Up Close: 2009 Nissan 370Z

If photos of the 370Z make it look like the spitting image of its 350Z predecessor, the similarities are even greater in-person. This Z assumes the same stance, complete with oversized rear fenders and vertical door handles. Aside from the reshaped headlights — Nissan calls them “boomerang” shapes, but hardcore nerds might see a Star Trek symbol — the most noticeable changes are the front and rear bumpers, which seem busier than before. Gone are the old Z’s vertical reflectors on each side of the air dam; the air dam itself, by contrast, has a bit more going on. Ditto for the lower rear bumper.

Inside, quality has improved decisively over the outgoing Z, with stitched wrappings around the A/C and climate controls. Inboard kneepads, a clever feature on the old Z, are still there, as are power seat controls mounted next to the seat cushions themselves. Don’t eat and drive — those crevices will collect crumbs like the Tennessee Titans collect wins.

The seats themselves feel more comfortable than I remember the old Z’s being; alas, the steering wheel still doesn’t telescope, although it carries the gauge pod along with it when you tilt it. Nissan’s short-throw shifter feels as perfect as ever, and we’ll be interested to see how that downshift rev-matching feature works.

More live shots below.

Comments

[Mart]

Although I can see the similarities, i think the shorter wheelbase has been hugely influential in making this new model look much better proportioned than the 350Z. This car looks like a proper sportscar, whereas I always thought the old model looked a bit illongated. This car looks properly muscly around the haunches...