2018 Nissan 370Z N-Sport quick review

The Nissan 370Z is by no means a new car, but this is a ‘new’ version of it, released this year by Nissan Australia.

Only 50 370Z N-Sport models are to be sold, with each coming in at a $1500 discount, leaving the price at $48,490. That’s right, the rare special edition costs less than the standard car.

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The N-Sport brings with it a ‘yellow-fied’ interior, with yellow stitching, leather on the centre console, and both of the aforementioned on the steering wheel. It’s a bit much in this journo’s opinion, but we asked around and feedback for the styling was mixed.

Outside, the yellow continues – unless you shell out an extra $550 for black or white premium paint – while decals in the form of a central racing stripe and side graphic let others know what you’re driving.

The unkind observer might call it ‘tacky’, though some in the MOTOR office are fans of the loud, almost ‘90s-esque throwback styling.

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Nissan actually says it’s inspired by the Black Gold Edition 1980 Datsun 280ZX, but it doesn’t share a lot in common with the design cues of this bright beast.

The only aspect of the 370Z N-Sport that might affect the way it drives is the change of wheels, now a set of 18-inch black alloys. They’re a touch smaller than the 19s on the standard car, and don’t fill out the guards at the rear, but the black is a better match for the rest of the design.

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Aside from this, power, chassis, weight, and just about everything else remains the same.

So, for a touch less than $50,000, you can pick up a muscular rear-drive coupe that has old-school charm and still holds up as a fun driver’s car.

Its steering is sharp, handling well-sorted, and it’s still relatively quick – even though the engine feels a touch asthmatic in the lower end of the rev-range. Thankfully, revving is what atmo engines do best.

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Is it worth the yellow treatment to score the discount? Put simply, yes. But with the 370Z model stretching back to 2009, and the 350Z before that, there’s an unsurprising profusion of used models for sale, and we reckon that’s where the thrifty buyer should go.

2018 NISSAN 370Z N-SPORT SPECS:
Engine: 3693cc 60-degree V6, DOHC, 24v 
Power: 245kW @ 7000rpm
Torque: 363Nm @ 5200rpm 
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Weight: 1468kg 
Power-to-Weight: 162kW/tonne 
Price: $48,490

Likes: Still drives like a 370Z; small discount
Dislikes: Looks; sound; cost over buying a used Zed