The two-seat Nissan 370Z sports car receives a number of cosmetic changes for the 2013 model year, but the V-6 powertrain carries over unchanged. Available in June 2012, the 2013 370Z will again be offered in coupe, roadster and high-performance NISMO form. Competitors include the Hyundai Genesis coupe and Ford Mustang.
Z fans will spot the subtle design tweaks, but they’ll likely go unnoticed by most observers. Changes include a restyled front lip spoiler that trades the fangs on its predecessor for a cleaner, sleeker look. There are also new LED daytime running lights at the front corners of the car. 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.
The 370Z has standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and 19-inch rims are optional. These sizes are available for the 2013 model year, but the designs are new. Nineteen-inch wheels are included with the Sport Package, which gains red brake calipers and retuned shocks.
The Z’s two-seat cabin is big enough for taller drivers, and the relationship between the seat and steering wheel makes for a great driving position. Though the interior doesn’t see any significant changes for 2013, materials quality is still decent.
Standard features include manual cloth seats, a CD stereo and cruise control. Options include power-adjustable leather seats, a six-CD stereo, a navigation system and a backup camera.
The 2013 370Z is powered by Nissan’s familiar 332-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6. The engine teams with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. In NISMO models, exhaust and engine-computer tuning yield 350 hp from the same engine. Nissan’s highly effective SynchroRev Match, which takes the guesswork out of engine rev-matching when downshifting, is optional for the manual transmission.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes with brake assist, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system and active head restraints.
