Motor Trend 8/29/12 2012 370 Review
 

Here we have a another Lackluster but sorta true review of our beloved Z by M/T.

2012 Nissan 370Z First Drive - Motor Trend


August 29, 2012
By Alex Nishimoto


2012 Nissan 370Z
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When we sampled the Nissan 370Z early last year, we said it was a good value for the performance and fun factor it returned. But a lot has changed in the segment since then. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been refreshed for 2013, gaining more power and updated styling. The biggest development, though, is the arrival of the rear-drive Toyobaru twins, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. With lower price tags compared to the Z, do those cars pose a threat to the two-seater's value argument? We ordered up a 2012 Nissan 370Z to find out.

Stepping inside our tester's bare-bones cabin led me to believe it was a base model. Glancing at the spec sheet confirmed the lack of certain options, but revealed it wasn't quite the stripper I thought it was. This particular 2012 Nissan 370Z was equipped with the $3030 sport package, which includes 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in sticky Bridgestone RE050A rubber, upgraded brakes, a viscous limited-slip differential, and Nissan's SynchroRev Match six-speed manual transmission. All of those features added to the Z's performance credentials, but also bumped the cost up to $37,005 as tested.

2012 Nissan 370Z
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The only other options were the $785 rearview mirror-integrated back-up camera display and $125 carpeted floormats. The radio unit looked dated, with basic functions like single-disc CD playback capability and an aux input jack. Modern features such as Bluetooth (and subsequently streaming audio) and satellite radio were nowhere to be found, though they are available through the $1350 Bose audio package. Further contributing to that retro feeling was the interior styling, which hasn't aged as well as the exterior sheetmetal.

2012 Nissan 370Z
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Manual seats -- another base model hallmark -- were also present. Finding a comfortable position with the six-way adjustable driver's seat isn't an issue, as long as your legs are short enough to not need a telescoping steering wheel. But the non-height-adjustable four-way passenger seat is decidedly less comfortable for whoever must ride shotgun, as the low-slung seating position means their knees are always bent at an awkward angle. The seats hold you in place well enough, but the seatbacks are on the thin side, and I could feel the headrest posts poking me as I leaned back. In the center console sit three blank buttons where the seat warmer controls would go, if so equipped. While I understand Nissan had to put something there, the nonfunctional plastic buttons are a reminder of the options you didn't spring for, and make you feel like something's missing. Also noticeably absent is the navigation screen, which is replaced by a conspicuous, leather-upholstered cubby. This interior piece looks as though it could hide a nav screen, but flip it open and you're treated to a barely usable storage compartment.



These shortcomings are redeemed somewhat once the Z is given room to gallop. The car's 3.7-liter V-6, which produces 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, provides adequate thrust and makes you look forward to impromptu stoplight romps. While stabbing the throttle may be habit-forming, the sound coming from the engine bay isn't the source of the addiction. As many staffers have noted, the 370Z's VQ engine note isn't all that sporty-sounding from inside the cabin, especially in the higher rpms. Rather than a deep, visceral growl, you're treated to a vacuum-like drone as you work your way through the rev band.

2012 Nissan 370Z
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The six-speed manual transmission contributes to the Z's fun quotient. In true sports car fashion, both gearing and throws were short. Though this meant swapping gears happened quickly and often, the transmission didn't like to be hustled, sometimes not accepting a hurried one-two upshift. Because the center console storage bin's release button is directly in your elbow's path, muscling the shifter into gear causes the center console storage bin to open occasionally. The clutch pedal felt stiff even by sports car standards, and seemed to want to spring back out when I got close to the engagement point. This, however, could be attributed to the test car's low miles, and the fact that the pedal hadn't been broken in. The transmission's auto rev-matching feature is a neat trick, and was particularly convenient in stop-and-go traffic. The feature worked fine on twisty canyon roads as well, but my right heel began to miss doing its own throttle blips. Luckily, Nissan gives you the option to turn it on and off at will.


Canyon roads allowed the Z, with its sport package goodies, to shine even brighter. The chassis surrendered little through turns, delivering jet fighter-like Gs while keeping body roll to a minimum. Helping the Z adhere to the road surface like glue were the Potenza RE050A summer tires, easily the sport package's star feature. As expected, turn-in is ultra-sharp and precise, and the responsiveness of the steering system makes you want to crank the wheel all day long.

2012 Nissan 370Z
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The car's performance potential was further confirmed at the track, with the Z posting a more than respectable 4.8-second 0-60 mph time, and completing the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 105.6 mph. That's faster than the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 we recently tested, which posted a 5.2-second 0-60 and a 13.9-second quarter-mile at 102.2 mph. The Nissan required 106 feet to brake from 60-0 mph, and averaged an impressive 0.99 g in lateral acceleration, beating out the heavier, track pack-equipped 2013 Mustang V-6 Premium's 60-0 stopping performance of 110 feet and a skidpad average of 0.95 g. With its figure-eight result of 25.1 seconds at an average 0.74 g, the Z proved it's still an agile handler.

Though I enjoyed driving the Z, I couldn't help wondering if the market still has a place for it. There's no denying the car's performance chops, but with its basic interior and limited standard features, are you getting your money's worth at more than $30,000? If you want a 2013 model, you'll have to shell out $33,900. That car does receive a face-lift, though, complete with revised front and rear fascias, standard LED daytime running lights, and new wheel designs.


Looking at other rear-drive, V-6-powered two-doors, you find most ring up below the Z's starting price. The 2013 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 R-Spec with six-speed manual starts at $29,625; the six-speed-equipped 2012 Chevy Camaro 2LT starts at $29,330; and the 2013 Ford Mustang V-6 Premium with performance package we recently tested came in at $30,830. If prospective Z buyers cross-shop the four-cylinder rear-drive Subaru BRZ, they'd find many of the same features and a similarly sporty driving experience for thousands less. Granted, you also get less power with the BRZ's 200-hp, 151-lb-ft 2.0-liter flat-four, but as we've experienced with the BRZ, that reduced power doesn't get in the way of having fun.

For the Z's next generation, Nissan should decide if it wants to continue to play in the $30,000-range sporty coupe sandbox, or move upmarket and offer the same performance but more content, possibly putting it in the same company as the BMW Z4 and Audi TT. As it exists now, the Z is fun to drive, but difficult to justify over its lower-priced competitors.

Read more: 2012 Nissan 370Z First Drive - Motor Trend

I think it is a decent assessment. Not really sure how he is getting the center console compartment to open while shifting though. :ugh2:

It's true tho. They should upgrade the base models to have nicer options come standard.

Yea, that's weird...never happened to me. Maybe he was wearing a watch or something.

If it had 375hp and 300ft lbs from the factory, nothing else would matter.

The BRZ comparison is silly. Do people only drive around corners all day? I drive my car to work and I like having torque.

What the story says about the base stereo is spot on. Time has left Nissan way behind here. Even the top end Navi system is slow and lacks features of some of the newest cars out there.

Besides the stereo, I don't fine the interior dated though.

What is different in the 2013 rear? He said it was re-designed. The only thing I am aware off is the fog light.

that is correct, i believe he was mistaken/mistyped there. i read this article a little while ago too. seems pretty fair and overall positive for the Z. here's hoping nissan brings in some focus to the car's goals when it gets updated soon :tup:

As a 2013 model, this assessment is pretty spot on if you consider how little "features" was added, yet price went up around 5% - 10% overall. I know the 370z was "a bit" ahead of its time, but competition is catching up A LOT quicker then when the 350z first came out.

It's another rubbish article.

Could I get a Toyobaru? Sure, but it's slow.
Could I get a Mustang or Camaro? Sure, but they're huge and common.
Could I get a GenCoupe? Sure, but I'd be surprised if it's as well-built.

The Z is still, to me, the best fit in that segment. It is an enthusiast car, has decent power, handles very well, looks great, and is relatively affordable and reliable.

But you won't hear that out of a car rag, because Nissan isn't pumping them full of money for the Z.

The Z IS competing with the Z4 and the TT. Here in Germany the TTRS lost to a 370Z in a video comparison. Simple check of the article shows why the Z cost more than the others they mistakenly compare it to....chassis dynamics. Period.
In fact here in Germany the Z is known as the Japanese 911. The shape, the power etc.
MT has it wrong. Where in any literature is the Z remotely even trying to compete with those priced much less. That's an assumption they have ZERO proof off.
Since a TTRS is equipped with a 5 cyl turbo, base or otherwise the Z stands out with its lack of turbo and more torque, linear V6. Better brakes etc. To get a TTRS with comparable Z power you will pay much more. The article lacks rational analysis of the actual market the Z is in to begin with.

One of the main reasons why I got a base + sport was because IMO I believe that 'sports cars' shouldn't need all the extra luxuries such as heated seats, navi, power seats, blue tooth, etc etc...just adds unwanted weight to the car. I have no interest in any of these things in a sports car. If I wanted all that stuff, I would get a G37.

+1 :)

I'm sure i made the right choice... :)

Actually, based on performance it's priced pretty much spot on. Handles better than the Camaro or Mustang and accelerates better than the Genesis, and is thus a bit more cash.

The BRZ/FR-S is hopelessly outclassed, except perhaps in "fun" (i.e., hype) factor.

The reviewer didn't like the amenities or the engine noise.

Whatever.

If the next version is more tossable and has equal or greater power at a lower weight and similar price point, it's a no-brainer for me on my next car.

:iagree:

price for performance, the z beats all those cars listed in my opinion. all i can agree with the article is that the interior seems a bit outdated. but the touring + nav options fill that void.

"outdated" interiors don't bother me. I've heard that said about the C6 Corvette and the FT86 twins, and I like the interiors of those and the Z. They are functional and not too badly laid out imo.

If I were to do it all once again, I will once again choose the 370z over the mustang, camaro, genesis or Challenger. There is simply nothing like it on the road. Plus there are a few of them on the streets unlike the camaros and mustangs out there. I love this car and I would NOT EVEN compare the Toyobaru twins to the Z in this category. These cars are like teenybooper cars which kids just out of high school get their hands on. Once you are out of college and start making money on our own, then you upgrade to the Z :)

Yep. If I want that, I drive my Altima-it has plenty of comfort goodies and decent MPG for the daily commute. When the weekend rolls around, my base Z meets my sports car needs just fine.

Well said. I Have been saying this for a long ttime. The z doesn't.compete with frs, Gen coupe, Stanford, camaro. No, it competes with 2 seat sports cars especially audit tt, bmwz4, Porsche Cayman. And the z is an outstanding value compared to those.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk 2

this article convinces me more that MotorTrend really is in Toya/Baru's pocket... i still dont understand why they would include a toyabaru in their "world's greatest drag race" besides marketing... and this article further shows to me that they're simply doing the same thing...

Different people have different needs, not to mention the Z isnt build specifically for tracking.

Can i live without the leather seats and other "luxury" options? Of course i can, but i wont mind them cause it is my daily driver and i wouldnt it being slightly more comfortable.

People also choose the Z over the g37 for a reason, simply put.. Its cause its a Z. The only thing i regret is not getting sports package, i got too impatient and went with the touring/base.

our cars are the best. it's true because I own one

I believe everything I read in car mags, so the 370z is the worst car ever produced.

I agree with the reviewer on pretty much everything

I have the exact model he tested, apart from it being a 2011.

Reviewers are supposed to be nit picky though that's their job.

Base Stereo does suck (who keeps stock though replacing mine)
Buttons that are blank (Nissan was lazy on this part)
Sound of the engine (well yes does suck really) Don't think many keep
stock though, intakes/exhaust make the car come alive and sound is beautiful

The BRZ is nice but its not intimidating and like others say, 200hp is not much. The mustang is decent but honestly the only mustang id have is the Rousch one (convertible) or the Leguna Seca. The stang is definitely a comfortable car but its a boat.

He mentioned the Genesis, well the look has already been dated imo and well its a Hyundai (lol).

Does that make the Z the best choice? Hell ya. A couple mods and you have a best looking, best sounding car.

:iagree: That's why I got my Nismo. I have a g35 coupe too. But do I miss all the luxury features on the g35? Not really... The only thing I like my g over z is the stock exhaust note. The reviewer got this one right - 370z should sound sportier.:shakes head:

Speaking of fun factor, why they don't compare 370z with my mountain bike? It's fun as hell... just lacking of horsepower compare to the z... but much much cheaper...:ugh2:

:iagree:

Nice numbers they got. Those 0-60 times are right on par with a SS and a 5.0. Oh and in the two years owning the car I have never inadvertently opened the console from a shift.

same here man, don't know how this "reviewer" was shifting, but i have never ever opened up the center console from shifting through the gears...you'd have to be shifting like a retard to even accomplish that...on second thought the reviewer fits that bill nicely

:rofl2:I must be a retard then, because I've done this a few times over the last couple months....and except for a one year blip of insanity where I owned an auto Acura TL I've been rowing my own exclusively for 20 years.

The button to open the center console is just where my elbow happens to come to a rest. I've modified my driving position a bit to accomodate it but I can't shorten or lengthen my arms.

All in all I think it was a relatively fair and positive review. I love my car and there are very few vehicles I would trade it for at the moment...but I wouldn't complain if Nissan lowered the price a bit due to it's lack of 'features'. ;)

On that note, I think I understand(kinda) what the reviewer was talking about. Although, I never accidently open the center console while shifting. BUT I do find it's annoying when I resting my right arm on the center console. It often opens it! It's a poor design I have to admit it. 370z is not a gangster lean-friendly car.:icon17:

Today here and now the Z is the best in its class. Can you get faster straight line performance for the money, sure. But this car is the total package. Sure the interior can benefit from richer appointments, but are these essential for what this car is? IMO, no. The Z outperforms or is on par with cars much higher in cost, and it is much more than the Gen, 86, and the domestics. And its sexy as hell. It's not because I have one...its why I got one. So what's next? Nissan says performance...a better Nismo and an RS model. Will it happen? Your guess is as good as mine...but at least they're speaking my language. And that's very promising!http://img.tapatalk.com/4cad6968-0164-85fa.jpghttps://m.facebook.com/?refsrc=http%...user=606345512

didnt aim to offend anyone here, just my own experience with my Z i find it very hard to open up that center console accidentally unless i am full on leaning on the thing, as for features i'm pretty sure nissan is working on upgrading the features across their entire line up as evidenced by the new 2013 altima which now comes standard with blue tooth even on the base models, wouldnt be suprised to see the next Z get a few upgrades in that area as well. honestly though as mentioned by others already i have no interest in a whole bunch of upgraded stereo equipment and electronics in a sports car. while it is nice to have the option of having that i dont think it should make or break the deal as the reviewer suggests by pointing to other comparable cars that have those options as standard. heck i would bet that is the reason why the gen coupes are heavier than the Z's is because of all that extra electronics that they bundle along with them as standard. in any case its just my opinion by itself and nissan will ultimately do what it thinks the consumers want which is fine by me...i just hope they still make a base+sport model on the next generation of the Z's that has as little electronics as possible.

No worries you didn't offend me in the slightest, and the rare times when it does pop open it's always on the 3 - 4 shift so I know it's due to my arm placement in relation to my driving position....not something I can really fault Nissan for. I totally understand the desire for a pure sports car that doesn't have an inflated price due to extra gizmos that have little to do with the driving experience. That's why I bought a base+sport.

OTOH the price has crept up a bit over the years without adding significant changes to really justify the added premium. In that regard I think the Motor Trend article does have a valid point, but even still...I wouldn't trade my Z for any of those other cars mentioned.

The author seems to be critical without saying anything untrue. Is the glass half full or half empty. In this case, half empty.

I don't recall the lack of oil cooler being mentioned either. So he could have been more critical. on the plus side ...These shortcomings are redeemed somewhat once the Z is given room to gallop.

All the comments about the interior being outdated and the lack of features are easily solved by getting the touring package.

I've driven a 2013 Altima and the improvements they've made on the interior are amazing! I can't wait to see what they do with the interior of the next Z, it should look even better.

They come with oil coolers now. :tup:

Touring + Sport FTW!!! Navi is...a coin flip imo. I actually like my cubby, good place to put my wallet when I am driving.

The cubby is the perfect place to put your EZ Pass if you don't want to stick it on your windshield :tup:

i second that!