Nissan 370Z (Z34): The Refined Successor

The Nissan 370Z, launched in 2008 as a 2009 model year, is the evolution of the 350Z — a stiffer, more powerful, and more refined Z-car that used the same FM platform with significant updates. While the 370Z never reached the cult status of its predecessor, it had a notably long production run (2008-2020), sold well globally, and served as Nissan's performance flagship for over a decade. The VQ37VHR engine it used was more powerful, smoother, and more efficient than the 350Z's VQ35.

The VQ37VHR Engine

The 370Z used the VQ37VHR — a revised, stroked version of the VQ35HR:

• Displacement: 3.7L (3,696cc)
• Output: 332 hp at 7,000 rpm (2009-2014), 350 hp at 7,400 rpm (2015+ revision)
• Torque: 270 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm
• Redline: 7,500 rpm
• Valvetrain: DOHC with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) — Nissan's continuously-variable valve lift system

VVEL was a major step forward. It allowed the 370Z to produce significantly more low-end torque than the 350Z's VQ35 while still reaching a higher redline. The engine was also more fuel-efficient, which matter for 2010+ market positioning.

The Chassis

The 370Z used an evolved version of the 350Z's FM platform:

• Shorter wheelbase: 100 mm shorter than 350Z for sharper steering
• Wider track: Front and rear tracks wider for better stance
• Lighter weight: 1,380-1,520 kg depending on trim, down from 350Z
• Aluminum body parts: Hood, door skins, and trunk were aluminum
• SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual only): Automatic rev-matching for downshifts — a first on a production Nissan

Production Variants and Special Editions

• Base 370Z: Fundamentals — 332 hp, 6-speed manual or 7-speed auto.
• Sport package: 19-inch wheels, viscous LSD, track-focused brakes.
• Sport Touring: Luxury features on top of Sport package.
• Nismo 370Z (2009): 350 hp, revised suspension, aero kit, Nismo exhaust.
• Nismo Tech (2015): Refined Nismo package with additional equipment.
• 40th Anniversary (2010): Celebrating 40 years of the Z-car, special colors and numbered plaque.
• NISMO Z34 Edition (2018-2020): Refined NISMO styling, revised suspension.
• Heritage Edition (2020): Retro-inspired graphics, final production year.

Total 370Z production: approximately 130,000 units globally from 2008 to 2020.

Motorsport

The 370Z had an active motorsport life, though not as prominent as the 350Z's:

• GT3 class racing: Nissan GT3 team campaigned a 370Z-based race car
• Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge: The Nissan GT Academy program fielded 370Zs in Grand Am
• Time attack: Nismo-tuned 370Zs held Tsukuba lap records in their class
• Amateur racing: The 370Z became a staple of SCCA T3 class and similar amateur categories

The 12-Year Production Run

The 370Z's unusually long production life (2008-2020) meant it outlived many competitors. During those 12 years, Nissan refined the car multiple times but didn't replace it with a new chassis. This led to criticism that Nissan had "abandoned" the Z-car market — which was partly true, as Nissan's resources shifted to the GT-R R35 program.

Today's Market

370Zs are now in the "solid performance bargain" phase:

• Clean base 370Z (2009-2013): $15,000-$25,000
• Sport Touring trims: $20,000-$30,000
• 2015+ revision (350 hp): $25,000-$35,000
• NISMO Z34: $30,000-$45,000
• Heritage Edition (2020): $35,000-$50,000

The 370Z is undervalued compared to the 350Z (which has more cultural momentum) and the newer Nissan Z (which has more hype). For a buyer who wants a reliable, 350-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive sports car with a manual transmission under $25,000, the 370Z is a compelling option.

Legacy

The 370Z kept the Z-car alive through a difficult era for sports cars. Nissan's focus was increasingly on SUVs, crossovers, and electric vehicles during the 2010s. The 370Z was a reminder that Nissan could still build a proper RWD sports car when the company chose to.

When the new Nissan Z (Z35, unveiled in 2021) arrived, many 370Z owners upgraded. The new Z retains the same FM chassis (with updates), the same VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 (replacing the VQ37VHR), and a design that pays homage to the 240Z while modernizing everything. The 370Z was the bridge to that new car.