The ‘Lost city of Z’ is a book about
a British explorer in the Brazilian Amazon in search for the city of Z
which he believes existed before the continent was colonized. So rich
was this city in the heart of the jungle that it was wealthier than any
city in Europe. Ultimately
the explorer paid with his life for his obsession and the legend of the
city still remains shrouded in myth. Passion knows no end and it drove
the explorer to the brink of madness much in the same way sportscar
enthusiasts are driven to madness by the name of ‘Z’. Referring to
course to the Nissan 370Z. The latest variant of this sports car was launched in 2009 and it competes with the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Porsche Cayman. In India the Nissan 370Z is available in both manual and automatic transmissions but is this Japanese coupe ready to take the fight to the Germans?
Design
The
370Z is similar to look like its predecessor. The most evident exterior
change are the head lights which look like boomerangs. The 370 Z also
comes with a High Intensity Discharge (HID) and bi-functional xenon
headlights. The Z’s wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter than the
model it replaces which is achieved by moving the rear wheels forward in
the 2nd generation FM platform. Nissan
has also increased the overall width by 1.3 inches and overall height
is reduced by 0.3 inches giving the 370Z a much more aggressive stance.
The 370Z keeps all of the signature elements of this sportscar like the
long nose, canopy cockpit and the muscular fenders. The broad-shouldered
rear shape is highlighted by the boomerang taillights and wide flared
rear fenders. The 370Z is a sleek silhouette like its rivals but looks
the most aggressive in its class. The Japanese coupe looks very
aggressive and sporty but Porsche Cayman looks more exclusive.
Interior
The
dashboard layout of the 370Z is more futuristic than its competitors
and design elements like air vents, instrument cluster and the gear knob
are all designed with a fluid shape to match with the overall design.
Unlike its competitor the gauges are attached to the steering wheel
which allows the driver to choose between the perfect steering position
and visibility. The instrument panel retains the traditional 3-pod
cluster layout with the oil temperature, voltmeter and clock. The
leather wrapped steering wheel of the 370 Z it new and we like the Z
sign from the middle. Its rivals come with their manufacturer logo at
the centre.
What we like about the Z are its driver focused
details and it features an improved frame for the seats that helps them
to grip the driver better during cornering. The door armrests offer
extra support while cornering but it’s only the front seats that are
available on the 370Z and there is relatively little cargo space
compared to its competitors. The 370Z however is more spacious than cars
in its segment.
The seats offer higher level of comfort than most
sports cars and the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT don’t have electrically
adjustable seats and cruise control as standard. Interior packaging is
enhanced from the previous generation including the removal of the rear
strut brace (replaced with less intrusive structural reinforcements) and
by adding a new "shelf" area behind the seats. There is also a new
locking glove compartment.
The 370Z Touring model has 4-way power
adjustable heated synthetic suede and leather sport seats with
adjustable lumbar support, 6CD Bose audio system and Bluetooth Phone
System. You also get safety features like “Safety Shield”, ABS with EBD,
Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, LED high-mounted
stop lamp and Dual front, side and curtain SRS airbags. Optional
features include Navigation Package includes like the touch-screen
Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and
Interface System for iPod.
Engine
The
Nissan 370 Z is powered by a 24-valve 3.7-litre petrol engine which has
a maximum output of 332PS @ 7000 rpm and max torque of 363Nm comes in
at 5200rpm. The power output is lesser than Audi TT
RS but more than the Cayman and the Cayman being lighter achieves a
better top speed. The Z reaches 100kmph in just 5.3 seconds which is
slower than the Audi
TT RS. The engine note unfortunately isn’t as strong as its
competitors. The Nissan is available in both manual and automatic
transmissions and its "SynchroRev Match" function in the transmission
automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the
exact speed of the next gear position. This improves vehicle balance and
smoothness by reducing the typical "shock" when the clutch is engaged.
The system can be deactivated with a button next and the SynchroRev
Match system is offered as part of the optional Sport Package.
Drive
The
Nissan 370Z provides good grip and it is easy to drive. The ride
quality is agile and the car handles effortlessly. With its heavy front
end because of the front engine layout the Z will not be able to match
the mid-engine low weight dynamics of the Porsche Cayman.
The coefficient of drag is 0.30 (0.29 with the Sport Package) is the
same as the previous generation 350Z Coupe and the new Z maintains the
previous generation’s zero front lift and zero rear lift with the rear
spoiler and thanks to extensive aerodynamics efforts. The "inverse
area" design on the front bumper smoothens the flow of air to the sides
of the vehicle and the rear design maximizes the control of air flow
from the roof to the rear hatch.
The front body torsion rigidity
is improved and a new front suspension cradle is added to reduce front
body lateral bending. Rear body rigidity is improved as well which
increases overall solidity and handling capability.
Competition
Nissan
370 Z handles well, its design is muscular and its price is less
compared to the Porsche Cayman or Audi TT RS. Porsche Cayman offers a
better control thanks to its mid-engine design. The build quality of the
Nissan can’t be compared with Audi, BMW
or Porsche but the interior of the 370 Z looks more futuristic than its
competitors. The boot space is also less than Cayman or TT RS and the
TT offers the practicality of a 4 seater.
Verdict
The new
Nissan 370 Z is much better than its predecessor and the Japanese
manufacturer has made significant improvements in handling and
drivability. The design keeps the aggressive style of its predecessor
and the old engine is refined to be more powerful and smooth. A big
advantage of the car is the long list of standard features and the
relatively low price tag. The manual transmission variant is priced at
Rs55,83,246 while the automatic version is priced at Rs56,85,199.
Quotes
Top Gear:
“Which you are in the 370Z. That’s its real skill, flattering the
driver, making you look better than you are. It’s still the hooligan it
always has been - it’s just learned a few manners. Cheap at twice the
price isn’t quite right, but it’s not far off. The Audi TT will still
crush it in sales, but the 370Z is the better driver’s car.”
Edmunds:
“On the road, the 2011 Nissan 370Z provides unrelenting grip and
razor-sharp control, but it’s easy to drive and makes you feel like a
better driver than you are. The ride quality impresses with its ability
to be supple without compromising handling. The Sport package’s 19-inch
wheel-and-tire combo can get awfully noisy, especially on concrete
highway slabs. The Z’s big V6 provides formidable thrust when you jump
on the throttle, but it’s equally mannered around town. Either
transmission is a respectable choice.”
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