2009 Nissan 370Z: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Nissan 370Z replaces the 350Z coupe as Nissan's two-seat sports car. Along with a new engine, the 370Z gets freshened styling and added features. The next generation of Nissan's signature sports car is about 4 inches shorter in wheelbase and almost 3 inches shorter overall than the 2003-2008 350Z. The 370Z comes in Base, Touring, and high-performance NISMO trim levels and retains the rear-drive hatchback layout of the 350Z. A 3.7-liter V6 replaces the outgoing model's 3.5-liter V6. Base and Touring have 332 hp while the NISMO has 350. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all. Base and Touring have an optional 7-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Base and Touring 370Z models have standard 18-inch wheels. An optional Sport Package includes 19s. NISMO versions have 19-inch wheels and a sport suspension. A Navigation Package for Touring versions includes a navigation system with real-time traffic information and a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files. Note that Nissan still sells the 350Z in convertible form. That model uses the same basic design and powertrain as the 2003-2008 models. The convertible is slated to adopt the 370Z's design in calendar 2009 as a 2010 model.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cylinder hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5, Mini Cooper, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and Volkswagen GTI. New this year is a coupe version of the Pontiac Solstice, and the Nissan 350Z is scheduled for a makeover.