Nissan 370Z Nismo

The 370Z NISMO is not ,as Nissan would have you believe, an entirely new addition to Nismo's portfolio.It has existed in the US since the regular 370Z was introduced in 2009, in coupe and manual-only specification. As with the standard manuals, the Nismo features rev-shift, the heel-and-toe-aping system that helps to smooth the Z's downshifts; because of the rather weighty springing of the gearshift it self, it's not too difficult to look clumsy.

That has always been part of the 370Z's appeal, though: feeling rather old-school and demanding in an all-too-easy new-school world.Nismo's target customers may come from gaming , but the Z is no uninvolving, digital experience.lts small 16bhp boost over the standard 370Z comes courtesy of cheat codes in the ECU, though, the only physical change being a freer-breathing exhaust. Those two pipes get a 10mm increase in diameter but still aren't intense enough to drown out the noisy V6.

The interior gets a sizeable shot of kit, with sat-nav and a reversing camera included in the no-options Nismo.Its status as the sporting flagship is highlighted inside in red, with Nismo badges, and leather and Alcantara are liberally smattered around the tough interior.There's a numbered plaque, too.

Outside, that red highlighting theme continues.The Nismo wears a body kit that aids high-speed stability by smoothing airflow around and underneath its body.lt is difficult to miss, adding a big boot-mounted spoiler and some width to cover those wider rear wheels ( the rears are half an inch wider) , while a protruding front splitter and rear diffuser add 150mm to the Nismo's length.

It's what's underneath that matters,though, and Nismo has added five body struts to increase rigidity.Suspention changes to the US model have been developed by Nismo's Japanese engineers with input from the Nissan Technical Centre Europe. The spring rates have risen by 14 per cent at the front , and damper rates are 23 per cent stiffer at the front and 41 per cent at thew rear. Despite the greater focus,it's not overly troubled by poor surfaces, and its composure and control impress.

The drivetrain reamains diminant.The small increase in power barely makes any difference in reality.It feels slightly more eager at highter revs, but the engine's ever-present sound and vibrations are much the same as you'll find in non-Nismo versions.So, too,is the Z's ability to oversteer, which it will do on demand . The steering feels slightly quicker, but the brakes get the biggest boost, with a confidence-inspiring shorter pedal movement and brake fluid and hoses borrowed from the GT-R.

The Nismo offers a faster, more composed 370Z drive. However, £26,995 and provides much the same thrills, if a lot less equipment.Price-wise, the Nismo is getting into Cayman territory, and although the Porsche is outgunned on performance and kit, the Nissan is outpointed on the road.

• Price:  £36,995
• 0-100km/h: 5.2sec
• Top speed: 250km/h
• Economy: 9.4km/L (combined,est)
• Co2: 248g/km (est)
• Kerb Weight: 1535kg
• Engine: V6,3696cc,petrol
• Installation: Front,longitudinal,RWD
• Power: 339bhp at 7400rpm
• Torque: 373Nm at 5200rpm
• Gearbox: 6-spd manual
• Fuel Tank: 72litres
• Boot: 235litres
• Wheels: 9.5Jx19in (f),10.5Jx19in (r)
• Types: 245/40 R19(f),285/35 R19 (r)