2019 Nissan 370Z

WEARING a striking black go-fast centre stripe the Nissan 370Z has a ‘look – me a street fighter’ appearance – and the muscle to be one.

I’m in a limited edition of the 370Z, one called the N-Sport, which in addition to the in-your-face exterior graphics, has side stripes, black 18-inch alloy wheels and black gloss side mirrors.

Inside are Fukushima-yellow accents on the door trim, steering wheel, gearshift knob, knee pads and dash and the black clothed Recaros have matching yellow embroidery.

Largely unchanged inside and out from the first 350 version, the 370 N now comes at a discounted price. More sheep-like sports car buyers should take note.

There’s also an auto trannie version at $50,990 – but why would you? The 370Z is a driver’s car, and a real driver always prefers a gearbox that doesn’t think for itself.

There’s a console button that lets you drive in normal or sport mode. Pick the S one and stay there.

Good dash too, except that the speedo is analog. OK to see, but it’s obviously not as prominent as a digital one would be, and in this age of speed restrictions everywhere, it’s easy to creep over the posted limits in this bulldog with the pace of a greyhound..

Heavy in all departments from the start-up noise to the steering weight, the N pack let’s you know it has some thwack!

With 245kW and 363Nm underfoot you can go from first gear to fourth all the way to the shops like an automatic, it’s so torqueee.

It even managed a 6th gear pull from 35km/h without protest. Insane.

The connection to the road is something like cars of old and is lustfully appealing in this era of desensitised automation.

A slick positive gear feel is so well weighted to the steering weight and motor push it is instantly rewarding.

Its stiff sport damping keeps you looking for apexes at every opportunity and there’s  plenty of rubber for sure-footed fast cornering.

Those black alloys, by the way, are an inch smaller the the standard wheels, so you might get a fraction off the about 5.5 second zero-to-100km/h sprint. Stopping power from the Brembos is very impressive.

The motor winds out to 7000rpm delivering a very steady delivery of push.

It does not feel as fast as the many of the turbo cars out there, but it’s deceptive. Remember it’s a 3.7 litre atmo and taller gearing has to be taken into account.

If you run it to redline with the lovely balanced  induction noise through the V6 you will be moving very fast – in any gear. If you’re lucky enough to have access to an airport runway you can enjoy the 370Z at 250km/h.

No forward-seeing sensors, beeping intrusions or blaring lights appear when parking within 30cm of a flowerpot or the like. The only semi-modern grace they have provided is a reversing camera, which is vital with this model’s big blind spots.

As a wise fox put it: “It’s like a car made 20 years ago for today.” And it’s great!

At about 1450 kg this is is not a lightweight sports car, so it moves itself out of the MX5, BRZ/A86 realm, flexing its masculinity in the Euro Z4, SL and Cayman range.

There’s a fair bit of room, but it’s shallow; just right for a couple of overnight bags – and ma-in-law will have to stay home anyway. The 370Z is a two seater.

Naturally it comes with a good safety record and all the things that matter, like satnav and a decent radio, but without the christmas tree of beeps and squawks that have befouled many other new cars.

Fuel use is dependent on driving style and conditions. The official average is 10.6 litres/100km, but we ended up with 12.8.

Loved the door handles, which have a stainless steel look and feel about them, but getting in and out of the coupe can be a bit challenging, especially for older folks whose joints have run out of WD40.

Other than that, it’s a head-turning, heart-thumping honey.

Verdict: A brute in a kimono.