2019 Nissan 370Z: A Deep Dive into the Iconic Sports Car

The 2019 Nissan 370z marks another year in the celebrated lineage of the Z series, Nissan’s iconic sports car. Building upon decades of performance and style, the 2019 model year brings refinements and enhancements across the 370Z Coupe, 370Z NISMO, and 370Z Roadster variants. This article provides a comprehensive overview for automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers interested in the 2019 Nissan 370Z, focusing on its key features, performance upgrades, and model-specific highlights.

2019 Nissan 370Z Coupe: Overview and Enhancements

The 2019 Nissan 370Z Coupe receives notable updates, streamlining its trim levels and introducing new aesthetic options. Notably, the previous Touring and Sport Tech trims are consolidated into a new, fully-equipped Sport Touring grade, offering a more comprehensive package for buyers.

The popular 370Z Heritage Edition continues for 2019 with fresh color choices. Joining the Magnetic Black option are new Pearl White and Deep Blue Pearl exteriors, each accented with distinctive yellow interior trim and custom graphics, enhancing the visual appeal of this special edition. Further enhancing convenience across the range, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with RearView Monitor becomes standard on all 2019 370Z Coupe models.

The 2019 Coupe lineup is available in 370Z, 370Z Sport, and 370Z Sport Touring models, alongside the high-performance 370Z NISMO. These updates build upon the significant enhancements introduced in 2018, which included a revised exterior with darkened headlight and taillight treatments, a blackout rear lower fascia, and a redesigned 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design.

Enhanced Driving Dynamics

The 2019 370Z Coupe retains the driving enhancements implemented in the 2018 model year, focusing on optimizing acceleration and torque delivery. Nissan engineers refined the Accelerator Pedal Opening (APO) and Throttle Valve Opening (TVO) angles without altering the engine’s core components, resulting in improved engine responsiveness and a more engaging driving experience. Manual transmission-equipped 370Z models benefit from the inclusion of a motorsports-derived EXEDY® high-performance clutch, improving clutch feel and performance.

370Z Heritage Edition: New Colors, Same Spirit

The 370Z Heritage Edition package, reintroduced in 2018, continues to offer a unique visual identity to the 2019 model. Now available in three exterior colors, the Heritage Edition allows buyers to personalize their 370Z Coupe. The Magnetic Black Heritage Edition (gloss silver graphics, yellow interior trim) is joined by two new options: the Deep Blue Pearl Heritage Edition (black outside mirrors, gloss silver decals, yellow interior trim) and the Pearl White Heritage Edition (black outside mirrors, gloss black decals, yellow interior trim). The previous Chicane Yellow Heritage Edition is discontinued for 2019.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the 2019 Nissan 370Z Coupe lies the potent 3.7-liter VQ37VHR DOHC V6 engine. This advanced engine, featuring VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology, delivers 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm.

The VVEL system is instrumental in the 370Z’s performance, precisely controlling intake valve movements to optimize airflow into the combustion chamber. This system not only enhances power delivery but also contributes to improved fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. Furthermore, VVEL aids in cleaner emissions by facilitating quicker catalyst warm-up and stabilizing combustion, especially when the engine is cold.

Buyers can choose between two advanced transmissions: a close-ratio 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual, available on Sport and Sport Touring models, offers SynchroRev Match®, a system that automatically rev-matches downshifts, providing smoother gear changes and enhancing the driving experience for drivers of all skill levels. This feature can be deactivated for drivers who prefer traditional manual shifting.

The 7-speed automatic transmission incorporates Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). In manual mode, it offers quick shifts, targeting a 0.5-second shift time. Optimized torque converter lock-up logic provides a direct feel reminiscent of a manual transmission. The 7-speed automatic’s wider gear ratios contribute to better fuel economy compared to a 5-speed automatic, while ASC adapts shift patterns to the driver’s style. Paddle shifters are standard on Sport and Sport Touring grades, providing manual control when desired.

Manual transmission 2019 370Z models are equipped with an EXEDY® high-performance clutch. Developed through EXEDY’s motorsports partnership with Nissan, this clutch enhances launching, acceleration, and deceleration. Its reduced pedal force and improved half-clutch control contribute to a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience.

Fuel economy for the 2019 Nissan 370Z Coupe is estimated at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for the 7-speed automatic and 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway/20 mpg combined for the 6-speed manual transmission.

Chassis and Handling

The 2019 370Z Coupe’s chassis is engineered for balanced handling and responsive driving dynamics. Available 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are designed to minimize vibration and improve wheel balance. A specialized cutting process enhances accuracy, reducing wheel balance weight. The split 5-spoke wheel design combines forged aluminum-alloy with black painted surfaces and bright finish accents. Sport and Sport Touring trims feature Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires as standard.

The double-wishbone front suspension utilizes lightweight forged aluminum arms, a rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, and a hollow stabilizer bar. The independent multi-link rear suspension is designed to be stiffer and lighter than previous generations, with an integrated rear cradle. “High response” shock absorbers at each corner and reduced shock friction enhance ride comfort.

Vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering provides precise control. A solenoid valve acts as a damper to minimize steering kickback and vibrations from harsh impacts. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is standard across all models.

The 370Z features a standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. Sport and Sport Touring models upgrade to Nissan Sport Brakes with larger 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (compared to 12.6-inch standard rotors) and 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum red-finish calipers.

Base 370Z models feature black-finished 18×8-inch front/18×9-inch rear 10-spoke lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high-performance summer tires. Sport and Sport Touring grades are equipped with split 5-spoke 19×9-inch front/19×10-inch rear RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires.

Exterior Design

The 2019 370Z Coupe retains its iconic “dynamic motion” exterior design, characterized by a dramatic roofline and a low center of gravity. The sleek profile is accentuated by an upswept quarter window design mirrored in the lower rocker panel, creating a sense of tautness and muscularity around the wheels.

Standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon “boomerang shape” headlights with auto on/off and LED daytime running lamps provide excellent visibility and a distinctive front fascia. The broad-shouldered rear is highlighted by integrated boomerang taillights and flared rear fenders.

Functional details include a flashing side marker lamp/emblem (turn signal lamp not available on base 370Z) and a red rear center reflector. Sport and Sport Touring grades include a front chin spoiler and rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics.

The 370Z Coupe achieves a coefficient of drag of 0.30 (0.29 for Sport and Sport Touring). Sport and Sport Touring models achieve zero front and rear lift due to aerodynamic optimizations, including an “inverse area” front bumper design and rear airflow management from the roof to the rear hatch.

The 370Z’s rigid structure underpins its performance. The FM (Front Midship) platform provides a foundation for the well-proportioned body, with a 100.4-inch wheelbase, 167.5-inch overall length, 72.6-inch width, and 51.8-inch height, embodying classic sports car aesthetics.

Lightweight aluminum door panels, hood, and hatch contribute to weight reduction. A front suspension cradle, rear structural reinforcements, and an underbody “V-bar” enhance rigidity. The design also incorporates a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthened rear fender and hatch areas. The rear hatchback features an electronic release switch on the center console.

Exterior color options include Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic, Deep Blue Pearl, and Passion Red. The Passion Red paint utilizes a high brightness aluminum pigment and Nano-pigment tinted clear coat for a vibrant, jewel-like finish.

Interior and Features

The 2019 370Z Coupe interior remains largely unchanged, maintaining its driver-focused cockpit design. The traditional 2-seat layout features a deeply scooped instrument panel and a full-length center console. The “layer concept” design organizes information, operation, and holding elements for intuitive driver engagement.

Gauges are mounted to the steering column, ensuring visibility regardless of steering wheel position. The instrument panel features a traditional 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter, and clock. Speedometer and tachometer include an “initial sweep” function upon startup.

The “oval” 3-spoke steering wheel features baseball-style stitching, thumb grips, and palm rests. The leather-wrapped wheel is “shaved” for an ergonomic grip.

The driver’s seat is uniquely designed with lower cushion cutouts to optimize pedal access. Seat frames are designed for lateral support during cornering. Both seats feature anti-slip material on the main seating surface. Sporty black woven cloth seats with manual adjustments are standard.

Standard interior features include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows, power door locks, automatic climate control, rear window defroster, 12-volt power outlets, cupholders, map lights, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/AUX audio system with steering wheel controls. An auto-dimming mirror with RearView Monitor is now standard on all models.

The Sport Touring model adds 4-way power adjustable heated sport seats with lumbar support, glove box damper, heated side mirrors, side turn signal lamp, aluminum-trimmed pedals, retractable cargo cover, leather-appointed/synthetic suede seating, and synthetic suede door panel inserts.

Sport Touring models also include Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch VGA touch screen, NavTraffic®, NavWeather™, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, streaming audio via Bluetooth®, and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

Sport and Sport Touring models feature a Bose® audio system with eight speakers (including subwoofers), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE). ANC reduces low-frequency engine noise, while ASE enhances natural engine sounds.

Standard safety features include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

2019 Nissan 370Z NISMO: Performance and Style Elevated

The 2019 Nissan 370Z NISMO stands as the performance flagship of the 370Z lineup. Distinguished by its unique exterior and interior elements, the NISMO model offers enhanced performance through a NISMO-tuned suspension and exclusive Recaro® seats.

For 2019, the 370Z NISMO name is simplified, dropping the “NISMO Tech” designation. It carries forward significant 2018 updates, including Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 high-performance tires and the EXEDY® high-performance clutch for manual transmission models.

NISMO Exclusive Design

The 370Z NISMO’s exterior features Nissan GT-R-inspired aerodynamic body pieces, enhancing both aesthetics and performance. These include a deep front fascia with Hyper LED Daytime Running Lights, black headlight bezels, an integrated chin spoiler, and signature NISMO red stripe accents. A unique NISMO rear spoiler and rear fascia complete the design. The 370Z NISMO is wider and longer than standard 370Z Coupes.

Exterior features include an aluminum hood, bi-functional xenon headlights, vertical door handles, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, and chrome-tipped exhaust outlets. Exterior colors are Pearl White and Magnetic Black.

Twin-five spoke 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels by RAYS and Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 tires (245/40R19 front, 285/35R19 rear) further distinguish the NISMO model.

NISMO-Styled Interior

The NISMO interior emphasizes a motorsports-inspired ambiance. Black-and-red Recaro® leather-appointed seats with Alcantara® accents, designed specifically for the 370Z NISMO, provide enhanced support. Red seat trim and stitching with NISMO logos, an Alcantara®-appointed leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a NISMO red tachometer further enhance the interior.

Standard interior features mirror the 370Z Coupe, including Nissan Intelligent Key®, Bose® audio system, Bluetooth®, SiriusXM®, and streaming audio via Bluetooth®. Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) systems are also standard.

The 370Z NISMO includes a standard hard drive-based Nissan Navigation System with 7.0-inch VGA touch screen, auto-dimming rearview mirror with RearView Monitor, and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

NISMO Performance Enhancements

The 2019 370Z NISMO is powered by a tuned 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine producing 350 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, an 18 horsepower increase over standard 370Z models. This power boost is achieved through an exclusive H-configured exhaust system, muffler tuning, and optimized ECM calibration.

Transmission choices include a close-ratio 6-speed manual with SynchroRev Match® and the EXEDY® high-performance clutch, or a refined 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), Adaptive Shift Control, and paddle shifters.

The NISMO-tuned suspension features higher spring and stabilizer bar rates, increased roll stiffness, and enhanced damping factors, along with a wider track width. A strut tower bar brace and performance dampers further refine handling.

NISMO Sport Brakes with large diameter rotors and red-finish calipers provide enhanced braking performance. A Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) with shorter final drive ratios improves acceleration feel.

Standard safety and security features are consistent with the 370Z Coupe.

2019 Nissan 370Z Roadster: Open-Air Thrills

The 2019 Nissan 370Z Roadster offers the exhilaration of open-top driving combined with the 370Z’s dynamic performance. Available in 370Z Roadster, 370Z Touring Roadster, and 370Z Sport Touring Roadster models, the Roadster provides a range of equipment levels.

Roadster Styling and Convertible Top

The 370Z Roadster features the Z’s iconic long nose/short cockpit proportions and boomerang headlight/taillight design. HID bi-functional xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, dark tinted rear combination lights, and black-matte chrome-plated outside door handles define the exterior. Exterior colors for 2019 include Magnetic Black, Pearl White, and Passion Red.

The fully automatic convertible top is designed for sleek aesthetics and ease of operation. It features a single-action open-close operation, a fabric inner liner for noise reduction, and a glass rear window with defroster. Top operation takes approximately 20 seconds and can be controlled via a center console switch or door-mounted button (lowering only). A full body-color hard tonneau cover conceals the top when down, contributing to the “double cockpit” style interior.

The Roadster incorporates an aluminum hood, door panels, and trunk for weight reduction, along with structural reinforcements in the A-pillars and side sills.

Roadster Interior and Features

The 370Z Roadster interior is driver-centric, with a three-layer design. Base models feature black woven cloth seats, while Touring and Sport Touring models offer leather-appointed seats with heating and cooling functions.

The 2-seat layout, instrument panel with 3-pod cluster, and steering wheel design mirror the Coupe. Standard features include auto-dimming rearview mirror with RearView Monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key®, Bluetooth®, power windows, power door locks, and automatic climate control.

Touring and Sport Touring models add Bose® audio system, Nissan Navigation System, SiriusXM®, streaming audio via Bluetooth®, HomeLink®, aluminum-trimmed pedals, and synthetic suede door panel inserts.

Roadster Performance

The 2019 370Z Roadster shares the Coupe’s 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with VVEL and 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Paddle shifters are standard.

The Roadster utilizes the 370Z Coupe’s advanced 4-wheel independent suspension. Wheel and tire packages include 18-inch black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels on base models and 19-inch RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels on the Sport Touring model.

The 4-wheel vented disc brake system with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist is standard. Sport Touring models upgrade to Nissan Sport Brakes. Vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted steering and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) are standard. The Sport Touring model includes a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Standard safety features are consistent with the 370Z Coupe.

Conclusion

The 2019 Nissan 370Z continues to deliver a compelling sports car experience across its Coupe, NISMO, and Roadster models. With refined features, enhanced performance, and iconic design, the 2019 370Z remains a strong contender in the sports car market, offering enthusiasts a blend of heritage and modern driving dynamics. Whether opting for the classic Coupe, the high-performance NISMO, or the open-air Roadster, the 2019 Nissan 370Z provides a thrilling and engaging driving experience that stays true to the Z legacy.

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