2012 Nissan 370Z: Video Road Test and Review

The Nissan 370Z is a sports car that draws from the brand's extensive Z car heritage to offer a modern interpretation of what a high performance coupe should have to offer. Also available in a roadster, the two-passenger Nissan 370Z manages to remain affordable despite providing buyers with a track ready package straight off of the dealership floor.

Both the Nissan 370Z coupe and roadster are motivated by the same 3.7-liter VQ six-cylinder engine that delivers 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is included as standard equipment while a seven-speed automatic gearbox can also be ordered. The latter features automatic rev-matching when a downshift is selected via the 370Z's shift paddles. Fuel mileage for the automobile is rated at 19-mpg city and 26-mpg highway.

The Nissan 370Z starts out in base trim (MSRP $31,910 coupe / $40,050 roadster), which offers HID headlights, keyless entry, automatic climate control, a CD player, 18-inch wheels and cruise control. The 370Z Touring (MSRP $36,610) provides niceties such as heated leather seats, a higher fidelity stereo and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The roadster Touring (MSRP $42,750) adds ventilated seats to the mix. It's possible to add options to most versions of the sports car by selecting the Sport package (19-inch wheels, bigger brakes, an aero kit and rev matching for six-speed models) or a la carte via the installation of a navigation system that also upgrades the vehicle's entertainment features.

The 370Z Coupe can also be had in the NISMO trim (MSRP $41,290), which is a high performance edition of the two-door that stiffens the vehicle's suspension system, adds grippy rubber wrapped around 19-inch rims, installs a unique body kit and adds more stopping power. The NISMO model also comes with a tuned edition of the 3.7-liter V-6 that pushes out 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque, sent to the limited-slip rear differential exclusively through a six-speed manual transmission that features automatic rev-matching on downshifts.

A list of cars similar to the 370Z includes the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, 2012 BMW Z4 and 2012 Mercedes Benz SLK.

See more details about the 2012 Nissan 370Z.