NISSAN 370Z FROM ￡14,000: Simply Zed

摘要

The 370Z offers an appealing blend of thrills, reliability and low(ish) running costs. Nissan kept the formula simple when it introduced the 370Z early in 2009 as a replacement for the 350Z. As we said after an early track test in December 2008: "The 370Z takes all that was good about the 350Z, dumps the bits that didn't work and amplifies the rest by about 15 per cent." The 370Z's capacity increase to 3.7 litres brought a hike in power to 326bhp from the 350Z's 309bhp, while torque increased from 264lb ft to 269lb ft. Nissan also added improved safety, soundproofing, interior quality and rigidity without increasing kerb weight. Striking yet evolutionary styling clothed the front-engined, rear-drive sports car, available in coupe and roadster forms. The more assertive look brought changes in scale, too. The 370Z was shorter overall and in the wheelbase, plus it was lower and wider, and the engine sat 15mm lower. The result was a car that has since found favour with Autocar's testers.