The Nissan 370Z debuted just a few years ago. But as an extension of its predecessor, the 350Z, the current car feels as if it’s been around much longer. The 2013 Nissan 370Z carries over with minimal exterior tweaks, marking time until an anticipated full redesign in a few years. There are no changes to the Z’s 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, nor to its six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions.
The 370Z is again available as a coupe, roadster and as a high-performance Nismo model. The coupe and roadster (but not the Nismo) get a new front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights. The base 370Z also gets a new 18-inch wheel design. In terms of options, the Sport package now includes specially tuned shock absorbers, while the Bose premium audio package gains additional speakers.
Given these mild updates, the Z’s pros and cons pretty much remain the same. For some enthusiasts with children, the lack of a backseat might be an issue, and that could make a number of four-person sport coupes more appealing, such as the BMW 1 Series, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the mechanically similar (though much more refined) Infiniti G37 coupe. For about the same amount of dough, you could also pick up the performance versions of three American icons: the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.
Ultimately, though, the 2013 Nissan 370Z continues to excel at its time-honored mission: delivering strong sports car performance at a relatively reasonable price. It’s set to go on sale in June. Check back for a full review of the 2013 Nissan 370Z, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice, as it becomes available.