LOS ANGELES, California: It is always an uphill task to replace a highly successful car. Which explains why the Nissan 350Z, launched in 2003, has had such a long reign.
The route of least resistance is to pander to the whims of the masses. And that usually means a larger, heavier and more luxurious successor.
Instead, Nissan has taken another path.
It made the new 370Z lighter, shorter and faster. The car delivers better fuel efficiency without resorting to high-tech solutions such as hybrid drive or lean-burn engines.
The 370Z is no mere facelift. It is a complete rebuild. By using lightweight materials, the engineers have made it 40kg lighter than its predecessor.
In total, they shaved off 100kg - to compensate for new safety and technological features that had to be added.
Photos: Nissan, Reuters
One of these is what Nissan calls SynchroRev Matching. Meant only for the six-speed manual version with the sports package, SynchroRev Matching duplicates the race driver's time-honoured practice of blipping the throttle between shifts while performing a heel-and-toe ritual called double declutching.
It really works, especially when you are driving fast. Gear changes are smoothened noticeably.
The quality of the gearshift has also been made more accurate and direct to improve the quality of the drive experience.
The car's new 3.7-litre V6 uses variable valve timing and lift (termed Vvel by Nissan) to produce a peak output of 332bhp, while delivering lots of torque at low revs for effortless everyday driving.
There is a newfound eagerness to this engine and it translates to a 0-100kmh time of 5.8 seconds, a tad quicker than the previous car.
NISSAN 370Z
Engine:3,696cc 24-valve V6 Transmission: Six-speed manual Power: 332bhp at 7,000rpm Torque: 365Nm at 5,200rpm 0-100kmh:5.8 seconds (6.2 for auto) Top speed: 250kmh (electronically limited) Fuel consumption: 13 litres/100km (city) Price: $151,800 with COE Distributor:Tan Chong Motors
As for handling, the 370Z has a modern demeanour. It feels more agile. It is more accurate as well. It is definitely an easier car to live with than the 350Z.
The new styling is bold and attention grabbing, with boomerang-shaped lamps and an edgy rear kink on its window lines. It is not to everyone's taste but it suits the cutting-edge character of the car.
The 370Z is confirmation that Nissan has a knack for making very good and affordable sports cars.
A seven-speed automatic ($3,000 extra) is also available for folks who want an even more effortless way to enjoy the car.
