2009 Nissan 370Z Review

Change is a word that was bandied about quite a bit over the course of 2008. Nissan gave it some consideration too, except at Nissan it wasn't applied to something imperfect that needed improvements. It was about making something already good even better.

The phrase smaller, lighter and faster naturally plays together, however when it comes to new cars, smaller and lighter are words we haven’t seen very often. Typically, each new succession of an existing model is larger and heavier, so the manufacturer has to drop in more engine to maintain performance.

Well, with the 2009 Nissan 370Z, you get your larger engine, but instead of having to lug around a heavier car, this larger engine actually has less mass to move than its predecessor did. And we all know what that means –– more performance!

 
We have to admit though, when the preliminary phote of the new Z’s profile was released, we were somewhat dismayed. That truncated tail just didn’t flow to our eye. However, in person, you get fat fender flares, a semi-Coke bottle plan view, fat dual exhaust tips, and a cool little ducktail spoiler that kicks up just right. The rear 3/4 view of the 370Z is singularly captivating. You’re going to love the look of this car.

 You’re going to love driving it too.

Here’s a recipe you’ll love; take 332 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque, combine with a curb weight under 3200 pounds and accelerate vigorously. You’ll get to 60 from zero in about five seconds. This new 3.7-liter version of Nissan’s creamy smooth V6 engine whips out 332 horsepower at 7000 rpm when installed in the new Z. It also produces 270 foot-pounds of torque at 5200 rpm.The 3.7’s torque curve is broader than the 3.5’s it replaces too; stronger thrust is available throughout its rev range. Additionally, the 3.7 winds more freely than the 3.5 in the upper part of the tach. Where the previous engine got a little hesitant as it approached redline, the needle in the 370Z swings uninhibited––all the way to 7500 rpm.

 

Structural refinements to the body have resulted in a stiffer platform that delivers crisper turn-in and greatly elevated levels of agility. The steering feels more alive as well. The rear strut tower brace that we loved the look of, but hated the fact that it inhibited cargo capacity has been moved forward. It’s no longer a design element, but it does its job even better and body roll is negligible. Long story short, the 2009 Nissan 370Z cuts in, takes a set, and tracks right through a corner with amazing balance. This lets you clip an apex and get right back on the go pedal without worrying about the back end breaking loose on you. Unless you want it to, because the 370Z also has more than enough power on hand to let you steer the back end with the throttle. Beautifully elegant tire smoking drifts are but a clutch-pop away.

 

 If you’ve never quite been able to get the hang of the heel and toe thing to match revs on downshifts, Nissan has you covered with the 370’s new six-speed manual transmission. Come off the throttle and on to the clutch and the transmission anticipates a downshift. When you slide the lever into the slot for the lower gear you need the engine’s rpm rises to match the gear you’re choosing. And yes, it works, really well. If you’re already good at it and in the habit of doing so, it can take you a bit by surprise. If you’re absolutely convinced you can do it yourself just as well, there is an off switch. The seven-speed automatic introduced earlier this year in the Infiniti G37 (with the same lovely aluminum paddle shifters behind the steering wheel) is available as well.

 While the exterior shape is somewhat familiar, the interior is all-new. There’s a glovebox in the dash now and the materials have been vastly improved throughout the interior. The center stack is finished in a leather-like material that’s nicely padded and French-stitched. The new three-spoke steering wheel has a nice heft to it and an appropriately aggressive look. The only thing that gave us cause to go hmm was the electronic fuel gauge that really doesn’t match anything else in the car. Maybe it’s foreshadowing future changes, but right now, it just looks out of place.

Still though, the 2009 Nissan 370Z is an absolute delight to drive. It’s fast; has amazing balance, rides comfortably and smoothly, and is just as exciting with its automatic transmission as it is with its new six-speed manual. To sum it all up, this new Z definitely represents change we can believe in.