Nissan Gives the 2011 370Z an Update and Adds GT Edition

Since the main focus of attention in the car world has become electric vehicles, it’s easy to forget just how cool and exciting a simple sportscar can be. Take Nissan, for example! As the world’s journalists are keeping their eyes on the new Esflow pure-electric sports coupe concept at the Geneva Motor Show, the Japanese carmaker’s announcement about a subtly revised European market 370Z Coupe slipped by almost unnoticed.

The ‘Z’ has received a number of suspension, transmission and equipment improvements for the entire coupe range, while also adding a new trim level, called the GT Edition.

The 2011 version of the sporty coupe comes with improvements for what was probably its Achilles’ heal - the ride and noise damping. The engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) have managed to find a better balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling. Further refinements were achieved through the revision of the underbody insulation, so road noise will be reduced in the cabin.

Meanwhile, the optional seven-speed automatic gearbox gains a snow mode, which starts the car off in second gear and manages the engine to prevent excessive power being sent to the wheels on ice and snow.

Finally, we get to the new GT Edition trim level, which offers three body colors - metallic black, pearl white and Black Rose, the latter shade exclusive to GT Edition. The exterior is set off by the standard 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels, which are finished in a bold anthracite color and replace the standard 18-inch rims.

"The 370Z is an iconic sports car and the GT Edition underlines its appeal to enthusiasts everywhere," said Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Planning, Nissan International SA. "The combination of outstanding performance and the dramatic looks of this very special Nissan 370Z more than lives up to the heritage of its illustrious forebear while its strong links to the race track shows its true pedigree."