First Look: 2013 Nissan 370Z

News I By Brandon Turkus I February 07, 2012

Nissan unveiled its revised 2013 370Z ahead of tomorrow’s Chicago Auto Show press day. The 2013 Z is a refresh of the sixth-generation Z that debuted in 2009, meaning that the guts of the beloved Z are the same (3.7-liter V-6, with a six-speed stick or seven-speed auto). That means 332 horsepower as standard, while the hotter Nismo Z comes to market with a solid 350 horsepower.

Aesthetic changes include a revised front fascia with a vertical LED strip below each headlight. Sport models feature a new nineteen-inch wheel design, while the standard car gets a new set of eighteens. In terms of actual performance, models with the Sport Package will receive a new set of “Euro-tuned” shock absorbers, although Nissan is mum on whether this means a stiffer or softer ride.

The 2013 Z will see its live unveiling at tomorrow’s Chicago Auto Show. As with the current car, hardtop Coupe, soft-top Roadster, and hardcore Nismo body styles will be available when the refreshed Z goes on sale in June.

Please scroll down for the official press release from Nissan.

2013 NISSAN 370Z PREVIEWED AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW – NEW FRONT FASCIA AND NEW WHEELS LEAD ENHANCEMENTS

If it’s February in Chicago, it’s time for one thing – sports cars. Bringing a taste of hot performance to the Windy City winter, Nissan today debuted the revised 2013 Nissan 370Z on the floor of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The new Z®, which is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide next June, features a number of enhancements designed to keep the legendary sports car fresh and exciting. For 2013, the Nissan 370Z will once again be available in Coupe, Roadster and NISMO Z configurations.

The updates for the new model year include:

Refreshed front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights

Red reflector added to rear fascia (replaces previous black center cover)

Revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (Sport Package equipped models)

New 18-inch wheels for 370Z Coupe

Red-finished brake calipers (Sport Package equipped models)

Dark-finish fuel gauge trim

Euro-tuned shock absorbers (Sport Package equipped models)

And two new exterior colors – Magma Red and Midnight Blue

The NISMO 370Z also adds a new Bose® Premium Audio Package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers, premium gun metallic dark-finish 19-inch wheels, and Nissan GT-R style high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid. The NISMO 370Z does not adopt the new front fascia/rear reflector, Euro-tuned shocks or Midnight Blue exterior color.

“Since the original 1970 Z® was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward. The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its dynamic appearance inside and out,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

As in 2012, the 2013 370Z Coupe and 370Z Coupe Touring will each be available with a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 370Z Roadster and 370Z Roadster Touring will be offered with the same engine but with the 6-speed manual offered only with the Touring model (the 7-speed automatic transmission is available with both).

The Nissan NISMO 370Z, a tuner-Z® enthusiast’s dream, will once again cap off the lineup – offering racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. Its 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine is matched with an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design, muffler tuning and optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control – creating 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque. Only one transmission is available, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match®, which allows rev-matched heel-toe-like downshifting.

Additional details on the 2013 Nissan 370Z will be available closer to the June on-sale date.

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