2017 Nissan 370Z Coupe

The 2017 Nissan 370Z Coupe remained as one of the most vibrant and dynamic sports cars available in North America, as well as one of the best performance values – with a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. It was offered in a choice of four models: 370Z, 370Z Touring, 370Z Sport and 370Z Sport Tech. There were no option packages. One new exterior colour was available for 2017, Chicane Yellow.

Dynamic Motion – in Design and Performance

The 2017 370Z Coupe's aerodynamic exterior design incorporated intentional 240Z styling cues from the original and now classic 240Z – including a short wheelbase, wide track, low center of gravity and fluid silhouette.

It offered a "dynamic motion" feel with a dramatic cantilevered roof and a "low visual gravity." The sleek profile was defined by its upswept quarter window design that was echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame.

Another distinctive feature of the bold exterior design was the headlight/taillight treatment, which featured a fierce "boomerang" shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off feature and LED daytime running lamps are standard.

A Driver-Oriented Cockpit

The interior of the 370Z Coupe continued the longstanding Z® tradition of enhancing driving pleasure. The traditional 2-seat layout was built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The design focus incorporated a "layer concept," with an information layer, an operation layer and a holding layer.

The information layer provides good visibility with easy access to all key data. The gauges are attached to the steering column, so the driver doesn't have to choose between a preferred steering wheel position and visibility of the gauges. The large upper steering wheel opening in front of the gauges is designed to provide a good view of the readouts.

The instrument panel retained the traditional 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an "initial sweep" function, coming alive when the Z® is first started.

A Standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6

Along with its iconic style and full-feature cockpit, the 370Z Coupe delivered exhilarating performance. The 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) is rated at 332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm.

Key to the outstanding performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.

The engine is backed by a choice of two advanced transmissions, both designed to improve driver performance. The close-ratio 6-speed manual includes an available synchronized downshift rev matching system (Sport and Sport Tech models), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gearshift performance. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts.

- Nissan News

CarAndTruck.caAug. 3, 2018