Now available for order in Malta, the new 370Z takes Nissan's iconic sportscar line to new heights. Shorter and lighter than its predecessor, it bristles with new technology, including automatic 'heel and toe' gear shifts for the first time on a manual.
Through its various incarnations, the Nissan Z has become a global bestseller that has helped it become an iconic Japanese sports car.
Nissan's engineers have made the latest in a long line of Z cars sharper: Handling has been improved thanks to a front and rear track wider by 15mm and 55mm, a wheelbase that has been shortened by 100mm and a body structure that offers greater rigidity.
To enable the driver to exploit the greater handling potential, the V6 engine has been increased in capacity to 3.7 litres, while extensive use of lightweight materials - including aluminium for the doors, bonnet and tailgate - has trimmed 32kg from the car's kerb weight.
The new engine features variable valve event and lift for improved low-end power and great high-end torque.
Sporting a new six-speed manual transmission which incorporates synchro rev control, the 370Z boasts the world's first fully synchronised shift rev control system, allowing perfectly smooth up and down shifts every time.
Downshift rev matching is a feature of the new seven-speed automatic transmission option which delivers rapid downshifts and a matching 'blip' of the throttle when used in manual mode. The new transmission also incorporates paddle shifters for ultimate control.
Even though totally new from the ground up, the new 370Z shares clear DNA with the outgoing 350Z, and even with the original 240Z from 1970. The overall silhouette retains the long bonnet and compact body of a traditional sports car, and which is blended with short front and rear overhangs and muscular haunches to underline its undisputed ability.
The new car adapts other Z styling cues such as the chunky aluminium door handles and the Z logo on the front wing, which now incorporates a side turn indicator. The cantilever roof line echoes a style found on Nissan's iconic supercar, the GT-R.
Other notable changes include the 'boomerang' shape of the tail lights, the arrowhead head lights, while the air intake integrated in the aggressive nose treatment has been likened to a shark's jaw.
At the rear, the fog-lamp is mounted in the middle of the lower part of the rear bumper, reminiscent of the positioning of the rear light on a Formula One car.
Inside, the 370Z continues the Z tradition of placing the driver at the centre of the action. The cockpit layout retains the three dials in the centre of the dashboard and angled directly at the driver, who is separated from the passenger by a sturdy full-length centre console. Particular attention has been paid to quality improvements with better fit and finish and materials including soft touch plastics on the instrument panel and, depending on the grade, leather and suede on the seats and doors.
The 370Z starts at €68,700 and is available from Mizzi Motors, tel. 2133 4196.