Carry on, Nissan

Already 6 generations in, it’s easy to lose track of precious time when running circles inside Nissan’s latest and greatest of the Z-car children. Those who appreciate finely-tuned overseas sports drivability at a not outrageous price should check out the Nissan 370Z. It’s great on open roads, and adept enough to zip through city streets while slashing parking woes.

Here’s a snapshot of the anti-eco sensation, the one and only 2012 Nissan 370Z. Smarten up on things and then build your own 2-seat coupe at Carwoo.

2012 Nissan 370Z Updates and Features

First on the docket: Some of the interior woes that bothered 350Z owners were thrown out the window when Nissan upgraded to the 370Z. The biggest plus up front? It’s got a glovebox! No more reaching behind the seat in a dangerous fashion to store/grab random items. Your road mates thank you for that, Nissan.  The 2012 version comes along with all the same features that you fell in love with last year, including the following …

2012 Nissan 370Z Performance

The 370Z packs a 3.7L V6 with 332 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque standard on base and Touring trims. Add some Nismo muscle to receive 350 HP and 276 pound feet.  A 6-speed manual comes standard on base 370Z and Touring trims (Coupe and Roadster), with the option for a 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters.  The 7-speed auto comes standard for the base Roadster, while the Nismo 370Z Coupe gets a 6-speed manual with SynchroRev Match.

2012 Nissan 370Z Transmission Superiority

Add the available Sport package or go with the Nismo trim and receive superior shifting:

- SynchroRev Match automatically adjusts the vehicle’s rpm to match wheel speed, allowing for the perfect downhift.

- SynchroRev achieves subtle head nods because it monitors the clutch pedal, shift lever, and overall speed, combines these elements, and, as Nissan puts it, simply ‘blips’ the throttle to the correct rpm for silky smooth downshifting.

This way you can finally achieve ‘professional shifting,’ and feel like a pro on the daily commuter circuit.

2012 Nissan Fuel Economy

It’s nothing too painful here, just a shot to the arm at 18/26/21 (city/highway/combined) MPG for manually driven coupes, and 19/26/22 with an automatic.  The numbers dip just slightly for roadsters- they squeeze out 18/25/20 with manuals, while autos up combined MPG to 21.

370Z Exterior & Interior Specs

370Z manages to be light on its feet, which brings to mind the obvious benefits of high speed handling and overall quickness. If you slap on the Sport package ($3,030), featuring alloy wheels with performance tires, sport brakes, and limited slip differential, 370Z will get from 0-60 in the low to mid 5 second range, depending on the trim.

Thanks for scorching up racetracks goes in part to a shorter overall length (167.2 in.), wheelbase (100.4 in.), and aluminum hood, doors, and hatch than previous efforts. All these considerations help 370Z coast along at around 3,300 lbs. (3,400 lbs. plus for roadster), again considering trim and transmission.

A shorter exterior translates to minimal luggage space with 6.9 cubic feet for the coupe and just 4.2 cubes in the roadster. But, given the windblown experience of destination driving, 370Z lovers should be able to stack loads of memories into their cranial cavities.

2012 Nissan Safety

370Z standards include anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control, active head restraints, and a standard airbag setup for the coupe, including front-side and side curtain bags.  The 370Z Roadster gets door mounted bags.  Even with no backseat, drivers have expressed some difficulty with rear visibility, so the Navigation package ($2,150) includes a rearview camera.  The 370Z has not gone through federal government or IIHS crash testing.

 Why Nissan?

Compared to, say, the Porsche Cayman, which starts at $51,900, 370Z’s cost seems like a dream, with a base figure of $31,910- that’s almost $20,000 less folks. And remember, 2 seats means having to leave woes behind, so you’re left with the simple joys of the road. The 2012 370Z will make you think you can walk on water. Don’t actually attempt it. Take a ride, fall in love, and experience monetarily saved bliss.

Come get happy with your own Nissan 370Z.

Here’s a video highlighting some of the 370Z’s features: