2013 Nissan 370Z: Up Close

Mild is a generous way to describe Nissan's changes to the 2013 370Z, but there's still a lot to like if you're a sports car fan. The coupe's compact, athletic proportions haven't changed, and the Z has a great stance.

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The front grille and bumper have been simplified, but the new design works, allowing the arrow-shaped headlights to serve as the distinctive design element. LED daytime running lights, which have quickly become a must-have design feature, accent the front corners.

2013 Nissan 370Z at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show

• Competes with: Hyundai Genesis coupe, Ford Mustang
• Looks like: Nissan is copying Porsche's philosophy regarding the 911: the fewer noticeable changes, the better 
• Drivetrain: 332- or 350-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive 
• Hits dealerships: June 2012

The Nissan 370Z sports car receives a number of cosmetic changes for the 2013 model year, but the V-6 powertrain carries over unchanged. Available June 2012, the 2013 370Z will again be offered in coupe, roadster and high-performance NISMO form.

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Z fans will readily spot the subtle design tweaks, but they'll likely go unnoticed by the majority of observers. Changes include a restyled front lip spoiler that trades the fangs of its predecessor for a cleaner, sleeker look. There are also new LED daytime running lights at the car’s front corners. The only change to the rear is a new red reflector below the license plate. NISMO versions, which have unique front and rear styling, don't receive these changes, but they do gain high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid.

Nissan to Show Off NV, Refreshed 370Z in Chicago

Nissan has confirmed that it plans to unveil two vehicles at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show next month. A new addition to the NV commercial vehicle family and a freshened-for-2013 370Z will make their debuts in the Windy City.

Although Nissan hasn't released which NV will be at the show, we're guessing it might be the NV200 passenger vehicle, a truck considerably smaller than the automaker's 2012 NV 1500, 2500 and 3500 cargo vans. The NV200 is sold in around 40 countries, and Nissan has said that it plans to make it available in the U.S. 

Nissan unveiled an electric version of the NV200 at this year's Detroit auto show in the form of the e-NV200 concept. We also saw the NV200 in taxi trim last year in New York. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission has chosen it to become the city's exclusive taxi beginning in late 2013.

Nissan's current 370Z sports coupe and convertible were last redesigned for the 2009 model year. Check back with us in early February for more from the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

Recall Alert: 2011 Nissan 370Z, 2011-12 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Nissan is recalling about 1,800 2011 370Z vehicles and 2011-12 Infiniti G37 coupes because a faulty power window could cause a pinch injury before the window automatically reverses, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
On the affected vehicles, the power window switch controller is out of specification due to a programming error. In the case of an obstruction, like a finger or body part, the auto reverse — also called pinch protection — will still function, but there’s a chance of a pinch injury before the window reverses.
 
The affected vehicles were built between July 2 and Aug. 29. Dealers will replace the power window switches for free. The recall is expected to start around Nov. 28. For more info, Nissan owners can call 800-647-7261, and Infiniti owners can call 800-662-6200. Either can call NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

Cars.com Reviews the 2011 Nissan 370Z

Even though it’s been on the road for a few years, the Nissan 370Z’s looks can still make fellow motorists jealous, says Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays. The sporty appearance portends nimble and fast handling, which the 370Z has in spades. Still, how does this Nissan roadster stack up against American muscle and its premium German sport car competition?

2011 Nissan 370Z Review

Cars.com Podcast: 2011 Kia Forte Five-Door, 2012 Infiniti M56X, 2011 Nissan 370Z Roadster

There’s a little bit of everything in this week’s podcast. Kia has been on a roll lately with its Optima sedan and Sorento SUV, but they’ve got compacts, too, and unlike Hyundai, they have a hatchback version of the Forte compact sedan. Does it make the Forte platform more versatile? And how do editors Joe Wiesenfelder, Kelsey Mays and Mike Hanley feel about the new Infiniti M56X and Nissan 370Z Roadster?

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2011 Nissan 370Z Roadster Video

Like the regular Nissan 370Z, the roadster is quick and refined, and it has an easy-to-use power-retractable soft-top, says Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays. Unfortunately, this is a pricey option when compared against the V-8-powered Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang convertibles.

2012 Nissan Lineup: Ch-Ch-Changes

For the 2012 model year, Nissan will refresh the Maxima, add a Special Edition Package to the Rogue and increase the standard features on the Leaf. The automaker released the planned model-year changes for its lineup this week.

Nissan also plans to continue to sell the old Versa hatchback alongside the completely redesigned Versa sedan, which was first shown at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.

Continue reading below for more detailed information.

Nissan's SynchroRev Match: Driver Friend or Foe?

Blasphemy is what I cried when first reading about Nissan’s SynchroRev Match option. It automates the fancy-foot technique of rev-matching a manual transmission for smooth downshifts. Driving a true sports car like the 2010 Nissan 370Z should be a full control experience. At least that was my old way of thinking, but it’s executed so flawlessly I’ve learned to embrace the sacrilege.

Cars.com Podcast: 2010 Nissan 370Z and 2011 Jaguar XKR

 
This week we talk sports packages, high-tech performance options, levels of luxury and throw in a little open-air driving — and that’s just in discussing two models that recently came through our test fleet. Editors Joe Wiesenfelder, David Thomas and Mike Hanley discuss the 2010 Nissan 370Z coupe and the refreshed 2011 Jaguar XKR convertible. Find out what makes these two stand out and what we didn’t like about both.

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2010|Nissan|370Z

2011|Jaguar|XK