Following major enhancements for the 2018 model year – including a revised exterior featuring dark headlight treatment, dark tinted rear combination lights, a blackout rear lower fascia and redesigned 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design – Nissan's iconic 370Z Coupe enters 2019 with two new color themes for the 370Z Heritage Edition, standard auto-dimming rearview mirror with RearView Monitor, and the combining of the previous Touring and Sport Tech trim levels into a new Sport Touring grade.
Also in 2018, the 370Z driving experience was enhanced through optimized acceleration and torque profile tuning. Without changing the engine's internal structure or components, engine performance was improved through careful refinement of Accelerator Pedal Opening (APO) and Throttle Valve Opening (TVO) angles. Manual transmission-equipped 370Z models added a motorsports-inspired EXEDY® high-performance clutch.
The 370Z Coupe Heritage Edition package, added for 2018, again offers a unique appearance and is now available in three exterior colors. The previous Magnetic Black Heritage Edition (gloss silver graphics and yellow interior trim) is joined by the new Deep Blue Pearl Heritage Edition (black outside mirrors, gloss silver decals, yellow interior trim) and the Pearl White Heritage Edition (black outside mirrors, gloss black decals, yellow interior trim). The previous Chicane Yellow Heritage Edition is no longer offered.
An Enhanced Driving Experience
As in previous years, the 2019 370Z is built on the foundation of its balanced FM (Front Midship) platform, advanced 332-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ37VHR DOHC V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match® or a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control.
The 3.7-liter V6 engine's VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) produces 332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm.
Key to the outstanding performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.
The engine is backed by a choice of two advanced transmissions. The close-ratio 6-speed manual includes an available synchronized downshift rev matching system (Sport and Sport Touring models), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gearshift performance. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own.
The available 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode with a target time of 0.5 seconds between shifts. With optimized torque converter lock-up logic, the 7-speed automatic feels very direct, like a manual transmission. The 7-speed's wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency (versus a 5-speed automatic), while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver's driving style. Paddle shifters are standard on Sport and Sport Touring grades.
For 6-speed manual transmission-equipped 370Z models, driving response is enhanced with the addition of an EXEDY® high-performance clutch, which was developed in part through EXEDY's longstanding relationship with Nissan Motorsports. The clutch is designed to feature better launching (from start), acceleration and deceleration. By offering a large reduction in pedal force, and more control at half-clutch, drivers can concentrate more on steering and throttle operation, resulting in enhanced driving pleasure.
Fuel economy1 is estimated at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for the 7-speed automatic and 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway/20 mpg combined for the 6-speed manual transmission.
The available 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are designed to reduce vibration by improving wheel balance. A special cutting process improves the accuracy, allowing for a five-gram reduction in the wheel balance weight (versus the previous design). The split 5-spoke wheel design combines forged aluminum-alloy with black painted surfaces and bright finish accents. Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires are standard on 370Z Sport and 370Z Sport Touring trim levels.
The double-wishbone front suspension uses lightweight forged aluminum arms, a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, and hollow construction stabilizer bar. The independent multi-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter than the previous generation design, with the rear cradle entirely integrated into a single part (no welding). "High response" shock absorbers are utilized on each corner, with ride comfort enhanced through reduced shock friction.
Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced through use of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is standard.
The 370Z includes standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system that includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Sport and Sport Touring models add Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/ rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum red-finish calipers.
The 370Z features black-finished 18x8-inch front/18x9-inch 10-spoke lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R18 front/245/45R18 rear Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance summer tires. The 370Z Sport and Sport Touring grades offer split 5-spoke 19x9-inch front/19x10-inch rear RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires.
A Bold Exterior
As in previous years, the 370Z Coupe's "dynamic motion" feel continues, with a dramatic roofline and a "low visual gravity." The sleek profile is defined by its upswept quarter window design that is echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon "boomerang shape" headlights with auto on/off feature and LED daytime running lamps are standard. The intense broad-shouldered rear shape is highlighted by the integration of the boomerang taillights and wide, flared rear fenders.
Attention to detail and functionality is evident throughout the exterior design, including a flashing side marker lamp/emblem (turn signal lamp not available on base 370Z). The rear fascia is accented by a red rear center reflector. A front chin spoiler and rear spoiler are standard on Sport and Sport Touring grades.
The coefficient of drag is 0.30 for the 370Z model and 0.29 for the Sport and Sport Touring grades. The 370Z Sport and Sport Touring grades also feature zero front lift and zero rear lift, thanks to extensive aerodynamics efforts – including an "inverse area" front bumper design that allows a smooth flow of air to the sides of the vehicle, while the rear design maximizes the control of air flow from the roof to the rear hatch.
Underlying the aggressive appearance of the 370Z Coupe is a light, highly rigid structure designed for enhanced performance. The FM platform provides a refined base for the well-proportioned body – which includes a 100.4-inch wheelbase, 167.5-inch overall length, 72.6-inch width and 51.8-inch height – giving it a classic sports car look and feel.
The body features aluminum door panels, along with an all-aluminum hood and an aluminum hatch. A front suspension cradle, rear structural reinforcements and an underbody "V-bar" are designed to help reduce front and rear lateral bending (versus the previous generation design). The design also uses a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthened rear fender and hatch areas. The rear hatchback also features an electronic release, with the opening switch mounted on the center console between the cupholder and shifter lever.
Six other exterior colors are available: Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic, Deep Blue Pearl and Passion Red. The Passion Red paint process uses a high brightness aluminum pigment in the base coat and Nano-pigment tinted clear coat to give it a vivid, jewel-like red color that looks different depending on the viewing angle.
A Driver-Oriented Cockpit
The 370Z Coupe interior remains essentially unchanged for 2019. It retains the traditional 2-seat sports car layout – built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The design focus incorporates a "layer concept," with an information layer, an operation layer and a holding layer.
The information layer provides good visibility with easy access to all key data. The gauges are attached to the steering column, so the driver doesn't have to choose between a preferred steering wheel position and visibility of the gauges. The large upper steering wheel opening in front of the gauges is designed to provide a good view of the readouts.
The instrument panel retains the traditional 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an "initial sweep" function, coming alive when the Z® is first started.
The operation layer includes the steering wheel, shifter and switchgear. The steering wheel is an "oval" 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching and large thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives. The surface of the leather-wrapped wheel is "shaved" to provide a more kidney-like shape to better fit in the hand.
The holding layer includes the seats, kneepads and door trim support. The driver's seat is uniquely different from the passenger's seat, with lower seat cushion cutouts on the sides where the thighs rest – allowing the driver to push on the pedals without the seat fighting them. The seat frame is constructed to help hold the driver in place during cornering. Both the driver and passenger's seats are structured with an anti-slip material in the main seating surface. The sporty black woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver's/4-way passenger manual adjustments.
Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with timer, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders, dual overhead map lights, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 6-speaker (versus the previous 4-speakers) audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls. An auto-dimming mirror with RearView Monitor is now standard on all 2019 370Z models.
The Sport Touring model adds standard 4-way power adjustable heated sport seats with adjustable lumbar support, glove box damper, heated outside sideview mirrors, side turn signal lamp, aluminum-trimmed pedals and retractable cargo cover – along with black leather-appointed and synthetic suede seating and synthetic suede door panel inserts.
The Sport Touring models also include the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch VGA touch-sensitive display, NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) – along with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Streaming audio via Bluetooth® and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.
The Sport and Sport Touring models offer a Bose® audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofers), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) systems as standard. The ANC system generates canceling sound to help remove undesirable low frequency engine noise while preserving invigorating sounds of engine performance, providing a more "pure" sound. The system is also utilized on the Nissan GT-R. ASE enhances natural engine sounds to help bolster the driver's acceleration experience.
The long list of standard safety and security features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags; seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The 370Z Heritage Edition
For 370Z Coupe buyers wanting to stand out from the crowd even further, a Heritage Edition package is offered on the base 370Z grade, the best-selling and most affordable trim level. The Heritage Edition is equipped with a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission.
For 2019, the Heritage Edition is offered in three exterior colors. The new White Pearl Heritage Edition features black outside mirrors, gloss black graphics and yellow interior trim. The new Deep Blue Pearl Heritage Edition includes black outside mirrors, gloss silver decals and yellow interior trim. The Magnetic Black Heritage Edition includes gloss silver graphics and yellow interior trim.
Three Well-Equipped models
The 2019 370Z Coupe is offered in three well-equipped models: 370Z (manual and automatic transmissions, 370Z Sport (manual transmission only) and 370Z Sport Touring (manual and automatic transmissions).
Also available is the 370Z NISMO model with unique motorsports-inspired exterior, interior and powertrain treatments – including Recaro leather-appointed seats, 19-inch NISMO super-light forged wheels and an additional 18 horsepower (350 hp total).
In addition, the 370Z Roadster provides all the performance and style of the 370Z Coupe, but in an advanced soft-top convertible design. There are three available models: 370Z Roadster, 370Z Touring Roadster and 370Z Sport Touring Roadster.
