The Nismo
370Z is still a child in terms of lifespan with the first model coming into the picture in 2009, so the idea of the 370Z strolling into the 2011MY with an abundance of additions is pretty naive. Instead, and not unexpected, the Nismo 370Z comes back with next to nothing altered. It still carries the same 350 HP V6 engine, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension, and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. However, Nissan is offering one new exterior color: Gun Metallic.
As we have already mentioned, the 2011
Nissan Nismo 370Z will have a 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 engine that delivers a total of 350hp at 7,400 rpm with 276 lbs of torque at 5,200 rpm. This allows the Nismo Z to hit a top speed of 155mph (electronically limited). The engine is mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual with Nissan’s “SynchroRev Match” synchronized downshift rev matching system.
The look of the Nismo will stay the same with its extended front nose, integrated chin spoiler, special side sills, unique rear bumper, and functional rear spoiler. The interior includes Nismo logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a Nismo tachometer, steering wheel with smooth leather and red parallel stitching, smooth leather wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. There is also a serialized plaque of authenticity.
The dynamic Nissan NISMO 370Z, a tuner-Z® enthusiast’s dream and the most powerful production Z® ever offered, enters its third year in 2011 – again offering 350 horsepower, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels.
Developed by Nissan’s Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan’s longstanding conversion partner, the limited production NISMO 370Z provides unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for straight from the factory. The limited production NISMO 370Z is offered in one completely equipped model with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission only and in a choice of five exterior colors, including one new exterior color for 2011: Gun Metallic.
Exterior and Interior Designs
Along with its standout performance, the 2011 NISMO Z® offers unique appearance treatments inside and out, designed to be highly emotional yet totally functional. The fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces include an extended front nose design and a fully integrated chin spoiler – providing a sense of dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance. The NISMO 370Z has an overall length of 173.4 inches – 6.2 inches longer than the standard 370Z Coupe. Special side sills and a unique rear bumper help control airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler increases downforce.
Like the standard 370Z Coupe, the NISMO 370Z exterior also includes a wide stance, sculptural fenders, upswept quarter windows, bold “boomerang” shaped headlights and taillights, vertical door handles, heated outside mirrors, and aluminum hood, door panels and hatchback. The headlights are a High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon design with an auto on/off feature. The NISMO 370Z is offered in five exterior colors: Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red and the new Gun Metallic.
Inside, the NISMO 370Z’s driver-centric interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, steering wheel with smooth leather wrap and red parallel stitching, smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. A special serialized plaque of authenticity, located on the vertical panel above the floor-mounted console, is matched to each NISMO Z®, identifying its unique serial and model year designation.
The NISMO 370Z’s 2-seat interior layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger’s seat. In the rear is an open cargo area with easy accessibility. The instrument panel includes a 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an “initial sweep” function, coming alive when the NISMO Z® is first started.
Both the driver and passenger’s seats are structured with an anti-slip material in the main seating surface. The sporty woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver’s/4-way passenger manual adjustments and adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints.
Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with timer, two 12¬volt power outlets, four cupholders (two in door panels, two in center console), dual overhead map lights and a AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.
The NISMO Z®’s long list of standard safety and security features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted side-impact air bags; seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Advanced VVEL V6 and Tuned Suspension Come Standard
Every NISMO 370Z starts with the unmatched foundation of an advanced Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). The VVEL system helps optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time.
For its use in the NISMO 370Z, the 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 produces 350 hp @ 7,400 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The NISMO Z®’s enhanced engine power and acceleration is provided through use of an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design and muffler tuning, along with optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control. The NISMO 370Z is offered with only one transmission, a close-ratio 6-speed manual with Nissan’s “SynchroRev Match” synchronized downshift rev matching system.
The “SynchroRev Match” function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the speed of the next gear position, essentially “blipping” the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves the smoothness of gear shifts by reducing the typical “shock” when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own.
The NISMO 370Z features a tight, rigid body structure with a strut tower bar brace and a pair of performance dampers, which quickly and efficiently react to help control body vibrations from road input via the tires, contributing to the NISMO 370Z’s outstanding handling and performance feel.
The NISMO Z®’s double-wishbone front/4-link rear suspension design suspension is specially tuned for exceptional handling. Compared to a standard
Nissan 370Z Coupe, front spring rates have been dialed up 15%, rear spring rates 10%, front stabilizer bar rate upped 15% and the rear stabilizer bar is 50% stiffer. The roll stiffness rate has been increased by 15% and front and rear damping factors have been increased by 40% and 140% respectively.
The NISMO 370Z rides on unique 5-spoke Nissan-branded 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels (19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear) mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires (P245/40ZR19 front, P285/35ZR19 rear).
Bringing the NISMO 370Z to a stop are standard NISMO Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented rotors with 4-piston front and 2¬piston rear aluminum calipers. The braking system also includes a variable ratio brake pedal for a more direct pedal stroke feel, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). A Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) is standard on all NISMO 370Zs, along with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the use of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load.
The Competition
If you take a short look on the official Nissan USA web page you’ll see that the Nismo 370Z targets models like
Chevrolet Corvette, Mazda RX-8 R3 or
BMW 335 i Coupe. One think we do not agree with: the Nismo 370Z can’t compete with the Corvette, after all won’t be a fair fight: the Nismo 370Z is priced below $40k, the Corvette goes up to $48k, but that’s not really a problem. The real problem in the horse power under the hood: 350 HP vs. 430 HP.
As for the RX-8 R3 and 335i, what would you choose between those two and the Nismo 370Z? Don’t know about you, but we will go for the 370Z. Why? It looks more aggressive and its sportier than the other two.
The Prices
| 370Z Coupe | 3.7 Liter V6 | 6M/T | $30,610 |
| 370Z Coupe | 3.7 Liter V6 | 7A/T | $31,910 |
| 370Z Coupe Touring | 3.7 Liter V6 | 6M/T | $35,280 |
| 370Z Coupe Touring | 3.7 Liter V6 | 7A/T | $36,580 |
| 370Z Coupe NISMO | 3.7 Liter V6 | 6M/T | $39,990 |
