Cars are getting more expensive, right? Well not all of them, actually, as Nissan is reducing the list price of the
370Z
Toyobaru too wimpy ? Cheaper Zee says yes
The simplified MY2013 370Z range now starts at £26,995, which is £3,005 less than the ostensibly identical 2012 car. Yes, the front bumper had been slightly tweaked and there are some new paint colours available but otherwise the 370Z remains the same coupe it's been since 2009, just for less cash.
That means it's still powered by a 328hp 3.7-litre V6 that also makes 270lb ft of torque. Our colleagues at Autocar timed a 370Z from 0-100mph in 12.8 seconds back in 2009 so there's no doubting its performance credentials. As Nissan admits (or is that boasts?), the 370Z 'is set to make similarly-priced rivals look distinctly weedy'.
For those who crave more intensity from the 370Z experience, the MY2013 changes also bring the 370Z NISMO to the range. For £36,995, it gains another 16hp over the standard car, taking it to 344hp. A new bodykit improves airflow around the car, whilst suspension and brake upgrades should further improve the dynamic performance.
NISMO'd Zee is on its way soon
The base 370Z and NISMO models are only available as six-speed manual coupes, which appropriately conforms to the no-nonsense, slightly old-school attitude. For those wanting an automatic or a convertible (the big wimps), a 370Z GT is the only option. An auto GT coupe is £33,345, the equivalent cabrio £37,945. Both are also offered as manuals for £1,450 less.
Now it doesn't take a marketing genius to realise what Nissan is trying to achieve with its dramatic 370Z price cut and who those 'weedy' rivals are; it wants the attention of prospective Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ buyers. Chris Harris has compared them already on video and, whilst very different in their approaches, you can't help but smile that two such exciting coupes are available new for around £25,000.
And the NISMO? We'll be driving that as soon as possible. All of the revised 370Z models go on sale next month, with the first deliveries expected in July.