2011 Nissan 370Z

The 2011 Nissan 370Z covers nearly all the bases: two seats, lightweight coupe body, more than 300 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, big wheels and tires, and curves for days. Factor in a seductive price starting around $30,000 and you’ve got lusty sheet metal for the Lead Foot Everyman.

The 2011 Nissan 370Z even comes in roadster form. Purists might dismiss it, but the open Z is powered by the same burly 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission as the coupe. Similar suspension tuning and a weight increase of just 200 additional pounds help the roadster retain most of the coupe’s quick reflexes and acceleration.

2011 Nissan 370Z NISMO Coupe

2011 Nissan 370Z Touring Convertible

2011 Nissan 370Z Touring Convertible

The 2011 Nissan 370Z is offered as a two-seat coupe or a convertible soft-top roadster. The coupe is offered in base, Touring and Nismo trim levels, while the roadster comes in base and Touring only.

Standard features for the base 370Z coupe include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, heated side mirrors, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, a tilt steering wheel wrapped in leather, an eight-way manual driver seat and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

The 370Z Touring coupe adds leather and faux suede upholstery, power seat adjustments, heated seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo cover, Bluetooth and an upgraded Bose sound system with six speakers, two subwoofers, an in-dash six-CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio. The track-ready 370Z Nismo comes with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, high-performance tires, a limited-slip rear differential, stiffer suspension tuning, a more powerful V6, upgraded brakes, unique front and rear fascias, a larger rear wing and special Nismo interior trim details.

The 370Z roadster comes standard with a power-operated soft top but is otherwise equipped similarly to the coupe. The Touring model adds heated and ventilated seats with power adjustments.

Those wanting more performance without committing to the Nismo edition can opt for the Sport package, available on both 370Z models, which includes 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, upgraded brakes, front and rear spoilers, and the SynchroRev Match feature for manual-equipped cars.

Base and Touring Nissan 370Zs are powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that puts 332 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque to the pavement through a standard six-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the Sport package, the manual 370Z also comes with the SynchroRev Match feature, which automatically matches engine rpm to wheel speed during downshifts to make clutch re-engagements super-smooth. The six-speed manual with SynchroRev Match is the only transmission offered.

The EPA estimates the coupe achieves 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with either transmission. Roadsters are rated at 18/25/21 mpg with the automatic and 18/25/20 with the manual.

Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Nissan 370Z includes antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front-seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags (roof-mounted in the coupe and door-mounted in the roadster) and active head restraints.

High-quality materials and solid construction are prominent throughout the 370Z’s cabin. The roadster’s lined, fully automatic soft top drops down beneath a body-color tonneau cover in about 20 seconds.

On the road, the 2011 Nissan 370Z provides unrelenting grip and razor-sharp control, but it’s easy to drive and makes you feel like a better driver than you are. The ride quality impresses with its ability to be supple without compromising handling. The Sport package’s 19-inch wheel-and-tire combo can get awfully noisy, especially on concrete highway slabs. The roadster actually fares better on this count due to its enclosed trunk.