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Nissan’s 1970 240Z revolutionized the sports car segment with sharp looks and affordable performance. Today’s 370Z is the spiritual successor to the 240 because it uses the same formula.

The 370Z is not a car for someone who prefers to blend in with traffic. Few cars have the visceral appeal of this low-slung coupe. The low top, big wheels and broad, flat nose create a hunkered-down stance that screams performance even when it is sitting in the driveway.

The Z rides on Nissan’s FM chassis platform that carries the engine closer to the center of the vehicle for better driving dynamics.

The wheelbase of the new Z is 100.4 inches compared to 104.3 inches for the previous model. The rear wheels have been moved forward and the car is 2.7 inches shorter. To keep an aggressive stance, Nissan increased the rear track by 2.2 inches and reduced the overall height slightly.

Rear fenders that bulge like the biceps of a weightlifter accentuate the wider rear track.

The entire body structure has been revised for added stiffness, and that contributes to better handling and a more compliant ride. The hood, door panels and rear hatch are aluminum to save weight.

Like the original 240, the 370 has surprising performance considering its base price of $29,930. The 3.7-liter V-6 produces 332 horsepower and delivers 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway.

I drove a Touring model with the automatic transmission, and its base price was $35,760.

The test car had the optional seven-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is standard. The manual transmission has a clever rev-matching feature that smooths downshifts.

Anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control are standard. The sport package has larger brakes.

A high-performance version of the coupe, with 350 horsepower, 19-inch wheels and a tighter suspension, goes on sale in June. A convertible will be available toward the end of the summer.

Everything about the ride shouted “sports car.” The car didn’t dip or bob during acceleration and braking, and it attacked corners flatly. The price for this aggressive handling, however, is a ride that can be a bit harsh on any less-than-smooth pavement.

Sliding into the cockpit is relatively easy, although getting out is a bit tougher for those of us who are no longer as young as we think we are. The car feels as if the rear wheels were fastened directly to the driver’s seat.

The silver test car’s cabin had orange seats that were pretty gaudy, but they were nicely contoured and had excellent support. Black and gray seats are also offered.

The shape of the driver’s seat is subtly different from the passenger seat. The bottom cushion has cutouts for the driver’s thighs to facilitate operating the pedals.

The quality of interior pieces has been improved over the last Z car. A row of gauges sits atop the center of the dash and a large LCD screen is used for the optional navigation system.

The main gauge pod moves in concert with the adjustable steering wheel and that keeps the gauges always visible regardless of where the wheel sits.

The fuel gauge is a row of LED dots, and it’s not nearly as easy to read at a glance as a traditional gauge with needle.

Push-button start is standard, as are power windows, power locks, automatic climate control and an AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers.

The Touring model adds power seats, upgraded Bose stereo, satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity for a hands-free phone.

Front, side and side-curtain airbags are standard.

Price

The base price of the test car was $35,760. Options on the test car included the navigation system and a hard disc for storing music files, floor mats and illuminated kick plates. The sticker price was $38,715.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2009 Nissan 370Z Touring

Engine: 3.7-liter, 332-hp V-6

Transmission: automatic

Rear-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 100.4 inches

Curb weight: 3,314 lbs.

Base price: $35,760

As driven: $38,715

MPG rating: 18 city, 26 hwy.

Tom Strongman’s e-mail address is tom@tomstrongman.com.