With the all-new 7^th-generation Nissan Z (Z400) slated to be finally released by the end of 2022 to the world, you would think that buyers would stop buying the current 370Z. They haven’t and you all shouldn’t until all stocks are exhausted. Much like other iconic models that have stood the test of time, when a product is engineered with total passion and commitment, its desirability not only increases over time but also finds new buyers altogether. The gap between older and younger buyers dreaming of their very own sports car continues to narrow every year. I’ve said it before, but I need to say it again, if you were to combine both the 5th (Z33) and 6th (Z34) generations of the Nissan Z-series (and you can because they share so much between them beginning with the FM platform), we are talking about a consecutive 18-year success story! Talk about brilliant product optimization!

We have experienced the sensational 400 bhp / 350 lb-ft twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that will propel the all-new Z back in 2017 in the Infiniti Q60S Red Sport 400, and we were already supremely impressed. Nissan is said to be using that engine with different tuning (hopefully with more than 400 bhp!) and mated to a 9-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual with the traditional rear-wheel drive of course.

Getting behind the steering wheel of any Nissan Z® car is always a thrill and always an occasion; I have yet to have a dull moment in one. Since 1969, Nissan has been manufacturing their own unique interpretation of mechanical bliss and for years at one point, they soldiered on as the only torchbearer for pure Japanese sports cars.

The extroverted 370Z NISMO makes a bit more power and has more performance kit in the tradition of being a lively and intimate sportscar that drives as if it was connected to your cerebral cortex. However, I prefer the more reserved approach of the 370Z Premium variant that rides exceptionally well for an authentic sports car with deep abilities. The Nissan 370Z Premium also features a factory standard carbon-fiber composite driveshaft combined with a mechanical viscous Limited Slip Differential and substantially wide mixed forged RAYS® alloys that are half an inch narrower than the units on the NISMO model (19 x 9-inch front, 19 x 10-inch rear) wrapped with tenacious 245/40R19 98W front and 275/35R19 100W rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires.

We have enjoyed testing every single generation and variant through the years so naturally one develops a fondness for particular models, my personal favorite until this outgoing generation was the twin-turbo Z32 not just because it was the car that I coveted during my university years in the US, but mostly because of its outstanding abilities in a period when most cars on the street where boring even plebian.

The 370Z Premium gives up essentially only 6 lb-ft of torque at the same 5200 rpm engine speed and 10 bhp at 400 rpm less than the 7400 rpm peak in comparison to the NISMO version which translates to a tenth of a second, at best, from 0-100 km/h. On public roads, the small deficit is completely inconsequential. On the track, definitely, the power nuance, wider contact patch, more aggressive aerodynamics, and NISMO-tuned suspension would make a more profound difference, if that is important to the buyer.

Speed management is handled by fabulous Akebono brakes, 14.0-inch vented front / 13.8-inch vented rear rotors controlled by painted red 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers. They work flawlessly and are the same units applied to the NISMO version. The Nissan 370Z Premium’s magnificent 7,000 rpm normally aspirated redline wakes up emotions that are very much diluted in most cars today. The standard 8-speaker Bose® audio system is the same as the NISMO but without the aftermarket 6.8-inch touchscreen Blaupunkt infotainment head unit. I prefer to use the original Nissan head unit which may look dated but it is clean and works well. The only thing missing really is rear parking sonars or a rear camera for easier parking.

In the end, however exemplary and extra dynamic the Nissan Z370 NISMO is over its more affordable siblings, I honestly prefer the even more compliant suspension and cleaner lines of the standard model tested here. I’m willing to compromise some power for better everyday drivability. While stocks last, this is your last chance to buy a truly capable, charismatic, and exhilarating sports car with old-school connectivity.