{"id":2072,"date":"2013-12-03T09:52:35","date_gmt":"2013-12-03T16:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rickdebruhl.com\/?p=2072"},"modified":"2013-12-03T09:52:35","modified_gmt":"2013-12-03T16:52:35","slug":"road-test-2014-nissan-370z","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carcentrick.com\/?p=2072","title":{"rendered":"Road Test: 2014 Nissan 370Z"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you own a 2014 Nissan 370Z with a six-speed manual transmission and it doesn’t make you\u00a0smile at least once a day, you’re dead.<\/p>\n

\"2014<\/a>
2014 Nissan 370Z<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Either that or you completely bought the wrong car. You see, the 370Z is a driver’s car. In fact, it’s for the driver only. There is a reason it has only a single cup holder. It’s all about the driving experience and those annoying passengers scream way too much when you drift through a turn.<\/p>\n

Let’s start up front. The 370Z has a 3.7-liter V6 that delivers 332 horsepower. While a manual transmission\u00a0will make almost any engine more fun, it delivers serious joy with this kind of power. I\u00a0really liked\u00a0when I forgot what I was driving and got the chance to downshift and give it some throttle. What a blast. It delivers\u00a018 MPG in the city and\u00a0 26 MPG on the\u00a0highway. Although, you’ll have a hard time making good numbers if you’re enjoying the car the way you’re supposed to.<\/p>\n

\"2014<\/a>
Nissan 370Z With the Sport Package<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My test car was the Touring model that had the sport package. That meant I got\u00a0optional P245\/45R19\u00a0front tires\u00a0and P275\/35R19\u00a0rears. It also included sport brakes, a\u00a0chin deflector, rear spoiler, euro-tuned sport shocks and\u00a0SynchroRev (which makes for smoother shifting). It’s performance that will cost an additional\u00a0$3030.<\/p>\n

When you get the chance to work the suspension, you’ll love it even more. It really makes you feel like you can do almost anything (just don’t do it in a school zone).<\/p>\n

Of course all that great performance comes at a price.\u00a0My test car was not especially comfortable. Oh, the 8-way\u00a0seats are supportive but after a five-hour\u00a0trip to California my butt was actually kind of sore. Plus that killer performance ride is not exactly relaxing during a long haul.<\/p>\n

\"2014<\/a>
2014 Nissan 370Z Interior<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inside, the car looks properly sporty. It has three gauges on the top of the dash, just like the original 240Z. My test car was orange (OK, officially persimmon, but it’s not an especially manly word) and black which looked great. The synthetic suede and leather were just the right side of macho to make up for the color.\u00a0My wife said the big Z on the three spoked steering wheel looked like Zorro was the last guy to drive the car.<\/p>\n

\"2014<\/a>
2014 Nissan 370Z Instrumentation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I have to say that the electronics on the\u00a0instrument display are looking dated. It has an orange LED glow that was trendy about a decade ago. The center display has the usual assortment of controls that worked fine. My car had the optional navigation package. It wasn’t especially impressive, but then it’s not alone. As I often mention, most in-car navigation systems aren’t as good as the google maps on the my phone.<\/p>\n

\"2014<\/a>
Not a Lot of Luggage Space<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having driven the 370Z convertible last year, I enjoyed the quieter coupe. But the trunk is still unimpressive. We were only able to squeeze two small carry-ons in the space. Great for a very short weekend getaway, just don’t offer to pick up your mother and her bags at the airport (besides, unless she’s Lyn St. James<\/a>, there’s that whole passenger screaming thing again).<\/p>\n

\"2014<\/a>
370Z Styling Has Been Around Since 2009 but Still Looks Great<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While my test car sticker totaled $41,460, the 370Z starts out at $29,990. Keep it on the cheap-side and it’s an awful lot of fun and looks for the money. On the other hand, if you’re into all out performance, bump up to the NISMO that brings extra power and a raced tuned suspension. That starts around $43,000.<\/p>\n

But if all you want is a smile, you don’t have to get carried away. Six speeds and 332 horsepower will do it every day.<\/p>\n

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