2012 Nissan 370Z: What's New

Vehicle Overview

The two-seat Z competes with cars ranging from the Mazda RX-8 to the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. Trim levels include the 370Z and uplevel 370Z Touring. There is also a convertible 370Z roadster, as well as a high-performance NISMO 370Z.

(Skip to details on the: NISMO 370Z, roadster)

New for 2012
There are no significant changes for the 2012 model year.

Exterior
The Z features a roofline with a low-cut slant and boomerang-shaped headlights that look a bit like the ones on Nissan’s flagship Maxima sedan. Vertical pillars split the front air dam, while the taillights have a similar boomerang shape. Exterior features include:

• Standard bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
• Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
• Optional 19-inch alloy wheels
• Standard dual exhaust pipes

Interior
The Z’s interior has a minimalist look, with a sculpted dash wrapping around the gauges and passenger confines. A three-spoke steering wheel carries a simple “Z” logo, while the center control panel has leather-stitched accents. Interior features include:

• Standard keyless entry with push-button start
• Standard power windows and locks
• Standard CD stereo with steering-wheel controls and auxiliary input
• Eight-way driver’s-seat adjustment, four-way passenger seat
• Optional power-adjustable seats
• Optional heated leather and faux suede seats
• Optional navigation system and backup camera with six-CD, USB/iPod-compatible Bose stereo

Under the Hood
There’s only one engine available for the coupe. The Z’s 3.7-liter V-6 uses Nissan’s high-tech VVEL valve-lift system — not unlike BMW’s Valvetronic — to achieve 332 horsepower at a zingy 7,000 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and it can come with Nissan’s downshift rev-match feature, which matches downshifts like a good heel-and-toe driver might do on a racetrack. Mechanical features include:

• Standard 332-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 270 pounds-feet of torque
• Standard six-speed manual transmission
• Optional seven-speed automatic with steering-wheel paddle shifters
• Standard four-wheel vented disc brakes

Safety
Safety features include:

• Standard side-impact and side curtain airbags
• Standard active head restraints
• Standard antilock brakes
• Standard traction control and electronic stability system
• Optional upgraded 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear brake discs, versus 12.6-inch standard discs

NISMO 370Z
The NISMO 370Z is built for the racing enthusiast. The exterior is marked by an extended nose, side sills and a different rear from the coupe. The interior sports a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well as black and red fabric with red stitching. The NISMO has a more powerful engine than the coupe or roadster. It uses a 350-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 276 pounds-feet of torque. It’s paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that also features Nissan’s downshift rev-match feature. Other features include:

• Standard five-spoke, 19-inch alloy wheels
• Standard limited-slip differential
• Standard sport brakes with 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear discs
• NISMO-tuned suspension
• Standard functional rear spoiler (Back to top)

Roadster
The 370Z roadster shares many characteristics with the coupe, including engine, transmission, suspension and exterior design. The most obvious departure is its power convertible top, which requires no latches to release before operating. Other features include:

• Added body reinforcements
• Optional heated and cooled seats
• Optional Bluetooth cell phone connectivity
• Optional satellite radio and navigation system (Back to top)