The big family of the Z Coupe vehicles from Nissan received a new member in 2008 and it featured a more powerful version than the previous, 2003 model.
Nissan had a long history with the Z models. Before the 370 Z (Z34) it was the 350 (Z33) and 300 ZX (Z32). And the story goes on to 1970 when the first Z was on the market, named Datsun Z240, part of the Nissan brand name. Usually, the new generation of a car is bigger than the one it replaces. Nissan did the opposite, shortening the wheelbase by 100 mm (4”). The overall length was smaller by 70 mm (2.7”) but enlarged the front and rear track and the whole width of the car by 33 mm (1.3”).

Inside the cabin, the driver was the main concern. The 370 Z was a driver’s car. For that reason, a center console separated the driver and passenger seat. The instrument cluster is attached to the steering column and, when that is adjusted, the dials are also moved. Thus, the driver didn’t have to choose between the perfect steering wheel position and the visibility of the gauges.

For the drivetrain, Nissan offered a 3.7-liter V6 engine mated as standard to a 6-speed manual or as an option to a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. As an industry first, when fitted with the manual, the car “blipped” the throttle to rev-match the engine when downshifting.