2016 Nissan 370Z NISMO is Your Daily Driver Track Car
Photos by Andrew Chen
Nissan’s Z cars have always been, in my opinion, the best value in terms of everyday affordability, performance and design, and the 2016 370Z NISMO elevates that winning formula to a new level. With 350 horsepower, a 7,400 RPM redline and a reinforced chassis, there are few cars in its class that can even come close to matching the 370Z NISMO’s on-track capabilities.
My first moments with this pearl white 370Z NISMO were spent walking around the car as I took in all of its meticulously sculpted lines and various aero components. This NISMO edition sits slightly lower with wider tires (245 front, 285 rear), and is three inches longer with its track-tested front fascia and reworked rear diffuser and spoiler. In a nutshell, it looks awesome!
My gawking would have to wait though as I had an appointment to take this NISMO Z to meet another Z, more specifically a 1973 Datsun 240Z that’s being transformed into a proper race car by actor Sung Kang (Fast & Furious, Better Luck Tomorrow). The crew at GReddy had the 240Z stripped down to bare metal, but after it comes back from the body shop, they’re going to drop in a naturally-aspirated RB26 motor that will rev up to 10,000 RPM. Go HERE to read the full story of Sung’s “FuguZ” build.
It’s hard to top an afternoon with one of the coolest guys in Hollywood, but with a NISMO tuned sports car in my care for a week, there were plenty of good times ahead. Since I was driving a real driver’s car, it was only fitting that I take it on a real driver’s road: Angeles Crest Highway. It’s a winding, two-lane road loaded with sweeping curves, switchbacks and breathtaking views through Angeles National Forest.
I made my way out towards the edge of Los Angeles before the break of dawn to ensure that I’d have the sunrise and the road all to myself.
It’s on these banked mountain roads where the 370Z NISMO really shines. The tuned suspension and chassis dampers work together beautifully to transfer the car’s weight quickly and precisely through the turns without any excess movement. I could feel exactly what the car was doing as the springs loaded and unloaded, centering the car’s weight immediately to prepare for its next input from me.
Sticky 19-inch Bridgestone S001 tires and large 14-inch front brakes means that this Z stops like it hooked onto an aircraft carrier’s arresting gear. It’s great for when you want to dive deeper into the braking zone on the track or avoid a bad situation on the highway, which in Los Angeles, happens way too often.
The 370Z NISMO is so engaging and satisfying that I wanted to drive into the sunset and never look back. I found any excuse to take the car out, and spent the rest of my time cruising around the different areas of L.A., enjoying the hearty exhaust note and the sporty-yet-plush interior. Soft-touch materials, red contrast stitching and NISMO accents add an additional layer of luxury to make the car feel even more special.
Of course, I can’t talk about the interior without praising the leather/alcantara RECARO seats; these are some of the most comfortable and supportive seats that I’ve ever experienced. The bucket design along with the side and thigh bolsters kept me planted even during the tightest turns on Angeles Crest Highway, a welcomed relief because I didn’t have to worry about keeping myself pressed in the seat with my left foot while simultaneously operating the clutch pedal.
Just like NISMO’s very track-focused GT-R, the 370Z has a personality akin to Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, where if you don’t push the car to its limits, it’s happy to carry on as an everyday form of transportation. The cabin lets in the right types of sounds to remind you that this is still a sports car, but otherwise, it’s as smooth and effortless to drive in the city as any other car, even with that third pedal.
If you love the experience of driving and want to have a car that can hold its own at track days, you should definitely consider the 370Z NISMO. With a starting price of $41,990, I honestly can’t think of another sports car that comes close to offering as much performance, exclusivity and value.
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