2019 Nissan 370Z Review

The 2019 Nissan 370Z is a traditionalist's sports car and features a naturally aspirated V6 engine (332 horsepower, 270 pound-feet) mounted between the front wheels and driving the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic. You can get it as a two-seat convertible or coupe, and there are a few different versions. The base model is the minimalist's model, while Sport trim adds dynamic capability at a reasonable price. On the other end, the Sport Touring model adds luxury touches with additional in-car electronics. Combining performance with style, the Nismo model offers more power (350 hp, 276 lb-ft) and maximum dynamic capability. And for open-top motoring, the Roadster version has similar features with a power-retractable soft top.

No matter what version you get, the Z is about balancing handling with power. You sit low so that you can feel the road. The suspension is appropriately stiff but helps the car to corner flat with minimal brake dive. The steering is communicative and direct, and the engine is torquey.

But the Z is now in its ninth year of production with only minor face-lifts along the way. With the Mustang and the Camaro offering modern turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains, performance packages, and advanced suspension and infotainment systems, the competition is fierce. On the other end, the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Subaru BRZ-Toyota 86 twins offer even purer sports-car experiences with lower curb weights, livelier controls and generally more engaging personalities.

The 2019 Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car available as a hatchback coupe or a soft-top convertible. The coupe comes in base, Sport, Sport Touring, and Nismo trims, while the convertible comes in base, Touring and Touring Sport trims. All trim levels come with a 3.7-liter V6 engine paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, but the Nismo version bumps it up to 350 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque.

The base 370Z comes standard with 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, cruise control, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, four-way manual front seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

Upgrade to the Sport coupe trim (only available on the coupe, and with a manual transmission), and you'll get a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, a rev-matching downshift feature, 19-inch wheels, heated mirrors, chin and rear deck spoilers, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

The Sport Touring coupe trim loses the Sport's performance upgrades but adds leather and simulated suede upholstery, upgraded interior trim, a rear cargo cover (coupe only), heated four-way power-adjustable seats (with adjustable lumbar for the driver), a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, a USB port, voice controls, Bluetooth audio connectivity, satellite radio, a media player interface and the Bose audio system.

Touring convertible models are similar to the Sport Touring coupes, with the addition of seat ventilation. Like all convertibles, the automatic transmission is standard.

The Sport Touring convertible model adds Sport hardware such as a viscous limited-slip differential, 19-inch forged alloy wheels and upgraded brakes.

The 370Z Nismo gets a more powerful version of the standard V6 and features the same or an upgraded version of the Sport trim's performance hardware, including an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded tires, racing clutch, and special brake fluid and hoses. The Nismo also features unique aerodynamic body pieces, Recaro sport seats, a simulated suede-trimmed steering wheel, and the Sport Touring's various upgraded electronics features, including the 7-inch touchscreen interface and navigation system.

The only option is the Heritage Edition package, exclusive to the base coupe. It features exterior decals, yellow interior trim, and a choice of Magnetic Black, Pearl White or Deep Blue Pearl paint.