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. A 370Z convertible goes on sale in calendar 2009 as a 2010 model. See Consumer Guide's 2010 Nissan 370Z report for more information.

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.