Nissan’s iconic Z-car redesigned for 2009

• By STEVE WHEELER
• Advocate Wheels editor
• Published: Oct 2, 2009

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Coach used to yell, “Get your tail in an athletic stance or get off the field!”

Apparently, coach yelled the same thing at the engineers designing the 2009 Nissan 370Z, which is shorter, wider and lower to the ground than the previous generation Z.

Strong, agile and quick, this new generation Z-car is an athlete. If it played for Les Miles, the 370Z would be named All-SEC. This is the Chad Jones of cars.

The 370Z has been completely redesigned, but retains its classic Z-car style. Powered by a new 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine that has 26 more horsepower than the previous model, the 370Z is still 95 pounds lighter than the 350Z. With its wider and lower stance, the Z is planted on the road like a weed in a driveway crack.

There is an issue with road noise filtering into the cabin, but the engine sounds are sweet. The engine — 35 percent of its internal parts are new — cranks out 332 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm.

And with less weight to push around, the iconic rear wheel drive sports car can run from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds, according to Motor Trend tests. If you ask me, that gives the Z plenty of Zoom. 

Even with all this power, the Z gets 18 miles per gallon in city driving, and a respectable 26 mpg on the highway.

Two transmissions are available: a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed automatic. AWD is not available. The 6-speed has a synchronized downshift rev matching system that automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the same speed of the next gear position. It has the effect of simulating the “heel and toe” driving technique used by performance drivers. The synchro-rev feature is part of the optional sport package.

Nissan officials designed the 370Z to be an “everyday sports car,” and introduced the base model at $29,930. Our test vehicle, the 370Z Touring model with the optional navigation package, stickered at $38,715.

On the outside, the new Z is distinctive and unmistakable. Headlights and taillights have a sleek boomerang shape, the fenders are muscular and the vertical door handles remain. Five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels with performance tires are standard equipment on the 370Z.

And while it’s hard to imagine any two-seater is a convenient daily driver, the Z actually has a good bit of room behind the seats, and it’s easily accessed via the hatchback. The cockpit is driver oriented, with scooped round gauges that are easy to read. The heated four-way power leather seats with suede inserts were very comfortable in the Touring model, but Tiger fans should avoid the persimmon colored interior — it’s just too close to Volunteer orange.

Standard amenities include power everything, keyless access with pushbutton start, automatic climate control and a leather steering wheel with controls. The Touring test model upgraded the sound system to Bose.

The car hasn’t yet been crash tested by the government, and since it’s getting late in the model year, it may not ever be tested. But safety features include a full complement of airbags, including side curtains, as well as active head restraints, anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control systems.