The Nissan 370Z, known in Japan as the Fairlady Z (Z34), was a two-seater sports car built from 2008 to 2020. It was based on the Nissan FM platform with a front mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, in coupé and roadster forms. It was the sixth-generation Z-car and was replaced by the RZ34.
Nissan 370Z at a glance
| Also called | Nissan Fairlady Z (Z34) |
|---|---|
| Production | 2008–2020 |
| Platform | Nissan FM |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm, 100 mm shorter than the 350Z |
| Length | 4,240 mm |
| Drag coefficient | 0.30, 0.29 with the Sport Package |
| Suspension | double wishbone front, multi-link rear |
| Brakes | Nissan-branded, made by Akebono |
| Bodies | coupé and roadster |
| NISMO power | 350 hp |
| Successor | RZ34 (Nissan Z) |
based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Nissan 370Z.
History of the Nissan 370Z
Starting point
The 370Z was announced on 29 October 2006 and first shown at an event in Los Angeles before the 2008 Greater LA Auto Show, where it was officially unveiled. Almost every component was redesigned from the 350Z. The wheelbase was cut by 100 mm to 2,550 mm and overall length by 69 mm to 4,240 mm, while the body grew 33 mm wider and the rear track 56 mm. The smaller exterior and lighter materials cut weight.
Structure and chassis
The car uses an aluminium front sub-frame and engine cradle, aluminium door panels, an all-aluminium bonnet and hatch, and a carbon-fibre composite radiator housing. Nissan quoted a 10 percent gain in front body torsional rigidity, up to 22 percent at the rear and up to 30 percent in rear vertical bending. Suspension is by double wishbones at the front with forged aluminium control arms and knuckles, and a multi-link rear with forged aluminium upper and lower arms. The brakes moved from Brembo racing brakes to Nissan-branded units made by Akebono.
Versions through the years
The coupé went on sale in North America in early 2009 and in Japan on 1 December 2008; European deliveries began in April 2009. The roadster followed in 2009 and was discontinued in the United States after 2019, though it stayed on sale in Canada to 2020. The NISMO version of 2009 had 350 hp, a six-speed manual with SynchroRev Match, stiffer springs and bars, 19-inch RAYS wheels and larger brakes; it was facelifted for 2015 with red accents, new LED daytime lights and Recaro seats.
Design and features
- Shorter chassis: a 100 mm shorter wheelbase and a much stiffer body than the 350Z.
- Aluminium panels: bonnet, hatch, doors and front structure save weight.
- SynchroRev Match: automatic throttle blipping on manual NISMO cars.
- Sport Package: 19-inch forged wheels and a drag coefficient of 0.29.
Nissan 370Z versions
- 370Z Coupé (2008–2020): the standard two-seater.
- 370Z Roadster (2009–2019): soft-top, to 2020 in Canada.
- NISMO 370Z (2009–2020): 350 hp, manual only, stiffer chassis.
- Fairlady Z Version NISMO (2011–2013): the Japanese-market equivalent.
The 370Z replaced the 350Z and sits alongside the GT-R in Nissan’s sports range. More cars are in the Nissan collection.
Video: Nissan 370Z
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- Nissan 370Z, English Wikipedia: dimensions, structure, chassis, versions, NISMO
