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2009 Nissan 370Z Review

February 21, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A couple of awkward styling cues
Car and Driver

A much more aggressive look to the 370Z
Jalopnik

Z offers an arresting shape
Motor Trend

The next-generation 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe (the convertible debuts next year) retains the same basic styling cues as the outgoing 350Z but trims some of the excess fat off last year's model. New design elements tend to score well in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, but not everyone is impressed with all of the latest exterior bits.

The new Nissan 370Z coupe comes in just two variations, according to Car and Driver, which it lists as "the base car, starting at $30,625, and a Touring version, which leans towards luxury." Exterior differences are virtually nonexistent, and both cars share styling that Car and Driver calls "largely successful." However, Jalopnik points out that the latest 370Z Nissan features "a set of controversial 'boomerang' headlights mimicking the design language set forth by the new 2009 Maxima." Motor Trend reviewers find the Nissan 370Z to be "better looking" than its predecessor, although they lament the "overstyled headlights and 'fangs' in the grille." The LA Times observes that the 2009 Nissan 370Z is both "slightly wider and shorter than its predecessor," which they appreciate because "it will enhance the car's stance, making it even more fun to drive." Automobile Magazine sums up the 370Z Nissan, saying that the Nissan designers "exercised restraint in the basic surfaces, saving the drama for the boomerang-shaped head and taillamp assemblies, some of the most interesting styling touches ... seen in ages."

The interior of the Nissan 370Z earns a complete redesign as well, although this one isn't without controversy either. Reviewers generally like the layout, where Consumer Guide finds that "the audio and climate controls fall easily to hand," and Jalopnik says that "the new interior looks to be a vast improvement over the 350Z." However, a new LCD readout inside the Nissan 370Z draws lots of criticism—Motor Trend claims that "besides looking contrived and asymmetrical, these gauges are hard to read. It's like the whole thing was done for styling sake, with no real benefit." On the positive side, Car and Driver notes that the 2009 Nissan 370Z's "steering wheel is asymmetrical, neither circular nor oval, but its size and grip are perfect."

Conclusion

The 2009 Nissan 370Z hits most of the right marks for those wanting a racy sportscar, but its styling isn't loved by all.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:A couple of awkward styling cuesCar and DriverA much more aggressive look to the 370ZJalopnikZ offers an arresting shapeMotor Trend The next-generation 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe (the convertible debuts next year) retains the same basic styling cues as the outgoing 350Z but trims some of the excess fat off last year's model. New design elements tend to score well in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, but not everyone is impressed with all of the latest exterior bits. The new Nissan 370Z coupe comes in just two variations, according to Car and Driver, which it lists as "the base car, starting at $30,625, and a Touring version, which leans towards luxury." Exterior differences are virtually nonexistent, and both cars share styling that Car and Driver calls "largely successful." However, Jalopnik points out that the latest 370Z Nissan features "a set of controversial 'boomerang' headlights mimicking the design language set forth by the new 2009 Maxima." Motor Trend reviewers find the Nissan 370Z to be "better looking" than its predecessor, although they lament the "overstyled headlights and 'fangs' in the grille." The LA Times observes that the 2009 Nissan 370Z is both "slightly wider and shorter than its predecessor," which they appreciate because "it will enhance the car's stance, making it even more fun to drive." Automobile Magazine sums up the 370Z Nissan, saying that the Nissan designers "exercised restraint in the basic surfaces, saving the drama for the boomerang-shaped head and taillamp assemblies, some of the most interesting styling touches ... seen in ages." The interior of the Nissan 370Z earns a complete redesign as well, although this one isn't without controversy either. Reviewers generally like the layout, where Consumer Guide finds that "the audio and climate controls fall easily to hand," and Jalopnik says that "the new interior looks to be a vast improvement over the 350Z." However, a new LCD readout inside the Nissan 370Z draws lots of criticism—Motor Trend claims that "besides looking contrived and asymmetrical, these gauges are hard to read. It's like the whole thing was done for styling sake, with no real benefit." On the positive side, Car and Driver notes that the 2009 Nissan 370Z's "steering wheel is asymmetrical, neither circular nor oval, but its size and grip are perfect." ConclusionThe 2009 Nissan 370Z hits most of the right marks for those wanting a racy sportscar, but its styling isn't loved by all.  2009 NISSAN 370Z STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "A couple of awkward styling cues" Jalopnik: "A much more aggressive look to the 370Z" Motor Trend: "Z offers an arresting shape" The next-generation 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe (the convertible debuts next year) retains the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you're looking at the 2009 Nissan 370Z, chances are you know what you want—and there's not much direct competition out there for this traditional sportscar. Among the closest comparisons by the specifications sheets, you could look at the Nissan's fancier cousin, the Infiniti G37 Coupe. The G37 is more luxurious and relaxed than the Z, plus there's more interior room with its +2 seating. The BMW Z4 is a pure two-seater with six-cylinder power. The BMW is due for a significant makeover for 2010. Based on price and V-8 performance, the 2010 Mustang GT is a worthy 370Z competitor. The Ford's newfound interior quality and ride quality eclipse the Z's, while still maintaining a truly sporty feel. Some Nissan Z-car shoppers won't admit that the car they'd really like to drive is the Chevrolet Corvette. The step up to what TheCarConnection.com considers the best value in the sportscar segment will cost an extra $15,000.

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See the Nissan 370Z in Other Years:

2010 | 2009

Comments (1 total)

  1. By tightwaddog #1, Posted: 2/28/2009

    "engineers, designers, stylists"

    i find the term "designer" used loosely in the auto industry. in my opinion, "designer" should be reserved for the person who is the
    auto architect who creative person. he works with the perceptive qualities of the car (like the architect puts in the perceptive qualities of a home). you wouldn't want an engineer to design your home would you? the engineer works
    with ensuring the durability qualities of components the components the auto designer "architect" chooses for his project.
    the stylist ,in my mind , is the title for the
    person who works under the direction of the designer (like the engineer) to put the thematic
    looks into the designers car. the work of the engineers and the stylists should be directed
    and coordinated by the architectural guidance of the designer for the most harmonious final interaction of the automobiles components for the perceptive qualities ie: overall ride, handling, comfort, excitement, appearance..etc.
    engineers working on the rear end of a car for example doesn't have the authority to tell another engineer what changes to make to accomodate the performance of his part but the designer (like the architect) would have the authority and mandate to make sure all the separate components work together. you choose
    your home for its perceptive qualities and you should have the right to choose your car for the same reasons. engineers are primarily component workers who put durability into the cars..durability should be a given in any car. tightwaddog

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