Nissan has given its 370Z Coupe a makeover for the European market. Citing the higher average speeds offered in Europe - most notably Germany - and the wide variety of road surfaces that range from super smooth to badly pitted as reasons for the changes, the new 370Z GT Edition sports revised chassis settings and suspension modifications that are designed to improve the handling and ride comfort of the sixth-generation of Nissan's Z-car line.
Nissan says the fine-tuning of the 370Z's Front-Midship (FM) rear drive chassis centers on the dampers that have been recalibrated to enhance ride comfort and high-speed handling. With the aim of improving body and wheel control on undulating country roads, the rebound and compression rations of the GT Edition's front and rear dampers have been revised to enhance the wheel's vertical movement at mid and high speeds.
Nissan says this results in improved wheel control that is reflected in a flatter ride on all surfaces, while reducing "bobbing" at higher speeds on the freeway. Additionally, thanks to a stiffer chassis that provides better "bump thump" absorption, Nissan says the increase in damping force hasn't led to a degradation in comfort.
Other changes see the addition of a rear-view parking camera as part of the Nissan Premium Connect satellite navigation option and the standard fitment of a tire pressure monitoring system. The seven-speed automatic option now includes a snow mode, which sets the vehicle off in second gear and controls engine revs to prevent spin on ice and snow.
The GT Edition sports the same 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 328 ps (323 hp) and 363 Nm of torque found in the original 370Z. The engine is coupled to a short throw six-speed sports manual gearbox or a seven-speed paddle shift automatic.
The Nissan 370Z GT Edition is available in metallic black, pearl white and a GT Edition exclusive Black Rose, with grey "GT" stripes running along the flanks of the car. The vehicle's 19 inch RAYS forged alloy wheel are finished in an anthracite color.
But the really good news for European buyers is that Nissan is selling the GT Edition for less than the standard Coupe, with prices starting at GBP35,000 (approx. US$57,700) when it becomes available from select Nissan dealers in the U.K. on June 1.
