Nissan reveals 370Z facelift for 2013

First Impression

Nissan has revealed the 2013 version of its Signature 370Z sports car that is slated to make its official debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The car has been decked with unassuming cosmetic changes like new front bumpers, daytime LED running lights and fascia re-modeled with red reflectors. To amplify the oomph quotient of the car, a brand new color scheme has been introduced along with standard 18-inch alloy wheels in the base model whereas the NISMO has been bestowed with red-brake calipers, 19-inch alloy wheels and euro-tuned shock absorbers. But everything else under the hood remains unchanged.

2013 Nissan 370Z

The Powertrain

Nissan decided to move ahead with the functioning of its custom-made 3.7-liter V6 engine in all its subsequent sports car models since the engine’s launch in the year 2011. It dishes out a healthy 332 hp. The engine can be connected to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The NISMO model’s engine and exhaust specifications has been digitally modified to yield 350 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque from the same V6 engine. Nissan's useful SynchroRev Match, that removes the ambiguity involved in engine rev-matching when shifting gears down, has been kept optional for the manual transmission.

The Exteriors and Interiors

The 2013 model gets cosmetic changes which are reasonably unassuming. The grille loses its former look, replaced by a simplified and sleeker look. Other prominent modifications include a reworked front lip spoiler that has done away with the fangs of its predecessor for a cleaner, sleeker look. New LED daytime running lights have been added at the car's front corners. At the car's back end, a new red reflector has been added underneath the car's license plate. NISMO versions, which have distinct front and rear styling, have been kept away from these modifications, instead they have been installed with firm brake hoses and performance enhancing brake fluids.

The 370Z will move on standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and the 19-inch rims have been kept optional. These sizes would be made available for the 2013 model but still the designs are quite new in comparison to their predecessors. Nineteen-inch wheels are included with the NISMO Sports Package that also gains red brake calipers and retuned shock absorbers.

The only noticeable change in the internal cabin specification of the 2013 edition relates to the addition of speakers to the NISMO's Bose audio system.

What’s new?

The 2013 version of the Nissan 370Z sports car has been yanked with minor and subtle changes which are at best unnoticeable to the layman’s eyes, yet there are a few notable changes. Two new colors, magma red and midnight blue have been included to heighten the car’s aesthetic appeal and add some variety to its color scheme. The "Euro-tuned shock absorbers is also an interesting new addition to the car’s suspension that is meant to upgrade the Car’s performances in treacherous terrains.

The 2013 version of the Nissan 370Z sports car has been yanked with minor and subtle changes which are at best unnoticeable to the layman’s eyes, yet there are a few notable changes. Two new colors, magma red and midnight blue have been included to heighten the car’s aesthetic appeal and add some variety to its color scheme. The "Euro-tuned shock absorbers is also an interesting new addition to the car’s suspension that is meant to upgrade the Car’s performances in treacherous terrains.

Picture Gallery

2013 Nissan 370Z

Refreshed Nissan 370Z To Debut At Chicago Auto Show

Nissan refreshed the front and rear fascia on the 370Z car and added a new wheel design. There also are new shades of red and blue added to the car’s color scheme. Everything else under the hood stays intact in comparison to its previous models. Though, the Synchro Rev Match that helps in engine rev-matching while shifting gears down is an interesting addition to the list of features in the car’s inventory.

Price and Availability

The Nissan 370Z and the NISMO sports edition are set to hit the US dealerships by end of June or early July 2012. The carmaker is yet to reveal specific information about the pricing of the 2013 edition.

Bottom-line

When the 370Z category was first launched in 2009, it had short-spacing wheelbases and more power than the outgoing 350Zs, that was its predecessor. The 2013 370Z changes little from the specifications included in the 2012 model, with mostly superficial touches. The few updates that have been introduced into the 2013 edition don't hurt the car’s status as a brilliantly fun sports driving unit, but they won't help it much, to create a distinct position of its own either. The majority of the changes brought in the 2013 edition are unimpressive since they could have been easily implemented in a car tuning shop.

Yet what is significant is the concern relating to a lengthy wait for more significant changes to be made to the existing technical specifications of the 370Z. The current generation was launched as a 2010 model. Carmakers usually make substantial changes to the technical specifications of their product lines once in a five-year product cycle, which would imply that significant changes cannot be expected to be seen until the 2015 model year. But there have been significant changes made in the engine and cabin technologies of the Nissan’s Competitors like the Mazda CX-5. The 370Z could end up looking very out dated if Nissan waits too long for a real and sizeable update.