370Z PRESENTS PULSATINGLY FAST AND NIPPIER DRIVE
2010-07-13 14:45:49 Author: admin Source:
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) recently allowed us to test drive the illusive 370Z, an updated version of the 350Z or profoundly known as Fairlady Z. Unlike its predecessor, the 370Z has been given a thorough make-over on the exterior and the World's first manual transmission to feature a SynchroRev Match mode.
First unleashed in October 2009, the 370Z has won numerous accolades in the automotive industry, including the Most Fun Award for 2009-10 Car of the Year in Japan. In 2009, the Nissan Fairlady Z also celebrated its 30th anniversary since its inception in 1969.
A glance at the 370Z simply put your senses on what's inside and the anticipation of the drive, and of course, you'll immediately notice its streamlined, muscular profile and built for speed ulterior motives. Only the 6-speed manual transmission with SychroRev mode 370Z is available and distributed by ETCM. With its short wheelbase and wide track, the 370Z is certainly ready to hit the road hard anytime and anywhere, and quite possibly the car is a part of you or vice versa.
Other elements that contributes to this Nissan sportscar's broad appeal and debonair are its FR configuration and responsive steering, wide tread 19" wheels, rigid and lightweight chassis. The engine capacity and interior are just as pulsating as on the outside, a look into the engine bay reveals a 3.7 litre VQ V6 engine capable of delivering 333hp, and coupled with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL), you'll have guaranteed sublime control and nimble response on the road each time. Eventhough the 370Z supposedly carry a higher tag in terms of peformance and price compared to the 350Z, its does benefit from a significant rigid lightweight chassis that weights a 100kg lesser than its sister range. Additionally, the body has been optimized by its lighter core structure, shorter wheelbase and utilization of lightweight materials, enabling more effective power-to-weight ratio.
One of the core functions on the 370Z is the SynchroRev Match mode which works to control the engine speed instead of the 'heel & toe' method (a common term used by race car drivers). It maintains vehicle stability especially on down shifting, allowing you to sense and feel the gears down a level while you maintain throttle control on the road. To activate the SynchroRev hit the top left symbol button on the gearbox and deactivate it by holding on the same button for more than 3 seconds, an "S" indicator illuminates on the speedometer when the function is active.
As you get inside, you'll notice good visibility thanks to the main gauges hood that moves with the tilt steering column. The three gauges (above right) on the centre of the dash immediately grab your attention, injecting decent sportiness to the car. But, the one gauge displaying the time is a bit insignificant and we felt better that it is incorporated within the entertainment unit or on a proper multi-information display panel.
The main instrument layout (above left); speedometer, tachometer and embedded information display, is proportionately affixed and quite neatly placed, especially the giant speedometer (which is really the one panel to look at when you zig-zag the road with the 370Z). Starting the car however is quite another preposition. Once you are behind the wheel, it is a familiar place with the V6 engine sound heard and felt. The test car is a manual transmission and comes with the SynchroRev Match mode for a spirited driving. The gearbox offers a good spread of ratios for sprightly acceleration. The V6 is the same engine as the one in the 350Z albeit stroked up to 3.7litres.
The power band is more usable with ample torque at lower rev ranges. Past 5,000 rpm, the cars comes alive and surges forward. The wail of the engine is an absolute aural pleasure, especially going above its pre-set limiter of 6,500rpm, and is full of character, with the tone varying over the rev range. For those a little more adventurous, you are more than welcome to reset the limiter to 7,000 or more rpm, and with no hesitation this engine is a joy to use and abuse. First on the modifications list for us on this car would be a freer flowing exhaust and maybe an open pod intake to crank up the volume of the induction and exhaust roar of the vehicle.
On the road, we liked the way it handled and took extreme sharp corners easily. The ride from the new suspension was complaint despite its sporty aspiration. Wearing 245/40( front) and 275/35 (rear) 19" tyres, grip was immerse and surefooted. The brakes are excellent, four piston caliper at the front and two piston rear bites down on huge ventilated discs ensuring supreme stopping power. However, at extreme high speeds the tyres do tend to slip up slightly, requiring minor corrections to keep steady which wasn't a real major problem for us. Overall, the new Z copes well with most road conditions, even at under 50kph pace.
Pushing the car round corners, the Z exhibits neutral and predictable handling with a tight rear chassis. Powering it on semi-corner tightens the line quite gently. A shorter wheelbase at 2550mm makes the car nippier and more responsive. We took the opportunity to performed a tail-slide maneuver which wasn't all too difficult with the car's enhanced FR configuration.
To sum-up, the new Z is a faster, edgier and a whole lot more entertaining road legal sportscar. Fuel consumption wise, this Z is absolutely courteous at a range of 14.6 - 14.9, depending on driving styles. ETCM is retailing the 370Z at a decently priced package of RM370,000 on the road.
Complete pictorial of the 370Z here: http://motorsportchannel.com/web/2010/0625/781.html
