The exhilaration never stops with the performance of the 2016 Nissan 370Z as it’s now lower, wider, lighter yet more powerful than ever! Thankfully this driving experience comes at all levels of trim, allowing customers to get into a 2016 Nissan 370Z for a mere $29,998 entry level price. Of course the latest technology and conveniences can push the price well over $40,000, but it’s nice that the option to experience the 370Z’s thrilling performance starts at a very reasonable price.
ENGINE & DRIVE
Propelling the 2016 Nissan 370Z is a 3.7L six cylinder engine outputting 332hp and paired with a short shifting 6 speed manual transmission. With plenty of power at hand, the 370Z’s zippy acceleration and full force of power is fully realized above 3,000rpm.
The low center of gravity combined with a wide stance, beefy tires and short wheel base makes for quick responses, precise handling and ground sticking manoeuvring. Although the short shifting manual makes for quick gear changes and in turn quicker accelerations, the stiff clutch pedal makes for a tiring rush hour traffic start and stop drive.
While not the greatest stats in the fuel economy department, I don’t think anyone expects to save on gas while driving a sports car! The 2016 Nissan 370Z lists 13.3 L/100km as consumption in the city and 9.3 L/100km on the highway. Our 200km combined city and highway test drive averaged 11.5 L/100km, but in the 370Z’s defense I was doing a lot of spirited driving!
A new feature offered on the Touring Sport Coupe and NISMO models is the SynchroRev Match for manual transmissions which helps keep upshifts and downshifts smooth by throttling the engine RPM to the appropriate levels when shifting. For a truer driving experience you can always turn this feature off with the push of a button.
EXTERIOR
The beautifully designed exterior of the 2016 Nissan 370Z has come a long way from its 300zx ancestry and incorporates modern day curves and technology as seen in the aggressively styled exterior, sporting large dual exhaust, low profile, angular LED front lights and bright xenon headlights. The nicely sloped trunk line completes the sleek exterior, while providing adequate storage for 2 sets of golf clubs plus additional storage behind the seats.
Even the base model 370Z is adorned with 18” black aluminum-alloy wheels, bringing an aftermarket look and feel to the car, while the wide rear haunches and dual exhaust conjure thoughts of raw power. The beautiful sounding throaty rumble comes from the large dual exhaust and is pleasing to the ear yet not overpowering while inside the cabin.
INTERIOR
The 2016 Nissan 370Z’s cockpit is designed for the driver with everything within easy to reaching distance and all the informative gauges in plain sight. Despite being so low to the ground, the driver still benefits from a decent field of view. The side mirrors are a touch on the small side and it can be difficult to check the blind spots, but with a smaller car this should be expected.
The cabin includes bucket seats to keep driver and passenger firmly in place while driving passionately and are reasonably comfortable for extended driving. There was adequate storage in the cabin for a vehicle of this size and areas behind the seats as well as in the dash all had easy to reach covered storage.
Although the base model is equipped with a USB and AUX jack, I thought that Bluetooth should have been included as a standard (as it should be on any vehicle these days).
FINAL THOUGHTS
I had always been under the impression that the 370Z would come at a plus $40,000 price tag, but I’m happily surprised that drivers can experience the thrilling performance with the base model starting at $29,998. Driving the 2016 Nissan 370Z gives the driver the full sports car experience complete with powerful accelerations, nimble handling, throaty rumbles and above all a beautifully designed sporty exterior.
