention of the tacky digital coolant temperature and gas “gauges”. On a Prius or Civic it’s one thing. They seem out of place on what is purported to be a proper sports car.
That was a somewhat vague review. You spent a lot of time on stuff on things we could find out anywhere, but when it comes to the things we depend on auto journalists for (how it feels) you only give us a short paragraph that says more about a different car than this one. Please give us more than that!
JL – kudos for calling it as you see it. Did Nissan allow you some normal road time? If so, how is the ride and how is the visibility? Engine NHV was reported by some other reviews – what were your impressions? Also, how do you rate the clutch and gear action?
Does anyone know if Nissan is still using the god awful viscous limited slip diff they seem to love on the G or have they finally gone to a proper one that won’t require an overhaul every 30k miles.
I’m still floored by that last comment regarding the Mustang.
I rented a 350Z convertible earlier this year to go to the Keys in and took that over a Mustang GT because the ride was so much better. Now if you’re choosing the 2010 Mustang over the new Z then either 1) the Mustang’s ride has improved to the point where other manufacturers might start using live axles again or 2) Nissan botched the Z’s suspension in this new iteration of the car.
Dash it all….i can’t believe it. I’d still take the Z over the Mustang, both then and now.
And who was complaining about the noise out the back end? It’s a glorious noise to behold, especially in convertible form where the u keep the engine on boil just to hear the big bore V6 wail.
I think the 370Z’s styling is bang on.
I agree with SupaMan; I love the exhaust note of the VQ. To me, it has a hollow raspiness that is somewhat similar to a 911’s NA flat 6. (Please don’t flame me for comparing these two cars.)
UFO sounding?
I think the previous iteration sounded OK. Not great, but mean enough, and not cacaphonous by any means.
Previous VQs I’ve heard made a low hollow warble, like a game animal dying slowly from blood loss.
“To me, it has a hollow raspiness that is somewhat similar to a 911’s NA flat 6.”
Uhh, the VQ in the G has a really REALLY synthetic exhaust note due to the fartcans on the back… The 911’s exhaust note is very raw. I really have to disagree…
Again to agree with a commenter above, Nissan does some great engines (especially at their price points) but they make such god awful synthetic exhaust notes that the ricer crowd cream over, I could never own one.
umm, you know you can pick and choose your exhaust note from about 1000 different aftermarket suppliers for about $1k (top end full catback) on down. Although great exhaust sound out of the box is nice, it certainly wouldn’t be a dealbreaker when shelling out $30k for a new car. The hp thing I can understand however. It seems strange that they still don’t offer a turbo version. The 3200lbs 300zx TT goes from 0-60 in 5 secs with its stock 300hp. But the real goodness in that car comes from the fact that with very little money (under $1k) you can get that engine to 400+hp.
There’s this guy named Paul Krugman. He just got the Nobel Prize for economics. And he used to write a column for the LA Times (he now writes for the New York Times). I mention this him and his scribing for cash (a poor economic decision if there ever was one) because his LA Times column was limited to — you got it — 800 words. I recently heard Mr. Krugman on the radio and he was saying that writing 800 words is harder than writing 1,200 words. I wouldn’t hand out any prizes for such an observation, but man is he ever right. With that in mind, I’m going to answer as many 370Z questions and concerns as y’all asked. Ready?
Qusus says, “I’m surprised JL didn’t mention it, but vehicle dynamics aside the [Mustang] GT sounds (and in my opinion) A LOT better. Really, I think the Z’s really don’t sound good at all… quite a shame for this type of car.”
I’m surprised I didn’t mention it, too. Either way, Qusus gets the nail on the head award. The 370Z is too muffled for its own good, and that takes away from the sports car appeal. The Mustang GT gets V8 sounds piped right into the cabin.
Davey49 opines, “Nissan sure knows how to do ugly right.”
Hell yeah. Er, wait… Beautiful car.
Robert Schwartz says, “I tend to believe that most of the progress in the last 10 years has been toward the rear. Out side of getting fatter, what progress are you thinking of?”
Well sir, engines make all kinds of more power, electronics save lives and even though most cars are indeed porkier, most cars are more fun to drive. SUVs notwithstanding — they are fatter and duller than ever.
KnightRT starts in, “How’s it ride?”
Like a GT car, frankly. Not hard enough. All sports cars you ride like a Mazda RX-8. Hell, they should be so lucky.
More, “How’s the visibility front and back? What sort of blind spots do those giant pillars in the rear create? Is it possible to parallel park without guessing?”
Great question. Visibility forward is very good – they even slimmed down the A-pillars. Very good, I should say, unless you’re turning left. Then the ginormous side mirror and high beltline conspire to obscure everything. Rear visibility is poor, to put it nicely. Backing up in parking lots is scary.
Even more, “What sort of regulatory crap was Nissan required to add? Ford changed almost nothing about the Mustang for 2010, was the ‘02 FM platform that inadequate?”
Dunno.
More still, “Did you pick up on the NVH factor of the 3.7L that other reviews have complained about? They seem to think this “VQ” engine is about as smooth as a bucket of marbles. How does it compare to the Mustang’s V8? SRM aside, is the stick any good?”
The only NVH I picked up was an insanely high pitched buzz that seemed to come from the passenger door. It was with me on a 3 ½ hour schlep from Pahrump to Burbank. Luckily it was so close to what dogs hear that I’d forget about it. Until I didn’t. Nissan did state (over and over) that we were driving pre-production cars. The engine seemed cool and calm in terms of smoothness. The stick shifted fine (say a 6.5 out of 10), but me and others grabbed second instead of fourth more than once.
Finally, “Why is the FM platform “notorious” and why isn’t it good for a sports car? The previous Z was accused of overly stiff suspension, but it was always one of the top entries in the numbers game. Is this iteration too heavy? Or too large? Or?”
Poor choice of words on my part. Should have said, “ubiquitous” or “infamous.” I just meant that it gets a lot of ink. It’s not good for a sports car because it also works well as an SUV and sedan. This iteration is too sedan like. That’s all.
JG writes, “Regarding the Mustang comment, must be that day to day driving enjoyment doesn’t hinge solely on dragstrip/dyno/trans gear numbers and suspension configuration. I’m stating the obvious, people are really cought [sic] up on specs these days.”
Right. Here’s the thing — I would bet that the Z is just as fast to 60 mph and through the quarter as the Mustang GT. But if I were to blindfold you (and stick you in the passenger seat) you would swear up, down, left, right that the Mustang is faster. Larger point: to me, the Mustang feels better.
Lumbergh21 asks, “You touch on it your review, but the 350Z had a godawful interior layout. How well did they fix it? They added a glove box and spiffed up the gauge cluster, but what was your overall appraisal of the interior? Is it usable now? (They really need to allow longer car reviews.) The interior of the 350Z was the deal breaker for me and my wife when we got a new car back in ‘04.”
The 370Z is better, but still not great. For instance, there is one exposed cup holder on the tranny tunnel. There are in fact two, but the second is under a cover. As is the space for your phone/glasses/etc. And before you start making fun of me for mentioning cup holders, I just mean places to store crap so it doesn’t fly around when you turn the wheel.
He continues, “P.S. As a driving machine, I really preferred the 350Z to the last gen. Mustang GT. Is the 2010 Mustang that much better, or is the 370Z that little of an improvement?”
I also preferred the 350Z to the last Mustang GT. And this 370Z is a very good car that any owner will be happy with. Trouble is that the 2010 Mustang is approaching the sublime.
Carguy622 points out, “I’m surprised there was no mention of the tacky digital coolant temperature and gas ‘gauges.’ On a Prius or Civic it’s one thing. They seem out of place on what is purported to be a proper sports car.”
I’ll do you one worse, there’s an MPG gauge. Remember those? My 1985 Pontiac had one. When you’re coasting you’re getting good MPGs and when your foot is to the floor you’re not. Who woulda thought?
Carlisimo berates, “That was a somewhat vague review. You spent a lot of time on stuff on things we could find out anywhere, but when it comes to the things we depend on auto journalists for (how it feels) you only give us a short paragraph that says more about a different car than this one. Please give us more than that!”
Could you forgive me?
NK asks, “Does anyone know if Nissan is still using the god awful viscous limited slip diff they seem to love on the G or have they finally gone to a proper one that won’t require an overhaul every 30k miles.”
Can’t comment on the reliability, but I think it’s the same LSD but with new gears. Worked pretty well in my 500 miles with the car.
Yuppie writes, “I agree with SupaMan; I love the exhaust note of the VQ. To me, it has a hollow raspiness that is somewhat similar to a 911’s NA flat 6. (Please don’t flame me for comparing these two cars.)”
You and SupaMan don’t know good exhaust notes. I prescribe driving a Lambo Gallardo LP560-4 through a tunnel at eight grand. Get going.
GM should work with their DI 3.6L V6 to compete with the VQ. The GM engine sounds much better and overall has better power distribution, but needs work to compete in the marketing world of horsepower.
The problem with the Z remains that it looks like a teenager’s car, but it’s not close to a teenager’s budget. Better, more serious cars exist for the money.
I can’t believe the 2010 Mustang is that much better! Good, I guess. Now just to pay off the 15 grand I’m upside down on my 2008 and trade ‘er in.
I can believe I forgot how to spell. Maybe it’s time to start reading books again? Damn internets.
ca36gtp: Better cars for similar money? I’d look at the MX-5, I guess. What do you have in mind?
370Z: Nobody has mentioned those gross fangs in the grille opening. Gross!
How does this compare with the Infinity G37 coupe? Are they at all similar?
Shocker in the final paragraph.
My father had a 2003, but never drove it because it was essentially unlivable. Awful ride, noisy, and it just felt too heavy. Sounds like Nissan fixed the first two. But, on the other hand, it also sounds like the RX-8 remains a much better handling car. And that’s what he owns now, and does drive.
This thing is launching into the worst sports car market since the late 1980s. I don’t see strong demand, except maybe for the first few days. The Miata revived the sports car market last time…maybe that should be a hint.
On the reliability front, TrueDelta will have results 4-6 months after enough owners of the new 370Z join up. So if you know someone who does actually buy a sports car in the current economy:
http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php
The G37 is not a fast four-door sedan, the G35 is. The G37 is only a coupe, the sedan still has the 3.5 liter engine.
Seems the sedan gets the 3.7 for 2009? Mom’s buying one.
Seems the sedan gets the 3.7 for 2009? Mom’s buying one.
Possibly. Johnny have you driven it?
ZCline: In fact I have. One of my very favorite cars of the past 12 months.
http://www.autofiends.com/index.php/2008/11/2009-infiniti-g37-sport-6mt-fiend-vs-fiend/
I stand (sit) corrected! I never understood why the coupe got the 3.7 for a year, then the sedan, considering the sedan was redesigned as well. Exclusivity? You’d think if anything, the Z would get it first …
You’re kidding about that mustang being sublime right? I mean this z is a REAL sports car as every other reviewer on the planet seems to understand.Phenomenal grip, a beautiful exterior,a massively improved interior , a stout and powerful and RELIABLE engine, not to mention build quality and engineering that SHAMES a mustang.GET A CLUE!
An true enthusiast would know better than to quote 0-60 mph times as a measure of performance, especially when compared AWD to RWD vehicles. What about the quarter mile? Trap speed? 50 to 70 mph blasts? It’s a shame you fell into that pit.
I really like the 370z lines over the 350z. If you look at a 240z and 370z side by side, you can see where the took their styling cues. In particular, the roof line no longer has that “French curve” and is sloped similarly to that of the 240z. The rear quarter windows also pay homage to its great(240)-great(260)-great(280)-great(280zx)-great(300zx z31)-great(300zx z32)-great (350z)-grandpa. I think that’s right…. The curve of the front hood shares some similarities as well. You have to disregard the lines of the car below the belt-line.
The exhaust note is obnoxious. I owned a 2003 350z (Le Mans Sunset) and a 2005 Infiniti FX35. Both cars shared the same damn exhaust sound and it chill-inspiring it was not (more of a “bluh” shudder). I’d like to see a return to the in-line 6 (L28/RB25/RB26/etc.).
A few folks have stuck the VQ35 into 240zs with great success (along with LS1-LS6; BMW V-12s; 7MGTEs; 1 and 2JZTs – the list goes on).
Minibee: I will get a clue as soon as you admit that reliability has never been, nor will ever be, a factor in determining a car’s sports carness.
As for build quality, I saw lots and lots of exposed, fraying electric tape in each engine bay. Of course both cars were “Preproduction,” so…
KTM: You caught me — I’m a fake enthusiast
Jonny, thanks; I think you’ve explained a lot of it in the comments section, namely that it feels like a sedan. I’m not sure what that means quantitatively, but it makes some intuitive sens. The 350Z really woke up when given Nismo suspension parts (and became easier to drive at the limit, according to the late Sport Compact Car), so I’ll be waiting to see if something similar happens with the 370Z.
Interesting comments. I actually liked the 350Z exhaust note! In terms of aftermarket suspension, myself and some friends both agreed we wanted the stock sound, but louder.
“a sports car’s carness” or something like that. Well if quality isn’t an issue then sure the ’stang is just great .After all, it sounds like a hoonmobile should. It’s become fashionable on this site and a couple others to praise these throwbacks as somehow “right”. y’know, the sound, the neanderthal styling the overly flexible chassis, hell the sheer size of it makes it somehow “right”. Well pal I went down to my local Ford dealer to have a looksee at the latest throwback ’stang. And as Loyd bentsen once said,”I know cars and that cheap plastic thing there with the empty engine bay and the multi-color strobing cupholders ain’t a sportscar.” Maybe you should change the name of the site to The pc fashionable ziegiest about pony cars or TPCZFAPC.
@minibee
Since when is the Mustang V8 an unreliable engine? You’re kidding, right? Get a clue.
By the way, did anyone else notice that the URL for this review says review-2009-nissan-270z? Misplaced some cc’s, eh?
Jonny Lieberman:
0-60 in 5.1 seconds and mid-13 quarters are nothing to sneeze at. But the cabin is so damn quiet that it just doesn’t seem very quick. So… yeah.
So 3 out 5 stars for performance because it doesn’t “seem” quick? I take issue with this kind of logic.
Got a few more questions. Is there enough headroom for taller drivers? I couldn’t fit in the 350z. And while comparing it to the Mustang GT, how about fuel economy? And more importantly, resale value? Reliability? Which company is going to be there in 2 or 3 years?
Private track outside of Vegas? This sounds like where the Lotus driving school is in Pahrump – where the chicken ranches are.
But you didn’t say anything about Nissan providing any other ’services’.
Since when is it unreliable? Since i owned 2 of them in my youth(before I could appreciate quality) and both were unreliable. Count on a rebuild between 80-100k ,something you won’t have to do to the Nissan untill 250. I think you’re the one who needs a clue. As for Johnny who thinks the particular schadenfreude of pony cars is “cool” it’s as if he doesn’t even understand the object he’s comparing this z to. As if an alien landed on earth and couldn’t tell the difference between a DC3 and an f16. Of course the alien WOULD be able to tell which was more evolved. That’s the gap between the Ford and the Z. One of these is of this century one isn’t. I’ll take that 370z object over that warmed over muscle car.