Stunning news if you have ever hankered after the iconic Nissan 370Z sports coupe. Nissan has dropped the starting price for the two-door coupe by an amazing $10,000.
Absolutely true! A base 2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe now costs $29,998, a ten-grand shaving to be exact from before. This very affordable Enthusiasts Edition version arrives with as standard: 18-inch black finished alloy wheels, HID headlights, automatic climate control, cloth fabric finished seats and Bluetooth connectivity.
Some of the cabins high tech features are now options, however the potent engine and transmission is still there. Nissan’s excellent 3.7-litre V6 is still the beating heart f the 370Z, pumping out 332 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. A close ratio, six- speed manual transmission with Rev matching technology is now standard issue, although the seven- automatic transmission is an extra cost option.
Ergonomics are fantastic in the 370Z. The firm, gripping fabric sports seat are superb and everything falls within reach, including the stubby gear shifter and sightlines for the main instrument binnacle and leather steering wheel, which tilts up and down as a single unit. The entire control and switchgears placement feels intuitive and logical. The rear hatch can carry some luggage, but visibility out back of the huge tailgate is not great.
On the road, the base Enthusiast Coupe does not compromise any way in terms of performance. In fact, the simpler interior and sometimes annoying and unnessacaary distraction of some high-tech features mean you can focus on what this car does best of all; make driving fun and viscerally entertaining. The engine and transmission combo really make the most of this car with fast acceleration, and the very simple, base enjoyment of feeling the slick, fast close ratio gearbox doing its job as you time up and down shifts. The clutch action is firm and with just a little travel means shifts happen quickly and without drama. Meanwhile the Nissans rev matching feature makes for super reactions from the gears. The V6 engine loves to rev freely and can be a bit harsh, until it finds its sweet spot. Still no drama, as the Enthusiasts Edition’s handling and cat -like agility are also enhanced by the 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN Sport high-performance tires that offer a more comfortable and a less harsh ride than the common 19- inch rubber equipped cars. Bear in mind the powerful V6 engine offers 332 Horsepower and needs premium fuel with consumption figure of L/100 km: 13.3 city, 9.3 hwy.
To sum up the current Nissan 370 Z Enthusiasts Edition is a no brainer if a powerful, fast pure, unadulterated two-seater coupe is on your wish list. If you must have more features and more performance, look to the 370Z Touring model at $39,998 or the fire –breathing 370Z NISMO for $47,998. Meanwhile, the open-top 370Z roadster starts at $49,498 for 2016. However with its slashed bargain price and great performance, the Enthusiasts Edition at a shade under $30,000 before taxes and delivery is a compelling buy and must be considered. Highly recommended.
2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe Enthusiasts Edition: Price as tested $31,738.
