Ace of Base: 2018 Nissan 370Z

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

There’s not much new in the 2018 Nissan 370Z, nor was there much new last year, and the year before that. In fact, this model has been around since Shane was still alive on The Walking Dead.

Like last year, an equivalently priced Mustang or Camaro will be arguably more modern with better technology, especially with the 2018 changes to those models. But, as long-time readers may know, I feel that either of those cars equipped sans V8 is more pointless than ordering a Diet Coke to accompany one’s double Big Mac and supersized fries.

A base Z is worthy of attention — 29,990 of the finest American dollars will net buyers a slick-looking rear-wheel drive coupe with more than enough power to get new drivers in trouble. This model year, buyers can lavishly shell out an extra $790 for a 370Z Heritage Edition, available in a couple of colors with interior/exterior tape and stripe frippery. You don’t need it.

A double-wishbone suspension and 3300-pound curb weight lends sporty handling characteristics, while Nissan’s 3.7-liter V6 makes 332 horsepower in this application, zinging to a 7500rpm redline via a snick-snick six-speed manual. For 2018, the engineers at Nissan have installed an EXEDY high-performance clutch on the base model.

The fast cut of the Z’s roofline still recalls the styling flourish of its mighty GT-R brother. A next-generation Z is rumored to be in the works, perhaps taking the same path of Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross concept. I sincerely hope not. The only Zs that should be found in a crossover are those emanating from slumbering passengers. Thanks to emissions and economy regs, it’ll probably be a downsized turbo-four or (gasp!) a hybrid. Appreciate this naturally aspirated V6 Z while you can.

Economies of scale ensure base Z customers enjoy some features initially thought to be found solely in costly trims, such as an intelligent key with pushbutton ignition and automatic temperature control. Windows are one-touch up/down and the infotainment system has Bluetooth capability. Good thing, too: the flat-surface interface of buttons is a keyboard I have played rather badly in past experiences in the Z.

Unlike last year, the tasty Chicane Yellow paint is an extra-cost option, as it is offered only on the Heritage Edition. Pearl White and Passion Red add simoleons to the Monroney, too. This year, stick with the $0 Deep Blue Pearl. The lovely Black Cherry hue has checked out like a coulrophobiac leaving the It movie.

North of the border, like last year, the deal is even better. Nissan’s Zed in base trim is priced only eight dollars more than an equivalent American version, equating to (at today’s exchange rate) a shade under $25,000. A wider palette of colors is available, too. Perhaps Carlos likes us more.

[Image: Nissan]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make the automotive landscape a whole lot better. What do you think of this choice, B&B? Let us know in the comments. Naturally, feel free to eviscerate our selection.

The model above is shown with American options and is priced in Freedom Dollars. As always, your dealer may sell for less.

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • EAF EAF on Sep 13, 2017

    Older VQ's had access covers for the main chain tensioner & water pump. I've serviced many, some with relatively low miles. These later VQ variants do not have such covers, in order to service either, you must remove the entire engine cover! No thanks. Yes, I am crazy, this lost feature is more important to me than any audio, brake or diff package.

  • Slap Slap on Sep 14, 2017

    There are 5 or 6 350Z's in my neighborhood. Strangely enough, there are no 370Z's.

  • TheMrFreeze That new Ferrari looks nice but other than that, nothing.And VW having to put an air-cooled Beetle in its display to try and make the ID.Buzz look cool makes this classic VW owner sad 😢
  • Wolfwagen Is it me or have auto shows just turned to meh? To me, there isn't much excitement anymore. it's like we have hit a second malaise era. Every new vehicle is some cookie-cutter CUV. No cutting-edge designs. No talk of any great powertrains, or technological achievements. It's sort of expected with the push to EVs but there is no news on that front either. No new battery tech, no new charging tech. Nothing.
  • CanadaCraig You can just imagine how quickly the tires are going to wear out on a 5,800 lbs AWD 2024 Dodge Charger.
  • Luke42 I tried FSD for a month in December 2022 on my Model Y and wasn’t impressed.The building-blocks were amazing but sum of the all of those amazing parts was about as useful as Honda Sensing in terms of reducing the driver’s workload.I have a list of fixes I need to see in Autopilot before I blow another $200 renting FSD. But I will try it for free for a month.I would love it if FSD v12 lived up to the hype and my mind were changed. But I have no reason to believe I might be wrong at this point, based on the reviews I’ve read so far. [shrug]. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about it once I get to test it.
  • FormerFF We bought three new and one used car last year, so we won't be visiting any showrooms this year unless a meteor hits one of them. Sorry to hear that Mini has terminated the manual transmission, a Mini could be a fun car to drive with a stick.It appears that 2025 is going to see a significant decrease in the number of models that can be had with a stick. The used car we bought is a Mk 7 GTI with a six speed manual, and my younger daughter and I are enjoying it quite a lot. We'll be hanging on to it for many years.
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