A Good Look at the 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo Edition

Normally when you get a special edition car it comes with some fancy upgraded body components and that's all you get, maybe some embroidered floor mats. That's definitely not the case with the 2010 Nissan 370z Nismo edition. The 370z Nismo edition is made to tame corners and drift with very minimal understeer, while giving the driver a great amount of control over the road. The Nismo package is quite a step up from the standard 370z. Starting with the engine, power is now up to 350 horsepower; not bad for a naturally aspirated six cylinder. Power on the 370z Nismo edition is in thanks to a recalibrated ecu with better tuned fuel maps and more aggressive ignition timing. An integration of a Nismo H-pipe and Nismo catback keep the hot exhaust gases flowing with minimal back pressure. The new found power on the 370z Nismo edition makes the engine scream for more as it comes closer to redline, an additional 18 horsepower may not seem like much; but it does do the VQ37VHR motor justice and seems to be just the right combination. Some say this Nismo 370z combination may be the best Z car ever, even mustering out the likes of its predecessor the 300zx twin turbo; which at the time of its production was hailed a super car. Incidentally, the cost of a new 300zx twin turbo in 96' is right around the price of the 2010 370z Nismo edition at about $40,000.

Aerodynamics is something that Nismo put a good amount of attention into on the special edition 370z. A new slick looking front fascia, rocker panel skirts, and a new wing; that add 140 pounds of downforce at 70mph for the tail end of the car. In addition to the aerodynamic body panel improvements much has changed with the suspension also. New stabilizer (sway) bars help to keep the 370z Nismo planted firmly on the ground with a 15% increase in stiffness in the front and a considerable 50% increase in stiffness to the rear. Upgraded Nismo shocks and stiffer Nismo spring rates, with the addition of a front strut tower brace also keep the 370z in control when taming corners or winding country roads. The Nismo 370z's handling is amazing with precise turn-in and a feeling of neutrality until the driver produces input either to the gas pedal or the steering wheel. The Nismo 370z is a very well sorted car in terms of overall cornering and suspension performances, but don't think that the 370z Nismo edition will make for a comfy ride; the feeling is reminiscent of an early Honda S2000 or a late C4 Chevrolet Corvette.

Stopping is helped by the aid of special Nismo brakes on the 370z, 14 inch vented front rotors with four piston calipers and impressive 13.8 inch rear vented rotors with two piston calipers bring the Nismo 370z to a screeching hault when needed. Moving from the brakes to the special light weight wheels, the Nismo 370z rolls on Rays Engineering five spoke Volk Racing 19 inch forged aluminum wheels. Grip is enhanced by off the shelf Japanese sticky Advan street/ strip tires.

The interior of the Nismo 370z is also very trick, it includes red stiching highlighting the leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. There are Nismo logos on the instrument panel as well as embroidered in the cloth bucket sport seats. Four piece aluminum racing pedals also accent the interior nicely. You won't be seeing an iPod port or Navigation on the Nismo 370z as they are not a part of the option list. Automatic transmissions are also not an option; however you can choose from five different Nismo specific colors including: red, white, silver, graphite, or black. Graphite sits especially well on the Nismo 370z, so have a look at it on their website below.

http://www.nissanusa.com/zcoupe/