Nissan reveals updated 2015 370Z Nismo among the faithful

Fri, 16 May 2014

Well before quick Honda Si models of the '80s or the performance juggernaut that the Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7 became in the 90s, the Datsun 240Z was an early stake in the ground for Japanese sports cars. It was affordable, but the original Z-car was also a capable coupe that could show its tail to European and American rivals. Today, Nissan celebrates the car each year with fellow enthusiasts at its ZDAYZ event, and this year in North Carolina, it's surprising fans by launching the 2015 370Z Nismo there with some significant upgrades.

The biggest change is that the 370Z Nismo is available with a seven-speed automatic transmission for the first time. The six-speed manual is still standard, of course. But for those who don't want to use a clutch, Nissan is offering the new automatic with Downshift Rev Matching and a manual mode via paddle shifters. Power is still provided by the same 3.7-liter V6 as last year, producing 350 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque with a limited-slip differential at the back for added traction.

This hottest 370Z model also receives a brand-new GT-R-inspired bodykit that features a deeper front fascia, LED running lights and blacked-out headlight bezels. It also sports a new chin spoiler bearing the Nismo emblem and red accents that flow from the front, down the side sills and all the way to the rear bumper. At the back, there is also a smaller ducktail spoiler for a more mature look. The 2015 also wears cool 19-inch forged aluminum wheels by Rays with a new twin-spoke design and charcoal finish. Compared to last year's model, it's a much more mature-looking coupe.

Inside, drivers are welcomed with new black and red Recaro leather seats with Alcantara trim, are exclusive to the Nismo. The steering wheel is also wrapped in the faux suede for a better grip. A new, optional Tech package adds a navigation system that displays on a seven-inch touchscreen, Nissan's RearView Monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bose audio with Bluetooth.

If you're in need of this rear-wheel drive Japanese sports coupe, your wait won't be long: The 2015 370Z Nismo goes on sale in July. Scroll down to read the full announcement and specs.

2015 NISSAN 370Z NISMO MAKES SURPRISE WORLD DEBUT AT NORTH CAROLINA "ZDAYZ" EVENT

• Refined 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO makes global debut today at annual gathering of Nissan, Datsun and NISMO sports car owners and performance enthusiasts

• Refreshed 370Z NISMO features distinctive new exterior appearance, redesigned wheels and enhanced interior; 7-speed automatic transmission is also available

• Performance enhancements include retuned suspension and Recaro® co-developed seats exclusively designed for 370Z Nismo

• 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO goes on sale at U.S. Nissan dealers in July 2014

FONTANA DAM, NC. (May 16, 2014) – There was a surprise "guest" today at ZDAYZ, the annual gathering of hundreds of Nissan, Datsun and NISMO owners and enthusiasts – the world debut of the new 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO. A solid progress for 2015, the new 370Z NISMO model features exterior, interior and performance refinements, along with an expanded model selection that includes both 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmissions and a new 370Z NISMO Tech grade.

"NISMO is the heart and soul of Nissan performance, both for the track and on the street, so it's fitting that we are showing the dramatic new 2015 370Z NISMO for the first time at a gathering of our most loyal and enthusiast owners," said Nissan Chief Planning Officer and Executive Vice President Andy Palmer. "The new 370Z NISMO joins the recently introduced Nissan GT-R NISMO and Nissan JUKE NISMO RS, giving performance fans a range of fresh, factory tuned NISMO models to enjoy."

2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO
The most striking change for the 2015 370Z NISMO is its revised exterior design. Its GT-R-inspired functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces have been redesigned to provide an aggressive and more aerodynamic new appearance – as well as optimizing front and rear downforce. Key changes include a new, deep front fascia with LED Hyper Daytime Running Lights, black headlight bezels, NISMO emblem and signature NISMO red stripe accent on the integrated front chin spoiler. The red accent continues down the redesigned side sills, on the black-color sideview mirrors and across the lower portion of the redesigned rear fascia. The unique NISMO rear spoiler has been reshaped and downsized.

The standard 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels by RAYS also have been restyled for 2015 with a twin-five spoke design and a charcoal gray machine-finish (formerly silver).

Inside, the unique NISMO-styled interior is enhanced with redesigned black-and-red Recaro® leather-appointed seats with Alcantara® accents. The new seats, co-developed with Recaro®, are exclusively designed for the 370Z NISMO to provide more uniform body pressure and better all-direction holding during spirited acceleration, braking and cornering. They also play a key role in providing driving excitement by maximizing the harmony between driver and machine. The interior also features red seat trim and stitching with NISMO logo, an Alcantara®-appointed leather-wrapped steering wheel and NISMO red tachometer.

Also new for 2015 is the 370Z NISMO Tech model, which adds a hard drive-based Nissan Navigation System with 7.0-inch VGA touch-sensitive display, RearView Monitor, Bose® Audio System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

As in previous years, the 2015 370Z NISMO is powered by a potent 350-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). The engine is matched with an exclusive, tuned H-configured exhaust system design, muffler tuning and an optimized calibration is installed to help create 18 horsepower more than a standard 370Z Coupe. Torque is rated at 276 lb-ft.

Two transmission choices are offered for the first time on the Z NISMO model. The close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission features standard SynchroRev Match®, the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission, which allows rev-matched heel-toe-like downshifting. Newly available is a refined 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with paddle shifters.

The 370Z NISMO also features a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, NISMO-branded strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity and a pair of performance dampers to help minimize road-input vibrations and help contribute to the NISMO 370Z's high levels of handling and performance feel. The NISMO tuned suspension includes special springs and stabilizer bars. Large Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) – with a shorter final drive ratio for better acceleration feel - are also standard on the 2015 370Z NISMO.

The 2015 370Z NISMO is offered in just four exterior colors – Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White. It is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2014.

"There's much more to love about the 370Z NISMO than ever before – the new appearance inside and out, enhanced handling, new wheels, more technology and a choice of transmissions," added Palmer. "Our fans here at ZDAYZ want only the best and that's what this new 370Z NISMO delivers."

About ZDAYZ
ZDayZ is an annual Z® car enthusiast gathering that takes place in various locations around the United States. Each year the event draws hundreds of Nissan Z, GT-R and other Nissan performance car enthusiasts from all over North America. This year's ZDayZ is being held May 15-19 at Fontana Village Resort in Fontana Dam, North Carolina. Activities include a car show, exhaust sound-off competition, 5/10K race, group dinners and multiple group mountain road drives.

About NISMO
NISMO, a short form of "Nissan Motorsports International," is the performance brand for Nissan, and is one of the company's purveyors of "innovation that excites." NISMO offers products featuring innovative technology and high performance to a wide range of customers for street use. NISMO cars provide an exciting driving experience with motorsports-inspired aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling characteristics and unmatched agility. In the motorsports world, NISMO competes in the highest forms of GT and sports car racing, such as Japan's Super GT Series and the World Endurance Championships (WEC), as well as providing engines to teams that compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). The Nissan GT-R captured the Super GT championship in 2011 and 2012.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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2015 NISSAN 370Z NISMO KEY U.S. DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle: 2-passenger sports car

Drive Configuration: Rear-wheel drive

Engine: 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL), rated at 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft torque

Bore x Stroke (mm): 95.5 x 86

Compression Ratio (:1): 11.0

Maximum Engine Speed: 7,500 rpm

Exhaust: NISMO-tuned dual exhaust with H-pipe configuration and polished tips

Transmission: Close-ratio 6-speed manual with SynchroRev Match® or 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with paddle shifters

Final drive ratio: 6-speed manual 3.916 (versus 3.692 standard 370Z)
7-speed automatic 3.692 (versus 3.357 standard 370Z)

Suspension: NISMO-tuned; independent double-wishbone with stabilizer bar front, independent multi-link with stabilizer bar rear; NISMO-tuned shock absorbers front and rear; NISMO-branded front strut tower brace; vibration dampers

Brakes: Nissan Sport Brakes with red calipers; 14.0x1.3-inch vented disc/4-piston opposed caliper front, 13.8x0.8-inch vented disc/opposed 2-psiton caliper rear; highly rigid brake hoses and R35 Special II Fluid brake fluid

Steering: Vehicle-speed variable-assist rack-and-pinion

Wheels: 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels by RAYS – 19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear

Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001 Y-rated performance tires – 245/40R19 front, 285/35R19 rear

Wheelbase: 100.4 inches

Length: 170.5 inches

Width: 72.6 inches

Height: 51.8 inches

Min. ground clearance: 4.7 inches

Headroom: 38.2 inches

Legroom: 42.9 inches

Hip room: 54.6 inches

Shoulder room: 54.4 inches

Exterior Features: NISMO aerodynamic body design with unique front and rear fascias, side sills and low-profile rear spoiler; aluminum hood; bi-functional xenon headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights and automatic on/off headlights; distinctive vertical door handles; heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals; four exterior colors – Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White

Interior Features: Recaro® leather-appointed seats with Alcantara® accents, red seat trim and stitching with NISMO logo, Alcantara®-appointed leather-wrapped steering wheel; NISMO red tachometer; serialized plaque of authenticity with model year designation; aluminum-trimmed pedals; Bose® audio system; available Nissan Navigation system with 7.0-inch touch-sensitive display, Rearview Monitor

Models: 370Z NISMO, 370Z NISMO Tech

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By Chris Bruce