NEW FOR 2015:

– Navigation, reverse camera, USB port, black-finish wheels now standard on Touring trim
– Optional seven-speed automatic discontinued on base Touring trim
– Revised suspension tuning
– Sport package now becomes its own trim level
– New performance-optimized NISMO trim for 370Z Coupe

Waving the flag for sports car enthusiasts, Nissan’s 370Z sports car returns for 2015 with more standard equipment. But the real news is the return of the NISMO model to the Z range.

Nissan has rejigged the model lineup for standard Zs. Last year’s Navigation and Sport Package has been distributed through two trim levels. The Touring gains navigation, a reverse camera, and USB inputs as standard equipment, plus black-finish alloy wheels, but loses the availability of the optional seven-speed automatic. The Touring Sport adds the existing performance gubbins – lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, RevSynchro Match, and bigger brakes.

For those who want more zest with their Z, Nissan has finally brought the NISMO variant to Canada, and it’s looking to be the most comprehensive performance model yet. Beyond the aggressive new red-accented bodykit are chassis upgrades including dampers for the body (subframe and chassis rail mounted), plus NISMO-tuned suspension and forged NISMO RAYS wheels. A free-flowing exhaust helps bump power to 350 hp from 332, while a shorter final-drive ratio ensures snappy off-the-line starts. On the inside, Recaro seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel give additional grip.

Standard 370Zs continue on with a 332-hp 3.7-litre V6 under the hood, and a choice of a close-ratio six-speed manual or a seven-speed paddleshift automatic. Regardless of which 370Z you opt for, the driving experience is genuinely sporty with engaging steering. The interior isn’t up to par with some of its pricier rivals, and powertrain refinement is not a strong suit.

The 370Z is offered in Coupe and Roadster Touring and Touring Sport trims; the Coupe is also available in NISMO form.

Features on the Coupe Touring include staggered width black-painted 18-inch wheels, limited-slip rear differential, automatic HID headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, power heated mirrors, solar glass, proximity key with push-button start, climate control, Bluetooth, ancillary gauges (oil temperature, voltmeter, digital clock), electroluminescent instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer, power windows, power locks, cruise control, garage door opener, dual 12-volt power outlets, tilt steering column with integrated gauges, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, sun visor extenders, parcel box, rear cargo cover, leather upholstery, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats, power seats, synthetic suede door trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake, aluminum pedals, eight-speaker Bose audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3, satellite radio, aux-in jack, 7.0-inch navigation display, reverse camera, and USB port.

The 370Z Touring Sport adds euro-tuned sport suspension, Nissan sport brakes, SynchroRev Match for manual transmission, 19-inch Rays forged alloy wheels.

The NISMO Coupe builds on the Touring Sport with NISMO free-flow dual exhaust system, high-rigidity brake hoses, red engine cover, NISMO-tuned suspension, NISMO three-point strut tower brace, NISMO-tuned front and rear body dampers, 19-inch staggered-width NISMO RAYS forged wheels, NISMO bodykit, red instrument faces, Recaro bucket seats with Alcantara inserts, leather/Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and red interior stitching.

Roadster Touring features the content in the Coupe Touring and adds power convertible top with glass window, rear wind deflector, power storage cover, ventilated front seats. Deletes rear cargo cover.

Roadster Touring Sport builds on the Roadster Touring with euro-tuned sport suspension, Nissan sport brakes, SynchroRev Match for manual transmission, 19-inch Rays forged alloy wheels.

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