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  When pushed through corners the rear-drive Z hunkers down and provides plenty of grip. Photo Gallery

The Nissan 370Z has a hard act to follow in the hero Nissan GT-R.

But Nissan has given the newest Z a good chance by sharpening the coupe’s key attributes, dynamics and performance. The 370Z is smaller, faster and safer than the 350Z yet is an instantly recognisable expression of a model that celebrates its 40th birthday this year.

Exterior

Benchmarked against the Porsche Cayman for dynamics, the Nissan 370Z has avoided going bulkier and heavier by slicing 100mm out of the wheelbase behind the driver, while the front and rear tracks are 15mm and 55mm wider.

Visually there are some distinct cues that mark the coupe as a true Z, from the signature quarter window behind the doors echoing the original 240Z, to the sharply raked roof line and hatch and trio of gauges sunk into the top of the dashboard.

Pricing

However, unlike the Cayman, which starts at $122,200, the single-model Z kicks off at a more digestible $67,990 for the six-speed manual and $70,990 for the seven-speed automatic. The only option is metallic and premium paint, which is an extra $495.

Platform and equipment

The Z also benefits from some of the architecture of Nissan’s FM platform which underpins the Infiniti G37 coupe, as well interior fittings like the satellite navigation system. It also gains that car’s pop-up bonnet to give more protection to pedestrians if hit.

The car gets a new double wishbone front suspension and an improved version of the 350Z’s multi-link rear suspension. Both front and rear suspensions are stronger yet light thanks to the use of forged aluminium components. The 18-inch wheels are shod with Yokohama Advan Sport tyres with a spacesaver spare.

Apart from the expected safety gear of traction and electronic stability control and suite of airbags, the Z gets a full leather interior, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, trip computer, Xenon headlights and alloy highlights around the cabin.

Drivetrain

For 2009, engine capacity and power are up. The newest Z gets a further development of the famous and widely acclaimed 3.5-litre VQ V6. Capacity has grown to 3.7-litres, 35 per cent of engine components are new and Nissan has thrown in a VVEL (variable valve event and lift) system, which delivers better low down response, improved torque across the rev range and better fuel economy. Power is up 15kW to 245kW at 7000 revs and torque grows a modest 5Nm to 363Nm at 5200 revs.

Driving

Settling into the driver’s seat there’s an immediate sense of plushness about the Z’s interior, which couldn’t be said about the 350Z.

There is plenty of performance from the V6 engine and the powerful Brembo brakes are perfectly foil for any over eager driver. Nissan says the V6 will deliver a combined fuel economy figure of 10.5 litres/100km.

In more than 300km of often spirited driving we managed well under 10 litres/100km and in a steady 100km/h highway cruise this improved to under 8.5 litres/100km with the engine ticking over at just 2000 revs.

When pushed through corners the rear-drive Z hunkers down and provides plenty of grip. It feels sharper and more precise to point on the road than the 350Z, which itself was a fine handling car. The steering is precise and delivers plenty of feedback and feel.

For more a detailed test drive report, see Carsguide print sections or check back here this weekend.

Engine: 3.7-litre 24-valve V6
Power: 245kW at 7000 revs
Torque: 363Nm at 5200 revs