2017 Nissan 370Z: The Song (and Pricing) Remains the Same
A vehicle that hasn’t changed in years won’t get a price change for 2017, which shouldn’t impact sales figures that also haven’t changed in years.
Got that? Nissan just released details on the 2017 370Z, and you have to dig deep before finding anything that’s new on the automaker’s rear-drive sport coupe.
Last refreshed for the 2013 model year (2015 for the NISMO), the 370Z soldiers on with the same four trim lines, zero options, and 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 as before. The starting price for a base manual transmission coupe again starts at $30,825 after destination and handling.
The NISMO version also returns, unchanged, with its 350 hp V6 and an all-in price of $42,825. The Roadster retails for $42,655.
So, what’s new on the 2017 370Z? A color. Nissan added Chicane Yellow to the coupe’s palette this year.
If it looks like Nissan doesn’t want to mess with a good thing, that certainly could be true. When the resurrected “Z” bowed in the early 2000s, buyers flocked to it, snapping up over 30,000 units in the U.S. in 2003 and 2004. The recession took an axe to the 370Z’s sales, but they’ve stayed almost constant since.
For the past five years, 370Z sales haven’t varied by more than 800 units. Last year, Nissan offloaded 7,391 of them — a high point for that time span. If it ain’t broke, Nissan isn’t willing to fix it.
[Image: Nissan]
More by Steph Willems
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I always find it funny when reading reviews of the G37 or the 370Z today. Reviewers slam the motor for being crap, but back in the day when these cars came out, 330HP from 3.7L was flat out nuts in 2007. Same thing for the 3.5L with 300HP. This stuff was class leading at its origination. Like all Japanese marques, Nissan is doing what Lexus/Toyota/Honda/etc. does, which is they keep the same engine as long as possible before they have to update them. Guess what that results in? Seriously good reliability. My 3.7L in the G37 has been bulletproof in 4+ years of ownership. I got a 2011 FX35 with the 'archaic' 3.5L V6. I expect this motor to be even more reliable than the 3.7L.
I still think this is a compelling buy for $30K. Remember...this is a car in some comparos that equalled (and beat) a Cayman around a track. Mighty impressive for $30K....
As long as the next Z comes out with the twin turbo from the Infiniti Q50 all will be forgiven. As I've said before the Z occupies this weird middle ground - heavier then a Miata but less powerful then V8 pony cars. It's a fun track car with your standard brake and tire upgrades. I enjoy the hell out of mine but wouldn't complain if it had another 100 HP. As a daily driver its a bit too stiff and loud. The G35/37 is the answer if you want more of GT car. As is for most people the Z just makes too many compromises, but I like its pure, raw nature and the fact that its small (a Camaro is aircraft carrier in comparison). To understand the value of the current 370Z just look to my old 350Z (Z33) model - when brand new in 2003 (rebirth) it was also $33K which seems insane! And while its hard to find one that hasn't been beat to death, grabbing one off the used market makes for a perfect weekend or track car. Most of the Zs I encounter on track have either been stripped and race prepped. As such you'll generally find Zs fit into two categories: wannabe drifters (ricers) or serious track drivers. The later understand that Z really does out handle most vehicles but you have to be at 9/10s to learn that. It seems to be car that rewards good driving.
I have a 71' Z and I have to say, this and the 300ZX are my favorite looking modern Zs. This one looks like an updated 240Z, I think. I have only sat in this Nismo in the Yokohama headquarters showroom. I'm used to the 71' so I'm sure its a much different experience and a lot more power. I might pick up a used Nismo someday if I like a test drive.