Nissan 370Z NISMO: Driven
Nissan's big bruiser gets a NISMO nip 'n' tuck
There's a naturally-aspirated V6 in the front with the power going to the rear through a six-speed manual and a limited-slip differential. You probably knew that already but it's worth repeating. Not especially trendy in this turbocharged, dual-clutched, fancy traction control era but even more appealing because of it.
That VQ37 lump dominates from the off for both good and bad reasons. Heck is it gruff. There's a huge sense of inertia in the engine when mooching around, an issue compounded by a noise that doesn't exactly encourage gratuitous blips. It's coarse and bland and just not that pleasant from a configuration that should produce a great sound, especially unsullied as it is by forced induction. You sense a few breathing tweaks would help substantially but that's something NISMO should really address.
It's a really torquey engine though, which is great. It's linear, predictable, big capacity (well, relatively speaking) shove that again is so unfamiliar in 2015. Fourth is useable in so many situations.
And if the 370 is pushed harder? Erm, it's a bit strange actually. That engine note and the bountiful torque will ensure 4,000rpm is never really breached while still rocking along quite nicely. Really pushing it out towards the 7,500rpm limiter feels like the most unnatural thing in the world; your ears will say it's madness but there is some performance up there, or so it seems. Some real performance actually. What does the spec sheet say? 344hp at 7,400rpm. That would explain it then. Peak torque is at 5,200rpm. The numbers say it wants to rev, the experience often suggests different. Curious. If any PHers have 370s with tweaks to the exhaust or induction system, we would love to hear from you. Does it make a significant difference?
Dynamically the NISMO is, again, refreshingly simple. It's not as good as Porsche Cayman down a challenging road - too heavy and lacking some precision - but it is very entertaining. It's a big car but not one that feels especially lazy or cumbersome with a ride that's pretty stiff at low speeds but soon becomes more forgiving. Typically its composure is very good, the weight occasionally making itself known in quick direction changes or under braking. The Zed seems to prefer a slow-in, fast-out approach rather than maximum attack, ensuring the front isn't overly stretched and pushed into understeer.
What a wonderful sensation it is to feel a limited-slip differential doing its job. Not in wild bouts of Tokyo Drift oversteer but accelerating out of bends, sensing the power being apportioned across as the lock is wound off. With the traction control off (one button, one press - hallelujah!) the NISMO will oversteer and feels superbly balanced when it does move. Imagine how good it would feel as slightly smaller, significantly lighter car...
With manuals becoming rarer by the day, those that do remain need to be good. Like the Juke, the Zed's certainly is, but for different reasons. As you would hope from a big, burly coupe, it's a heavy and mechanical shift and one that's really quite satisfying. Again rather like the Juke though, the driving position is compromised. This steering wheel doesn't adjust for reach either and the seat doesn't quite go back far enough for those with gangly limbs. It's a shame really given the new Recaro 'Spinal' seats are pretty good.
Having not driven the first 370Z NISMO it's impossible to draw firm conclusions but it doesn't appear a transformative change with this revised car. The same positive aspects relating to the looks and the dynamics remain with the same slightly frustrating drawbacks of an uninspiring engine and plain interior. At £36,995 it looks pricey but when cars with delivery miles at less than £30K it looks considerably more appealing. If coupes like the Audi TT really don't appeal, the NISMO will provide a refreshing tonic. Bring on the RS.
NISSAN 370Z NISMO
Engine: 3,696cc, V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 344@7,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 274@5,200rpm
0-62mph: 5.2sec
Top speed: 155mph
Weight: 1,535kg
MPG: 26.7mpg (claimed)
CO2: 248g/km
Price: £36,995
[Pics: Tom Begley]
However the first let down was opening the door and seeing the dismal sports seats. They weren't special at all. The new ones look much better.
However, I agree with the review, the car just wasn't alive for me. The engine wasn't exciting, I could really feel the weight and size on the road. The suspension/roll bars were too stiff to try and hide weight/prevent roll. Unfortunately it wasn't the car I hoped it would be, I agree, a massive opportunity missed by Nissan with this car.
I left the dealership very disappointed, but with the roof down in my car and the engine screaming and a smile back on my face haha
The new model has a slightly nicer interior (dark trim rather than argos hifi silver plastics), but the recaro’s aren’t as comfortable (the fabric seats are designed for chubby americans) over long journeys despite being the tighter hug. Depends what you want really. I personally couldn’t abide the MkIIs ducktail spoiler, saddlebag rear bumper and butchered minge of a front bumper. The large spoiler on the MkI is perfect for blocking out headlamp glare when driving at night btw!
The MkI is pure JDM porn and gives you rockstar presence on the road. Sure it’s a bit chavvy and it seems to resonate more with tattooed folk, but you will get lots of thumbs up along the way.
Key thing to improving the experience is getting a more characterful aftermarket exhaust (£800-1400 typically) and MPSS over the Bridgestones. Induction options and boot insulation are a little superfluous. As for driving it, think fast curving A roads rather than winding Bs and you get the picture. It suits the torque curve and viscous differential best, you feel less of the mass and aren’t wrining it out to 7,000rpm all the time. The aero adds considerable high-speed stability and you’d quite happily leave this running at 130mph for an extended blast. The extra drag does make the push over 145 quite reluctant though.
It’s a GT (not a sports car) that’s been down the gym for a bit and now wears superhero spandex. Nothing more. It’s not a track weapon (too heavy and has oil temp issues) and nor is it a Merc S class for a refined pootle down to Portsmouth.
It is cheap and reliable though – particularly the powertrain, which is something a 987 or 335i cannot boast. I still wouldn’t run one without a warranty though!
Yes there is a “superior” alternative in the form of the Cayman S, but going on RRP with anything remotely approaching a comparable engine and options list it’s £20k more, along with stuff like an M3. What would you choose for a similar RRP that’s equally tasty and optioned? The new Mustang V8 looks interesting at the £35k price but involves a potentially lengthy wait. GT86? It’s a 4 pot and maybe lacking in premium feel somewhat (I really like them though). Everything else is a 4-pot turbo and/or 4WD like the TTs or GTi and not really the same experience.
Anyway the Nismo has been a UK sales disaster and is a deeply flawed car, but I still love mine and taking all of the above into account (purchase cost, running costs, reliability, practicality and unusual looks) was the best package for me.
DT
I actually thought it sounded pretty good with that exhaust. It tracked well with Carbotech pads and the oil cooler, though brake fluid needed keeping after.
But I agree that it just felt too big to be a car I truly connected with. It's cheaper than the Cayman for a reason. It just didn't really dance, and the steering felt a bit numb.
I love the concept of a reasonably priced, reasonably quick RWD manual transmission sports car, but it never really worked for me. The GT86 has a great chassis, but Toyota/Subaru just refuse to add power or brakes. And when I start looking at Caymans, I look to the S, then the GTS, then the GT4. Getting a base Cayman seems wrong, but so does spending GT4 money.
Interestingly, I had more fun driving the 2015 STI than I did driving the Z. I had no expectations, as the previous STI was underwhelming. The steering on the 2015 is amazing, and the chassis setup is incredible for back roads. I never thought I'd prefer it to a dedicated sports car, but I am actually considering it.
Interesting you mention the STI as that’s the other unashamed dinosaur out there for thirty-something PlayStation lads who kinda didn’t grow up and now have the money to buy one of their 32bit heroes!
I moved to a Focus ST that was 9/10 as rapid and far more usable. I genuinely considered the NISMO (as I did again when moving from the ST to the XFR) but just didn't feel it offered enough to justify the higher purchase price.
Looks lovely, just needs more power and an exhaust similar to the wonderful NISMO one they put on the 350z.
Just a bit heavier than the 370Z, but with significantly more power. Also the soundtrack.
Adding a sports exhaust and drop in filters results in a nice tone from the engine and I don't relate to the disappointing engine note but its a V6 after all
Also wasnt sold by the Nismo , I like the bodykit but the wheels and interior are dull and its overpriced, its now available with the excellent 7 speed auto now though , which suits the car well and the manual is not great in all honesty.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff