Nissan restructured the option range for the 370Z to do a couple things:
1) get the baseline price point the lowest they can get it for marketing.
2) make the NISMO version make more sense to buy for the enthusiast.
3) sell more sport packages
If you notice, a sport touring combo is no longer available. If you want premium seating, you have to opt for the NISMO version and its Recaros. To make up a bit for the aging tech available in the car, they've completely eliminated the Bose radio with the 6 disc changer (notice there is a new base head unit, and the only upgrade is the tech package for any other trim and that includes full navigation), and the base radio is available with Bluetooth calling and USB input for media. (this also consolidates steering wheel options and reduces cost - now any non-NISMO Z uses the same steering wheel controls)
finally - removing the paddles from a base 7AT is smart. there are buyers out there that would pay the premium for the sport package just to get the paddles. meanwhile, you offer an automatic version of the car for the very low $30k range for sports car buyers that might well buy a Z simply based on looks (like Roadster buyers, for example - they'll pay $50k for a Z vert instead of a Corvette Stingray)
I personally think the base NISMO is very well priced in the Z range for what you get, especially when you compare it to the 2009 option range. Think about it - Sport + Touring drivers are all over this forum. If any of us were to buy a similarly equipped 2015 Z, the obvious choice is the NISMO. It's the same price as what a 2013 sport touring sold for, and only slightly more than a 2014 sport touring after the price drop.
I think the way the 370Z is optioned for 2015 is better than it has ever been.
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