The Nissan 370Z has been with us for more than three years now in sixth-generation form, which means it’s about time for a refresh. But that’s not to say that the Z necessarily needs one – it’s arguably the most handsome vehicle in the Nissan lineup. For the 2013 Nissan 370Z — which its making its debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show — the automaker thankfully didn’t attempt to fix what wasn’t broken, leaving the Z’s iconic shape untouched.
The biggest change to the updated Nissan 370Z takes place up front. Gone are the fangs that accented the lower air dam. In its place is a blacked-out rectangular design for a cleaner, simpler look. But that’s not to say the front fascia is now boring. New flair comes courtesy of vertical LED daytime running lamps positioned at the outer edge of the bumper, adding a more squared off and masculine appearance (the Nismo model doesn’t get the LEDs). The boomerang-style headlamps still remain, as do the character lines that run up the hood.
Moving around to the side of the new Nissan 370Z, you’ll notice new red-painted brake calipers and 19-inch aluminum-alloy rims on Sport Package models. The base 2013 370Z coupe also gets new rims, but smaller, 18 inchers. Out back, a red reflector has been added to the center of the lower bumper (except the Nismo model). Magma Red and Midnight Blue join the Nissan 370Z palette, though the latter isn’t available on the Z Nismo. Rounding off the visual changes is a new dark-finish, fuel gauge trim.
Performance revisions are also minor. Nissan 370Z cars with the Sport Package now come with euro-tuned shock absorbers, while the 370Z Nismo gets added stopping power by adopting high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid from its bigger (and faster) GT-R cousin. A 2009 370Z Nismo needed 111 feet to stop from 60 to 0 mph during our 2009 Motor Trend Best Driver’s Carcompetition, so it’ll be interesting to see how the brake upgrades improve its stopping distance.
Nissan didn’t bother to lift the hood for this refresh, which means the 3.7-liter, VQ37VHR V-6 is still rated at 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque (350 hp and 276 lb-ft in the Nismo). The six-speed manual transmission is still standard, while a seven-speed auto is optional on all models except the Nismo. Pricing for the updated Nissan 370Z should be announced closer to June 2012, its scheduled on-sale date.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
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