ONE of the most eagerly awaited drives this year has finally arrived, in the form of the sixth-generation Nissan Z series.
A quick glance at the all-new 370Z’s spec sheet is a mouth-watering proposition, revealing more performance, less weight, improved suspension, a stronger body, higher quality interior, and an increase in standard equipment, all for around the same price as its revered 350Z predecessor.

350Z coupe
Released: February 2003
Ended: April 2009
Family Tree: 370ZWHAT a comeback! The Nissan Z series’ fifth iteration harked right back to the 1970 Datsun 240Z original by being a tightly focussed grand touring sports coupe with little of the frippery or ornamentation that blighted the 280ZX and early 300ZX. Raw, fast and fun, the resulting 350Z was also more affordable than the underrated 1990s Z32 300ZX, making it far more successful than earlier models. Initially there was a 206kW/363Nm version of Nissan’s acclaimed 3.5-litre VQ35 V6 petrol engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. It was available in either base Touring or sportier Track guise, with the latter adding essentials like VDC stability control and Brembo brakes. From December 2005 to March 2007 manual models gained a freer revving 221kW/353Nm 3.5 V6, the auto was discontinued in the 350Z Track edition, and Nissan tried to fix the hard ride, while a small facelift from April 2007 introduced the 80 per cent new 230kW/358Nm 3.5 V6 in either manual or auto transmission, to see the 350Z through to the all-new Z34 370Z from May 2009.
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