Talk about brilliant product optimization, if you were to combine both the 5th (Z33) and 6th (Z34) generations of the Nissan Z-series (and you can because they share so much between them beginning with the FM platform), we are talking about a consecutive 18-year success story! Now reaching the end of its 11-year run, and with the mostly new 7th (Z35) generation Z400 looming ahead, the enthusiast driver-focused Nissan 370Z NISMO is finally officially offered to the Philippine buyer for the very first time.
Getting behind the steering wheel of any Nissan Z® car is always a thrill, even an occasion, I have yet to have a dull moment in one. Since 1969 Nissan has been manufacturing their own unique interpretation of mechanical bliss and, at one point, for years they soldiered on as the only torchbearer for pure Japanese sports cars.
With all the incredible performance accomplishments of its fire-breathing 2+2 GTR brother a lot of people have forgotten how brilliant Nissan’s naturally aspirated sports car is especially here in its highest form at P3,888,000 which is P1,162,000 less than a 2020 Toyota Supra GR in multiple colors but red. But keep in mind that the Toyota GR Supra and its BMW Z4 sDrive M40i brother are new, current, offer more kit, more trunk space, and more real-world every day drivability.
The 370Z NISMO continuous the tradition of being a lively and intimate sportscar that drives as if it was connected to your cerebral cortex. Despite not having the excellent automatically adaptive suspension system of the GR Supra, the Z-NISMO rides exceptionally well for an authentic sports car with deep abilities. The purposeful Recaro sport bucket seats are very comfortable and supportive.
You simply can’t buy a proper sports car or any car in our market (aside from its own slightly less powered standard 370Z sibling) for the money that also features a factory standard carbon-fiber composite driveshaft combined with a mechanical viscous Limited Slip Differential and sensational ultra-wide mixed forged RAYS alloys (19 x 9.5-inch front, 19 x 10.5-inch rear) wrapped with 245/40R19 98W front and 285/35R19 103W rear Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires (that uses a similar compound with the Nissan GT-R super sports car).
Despite losing 6 bhp as a consequence of adapting to our fuel, the 370Z NISMO still catapults from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds with all the aural drama of a high-revving naturally aspirated V6 engine and will sustain that thrust to a governed 250 km/h! 344 bhp @ 7400 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5200 rpm from the raucous 3.7-liter dohc 24-valve direct injection NISMO-tuned engine with VVEL mated to a sharp 7-speed automatic transmission is serious power.
The unique suspension tuning and increased rigidity makes the Z-NISMO a precision tool. I have tested and enjoyed testing every single generation and variant through the years so naturally one develops a fondness for particular models, my personal favorite until this generation was the twin-turbo Z32 not just because it was the car that I coveted during my university years in the US, but mostly because of its outstanding abilities in a period when most cars on the street where boring even plebian.
Speed management is handled by fabulous Akebono brakes, 14.0-inch vented front / 13.8-inch vented rear rotors controlled by painted red 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers. They work flawlessly. The 370Z NISMO’s 7,400 rpm redline and its relentlessly exciting rush forward controlled by the lovely Alcantara wrapped steering wheel was an almost religious experience. If the massive dual exhaust notes get tiresome, the standard 8-speaker Bose audio will entertain you through an aftermarket 6.8-inch touchscreen Blaupunkt infotainment system managed by the remote controls on the excellent Alcantara-lined and red-tabbed steering wheel.
In the end, however exemplary and extra dynamic the Z370 NISMO is over its more affordable yet still visceral siblings, I honestly prefer the even more compliant suspension and cleaner lines of the standard models. I’m willing to compromise some power for better everyday use.