The newly minted, wait for it, Z34 chassis retains the Z33's ideal 54/46 front/rear weight balance, but is 95 lbs lighter than its older brother; much due to its aluminum hood, doors and hatch. Paradoxically to the lighter weight, the Z34 is much stiffer, too. Thanks to the use of improved materials and engineering, such as the stiffer aluminum front suspension cradle and improved four-link rear, body torsion is up by 30% in the front and 22% in the rear, and rear vertical bending is down 30%. With all the upgrades, the 370Z is iron-beam stiff.
The new double-wishbone front suspension design and "high response" shocks are taut, but not too tight. On turns and in twisties, the Z feels super solid; none of the ball-shriveling oversteer found in many FR configurations. Commuting through the bumpy roads of LA-the Beirut of American asphalt-the 370Z rides snug, even with the Sports Package-equipped Z's low-profile Bridgestone RE050As.
The cabin of the 370 is also very cozy. Like the Zs before it, the Z34 retains the cockpit feel in the driver's seat. Heftier bolsters and a cushioned knee pad along the center console keep the driver firmly in place, and the design and choice of interior materials is much more refined that the previous iteration. A glove compartment makes its debut, as does a rear support bar relocated forward of the rear struts, freeing up trunk space. The shifter is crisp and the floor-mounted accelerator pedal helps the heel-toe capable (read: pigeon toed). For purists who scoff at the heel-toe-inept (read: me), there's the S-Mode button, positioned to the top right of the shifter, to disable the SynchroRev. I'll leave mine on, thank you.
For those who aren't completely sold on the exterior, see it in person before you pass your verdict. Admittedly, when I first saw the spy shots of the 370Z, I wasn't completely feelin' it-the notched head- and taillights looked as if they were smeared during the design phase. But seeing it in person, you quickly realize that photos don't do it justice. The shorter (0.3 inches less in overall height), smaller (wheelbase is 3.9 inches shorter; overall length by 2.7 inches), wider (track is 0.5 inches wider in the front; a J. Lo-like 2.2 inches in the rear) gives the Z34 an aggressive, sporty look, and the notched lights accent the curvaceous body perfectly. The profile, longer hood and sloped back, is a throwback to the 240Z, while the cantilevered roof and aggressive headlights take cues from the new R35.
Lighter, smaller, wider, stiffer, nicer interior and with more power, the 370Z takes the term "new and improved" to a whole new level. More amazing, is the starting price of $29,930, which is comparable to the price of a similarly equipped 350Z-perfect for these harsh economic times. Throw in the requisite Sports Package for us out-toed with big dreams, and the 370Z is damn near priceless. B-list, here I come.
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'09 Nissan 370Z
MSRP: $29,930 (base)
Engine: 3.7L, 24-valve DOHC V-6 (VQ37VHR)
Power Rating: 287.3 whp, 236.5 lb-ft of torque (tested); 332 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 270 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
Configuration: front engine, rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed manual with SynchroRev Match (available on Sport package); available seven-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3,232 lbs
Suspension: double wishbone (front), four-link (rear)
Wheels: rays forged wheels (19x9 front, 19x10 rear) on Sport package; Alloy wheels (18x8 front, 18x9 rear) stock
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE050A (245/40R19 front, 275/35R19 rear) on Sport package; Yokohama Advan Sport (225/50R18 front; 245/45R18 rear) stock
Brakes: four-piston with 14-inch ventilated disc (front); two-piston with 13.8-inch ventilated disc (rear)
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): 18 city, 26 highway
Drive Impression: The 370Z is super solid, well balanced and has the power/torque to make anyone, out-toed or not, feel like a track star. And don't even get me started on how cool the SynchroRev is. If you can't tell, I heart the 370Z.
Tunability: Given the popularity of the 350Z and the parts already trickling out for the G37, it's only a matter of time before your budget will be the only limit on tuning the new 370Z.