Introduction
In English, we have expressions like "Old is gold" and "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Similarly, a saying in Arabic goes, "Your old friend is your companion, even if your new one is richer." This perfectly describes what Nissan has done with the iconic Nissan Z, first launched in 1969. The sixth generation of the 370Z, which we received in 2009, is still being sold by Nissan dealers today, a full decade later. This is not a bad thing at all; on the contrary, let me explain why I feel this way about the Nissan 370Z Nismo.
Performance and Design
These days, it is rare to find a car built from the ground up with a complete focus on performance, especially in this price range and from Japanese manufacturers. Outside of supercars or hypercars, such vehicles are becoming increasingly scarce in the market. The Nissan 370Z is one of these rare models that still remains available.
Sixth Generation Design
We all recognize the design of this sixth generation of the Nissan Z, which has only undergone one exterior update with the 2013 model. This design heavily relied on wind tunnel testing to maximize aerodynamics, demonstrating how such designs are fundamentally focused on the performance the vehicle delivers, allowing it to remain relevant for years to come.
Differences Between 370Z and Nismo Version
I'll focus on the external differences between the standard 370Z and the Nismo version. At the front, the Nismo features:
- A new front bumper with dual-tone black and red accents.
- Distinctive headlights with a darker background.
- A Nismo badge on the front grille.
Side Design and Tires
From the side, I must mention my fondness for the Z badge on the car's sides above the turn signal indicators. The additional features include:
- Black mirror caps accented with red stripes.
- Side skirts in both black and red.
As for the tires, the Nismo is equipped with high-performance tires from Bridgestone (low-profile Bridgestone Potenza S001), measuring 245/40 in the front and 285/35 in the rear, ensuring high grip for a rear-wheel-drive car.
Interior Performance and Technology
Inside, the Nismo features RECARO sports seats, covered in leather and Alcantara, providing excellent support during sharp turns at any speed. Alcantara is also incorporated in other areas of the cabin and on the doors.
Typically, this section of the review would focus on detailing the cabin and the array of features available. In brief, with the 370Z, you receive:
- A decade-old entertainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen.
- Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and audio system controls.
- A rear parking camera without sensors.
- A conventional cruise control system.
Engine Performance
Let me quickly highlight the engine performance figures. The engine is a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 from Nissan, and with the Nismo version, it produces:
- 350 horsepower.
- 374 Nm of torque.
These figures represent an increase of 22 horsepower and 8 Nm over the standard 370Z, driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5.5 seconds.
Driving Experience
The essence of the Nissan 370Z lies in the pure driving sensation that the Nismo offers once you get behind the wheel. This purity is something we increasingly miss in today’s cars, as SUVs dominate the market.
The absence of a turbocharger means you need to push the engine to very high RPMs to unlock its full power. The Nismo version raises the redline from 7000 RPM in the standard Z to 7400 RPM.
The automatic transmission allows for manual control via large magnesium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, shifting smoothly and quickly between gears.
Performance Enhancements and Balance
Additionally, the 370Z Nismo features extra braces that increase the rigidity of the chassis and body, along with a specially designed lightweight aluminum suspension with stiffer springs that reduce body roll during turns.
To illustrate how focused Nissan's engineers were on high performance in this vehicle, the weight distribution is 53:47. This distribution enhances grip when entering and exiting corners.
Conclusion
With all this performance and excitement, the 370Z Nismo is truly ready to be enjoyed on the track at any time.
My experience with the Nissan 370Z Nismo was refreshing and distinct, reminiscent of a different era of cars. I hope that Nissan continues to produce this icon, and that we see a new generation of it soon, with the hope that they maintain the philosophy and purpose around which this car was built: the joy of driving above all else.
This Japanese icon will set you back 160,888 AED for the Z370 Nismo version, which is a special year-end offer from the dealer here in the UAE, a fantastic reduction from the original price of 184,500 AED.
