2016 Nissan 370Z NISMO - Review & Test Drive

The 2016 Nissan 370Z NISMO takes the 370 up a notch in terms of power and performance. It features a 350 HP V6 engine, improved aerodynamics for increased downforce, and NISMO-tuned suspension, front strut tower, exhaust, and stabilizer bars. Under the hood, there’s a 3.7L V6 engine. It features an aluminum block and heads, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve timing and lift, and a compression ratio of 11:1. The engine produces 350 HP @ 7,400 RPM (with a redline of 7,500 RPM) and 276 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 RPM. This is 18 more horsepower and 6 more lb-ft than the standard 370z, thanks to an exclusive exhaust design and optimized ECM tune.
MSRP As Tested: $46,835
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Features (Via Nissan Press Kit) Include:
- A high-rigidity body with a dynamic presence and aerodynamic design
- Fully integrated NISMO body design, including a unique front nose design with optimized shape for managing airflow, an integrated front chin spoiler, side sills, and a unique rear bumper and rear spoiler designed to increase downforce
- NISMO-style red pinstripe exterior accents
- 170.5-inch overall length (versus 167.5 inches for the standard 370Z Coupe)
- 73.6-inch overall width (versus 72.6 inches for the standard 370Z Coupe)
- Enhanced body rigidity (versus non-NISMO 370Z Coupe models) with a NISMO strut tower bar and front and rear performance dampers to help manage body damping of vibrations from road input via the tires
- Lightweight aluminum hood, doors and hatchback
- High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights and LED brake lights with distinctive "boomerang" design, black headlight bezels
- Hyper LED Daytime Running Lights
- Signature vertical door handles, dual remote control heated outside mirrors
- Electric rear window defroster
- Polished exhaust tips
- Front engine/rear-wheel drive
- Micro-finished crankshaft and camshaft; small pitch, silent cam chain; drive-by-wire throttle, oil cooler
- Standard 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with SynchroRev Match® synchronized downshift rev matching, allowing heel-toe-like downshifting
- Available 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), - - - Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with paddle shifters - -- NISMO-tuned dual exhaust with H-pipe configuration and larger diameter tubes for reduced exhaust pressure
- Carbon Fiber composite driveshaft
- Standard Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD)
- Shorter final drive ratios than standard 370Z for better acceleration feel - 3.692 vs. 3.357 (A/T); 3.916 vs. 3.692 (M/T)
- NISMO-tuned 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension with use of lightweight aluminum components
- Double-wishbone front suspension, rear multi-link suspension
- NISMO front strut tower bar, high response shock absorbers
- Large diameter front and rear hollow NISMO-tuned stabilizer bars
- Vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering
- Power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock -Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
- Nissan Sport Brakes with 14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear rotors and 4-piston front/2-piston rear aluminum calipers
- Red caliper finish, high-rigidity brake hoses and R35 Special II fluid
- Restyled 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels by RAYS - 19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear
- Bridgestone Potenza S001 245/40R19 front and 285/35R19 rear tires, Y-rated
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NEW VIDEO EVERY WEDNESDAY!

[@stevenswm9844]

We know it's GOOD when the SMILE TEST is pushed to a giggle! haha

[@wittwer427]

I appreciate how you took the time to buckle in your backpack.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Lots of expensive gear! Gotta keep it in check. :)

[@BryanEndres97]

"Anything else you want to take out?" "yeah, the GTR" "Bring the Nismo back when you're ready and you can switch" I envy you

[@EngineeringExplained]

***** One of the best conversations I've ever had! :)

[@Logosfollower]

Hahaha I was wondering how he kept cool when asked that, I would of went batshit crazy!

[@dolebiscuit]

Engineering Explained Did you make a GTR video?

[@EngineeringExplained]

dolebiscuit kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZu0e6idoLt_i7s

[@DaDerpSquirrel]

2017 GTR is Out!!

[@TurdFurgeson571]

Oh my god... GTR TEASER! Can't wait!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Oh yes!! :)

[@carcrazyafrica]

Engineering Explained well played sir...well played

[@GTAWiseGuy]

370Z is such a sweet car! I have to say I would choose it over the GT-R. The looks, set-up and drive just looks perfect from your review, probably my favourite car at the minute!

[@jerri0401]

GTA Wise Guy one can argue about the looks, i kinda like the 370Z better too. but the gt-r outperformes the 370z by far.

[@tkangwei]

GTA Wise Guy Only for the look if I choose 370Z over GTR. Fairlady(370Z)'s fat round booty is very attractive.

[@FreeUpTheWeed]

Yeah I have to say I'd probably take a 370z Nismo over a Gtr. Either that or a Stillen modified Z car. I do love the Gtr,but I don't need to attack Nurburgring.

[@JakeG895]

GTA Wise Guy its the underpowered dream of a manual RWD GTR, I wish nissan just make a model with a GTR engine. Until that day, ill stick to my manual turbo Supra :)

[@twinblade63]

honestly i agree. If somebody offered me either the 370z or the GTR id take the Z. better styling, lower maintenance, and christ, i dont need 700 hp for my drive to work

[@bsx1bsx]

Loved the way how she surprised you with her raw v6 power 350hp and showed you who's the boss z. Love the Z

[@manuelnavarro7539]

The 370z line gets better the more you drive the car. I have a 2014 sports package 370z and can't wait to trade it in for the 370z NISMO!

[@TovarishGaming]

You're quickly becoming one of my favorite reviewers. I love the engineering videos but it's great to have you doing reviews now too. You're not a "car journalist" so you tend to give a more down to earth, average consumer perspective, and that's really great. Hearing most reviewers talk about cars these days can be anti-climactic, because they're so used to driving nice cars. I love the perspective you offer, and how genuine the opinions are. Keep doing these please!

[@RobBroderick44]

The great thing about the Z's is that they are N/A, which is getting rarer on sports cars below 100k$ :).

[@Notatearawrist]

Z's are seriously great cars, if u dont like em drive one ull change your mind, i just bought my self a a 350z a few weeks ago and everyone ive given rides in had just had a big smile on there face when i push the car, and those VQ motors is one of the best v6 engines ever made in my opinion

[@ohmygawdallyoufools9075]

Ace8566 It's not your opinion it's fact. VQs are the best NA v6 engines known to humankind.

[@bocian8361]

Ace8566 Just don't take it to the track, otherwise your feelings for them might change.

[@ohmygawdallyoufools9075]

utohaha Solid linear powerband, good balance, loads of grip (yet still capable of drift setups). Zs have long been established as fun track cars. Countless track/drift videos and experiences with Z cars everywhere. What awesome track machine that destroys the Z are you driving? Alfa Romeo 4c? I'm saving up for one myself. How long have you had yours?

[@bocian8361]

ohmygawd allyouretards 370z is fine. But the 350z is pretty bad on the track. Car weighs a lot for it what it is and the stock brakes are pretty bad and fade fast. Also since your running the car harder at a track, the clutch fluid gets heated up by the exhaust because the fluid line is near. Someone at my local track had a 350z and his clutch went limp dick mode half way through. I wouldn't take it out unless i fixed the problems it had in stock form with it.

[@TheDefensivemaniac]

Damn straight! There musical instruments too!

[@kadenthomasmusic3913]

This is my dream car I am in love with everything about it

[@rsethc]

This really makes me want one of these.

[@ivanb05]

Cant wait for the GT-R. Great video and great outro.

[@ataraxia323]

Your face when you let it rip was priceless. You could tell you really liked the car.

[@BarryAllen0019]

Man I wish this review was one of the more casual one longer and with more details. I've been waiting for it. But still very nice review.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Unfortunately didn't have the time since this was at an event rather than in my driveway. :)

[@Unb3arablePain]

I forgot Nissan still made these things.

[@nitheeshsudhakaran1746]

Great review! Loved the GT-R trailer! Cant wait..!!!

[@inmymemory507]

This is your best review yet, you kept it short an sweet. I like how you did this, you didn't feature barf like some of your earlier reviews. Your getting good! Keep it up!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks! This was at a Nissan event so no time for all the details. Glad to hear you enjoyed the format!

[@JakeG895]

Engineering Explained The people that understand what youre talking about like to hear all the details. good video none the less

[@chris14091975]

the rev matching awesome

[@TakeTurnsGaming]

I want that revmatching, thats awesome.

[@devilmaycry383]

Like the Nismo Z aggressive sleek design it's awesome, the dream car I want eventually when the times right.

[@gregpavitt6867]

Nissan bring back the t-tops in the Z cars

[@chaoticB81]

Definitely. I once had an 86 Z-28 camaro with t-tops and would love to buy one of these with them.

[@nightrider6976]

t tops is the only thing that makes the 2+2 300zx worse than the slicktop 2 seater

[@kevink400]

I heard GT-R at the end...Nice review!

[@kirkcollette]

Nice review... Is it the NISMO GTR next?

[@GrizzlyStoned]

Love the steering wheel.

[@HellzHonour]

You should do an exhaust note clip for cars you review!

[@nathanyamaha465]

2:19 pure joy. nice.

[@BeyondtheTrial]

Can't wait for that gtr review!

[@iwrotefuck]

lol in what world do people ask you what car you wanna try out? how do you get to drive all these cars man?

[@EngineeringExplained]

+iwrotefuck Haha the world of journalism. All you need is an audience!

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

I have a critique to the VQ engine. It's 3.7lt with only 350hp (94 hp/lt) and 276 lb ft of torque. A turbo BMW N20 with no M or whistles of any kind makes 240hp (120 hp/lt) and 250lb ft with 2 less cylinders and only 2lt. The VQ just seems outdated and underpowered in comparison. Even a normal bare bones GTI has better numbers. Obviously the HP per ton of the 370 is better therefore a different experience, but the engine is an antique by comparison.

[@justdrive7317]

Awesome! Was that a special test drive event?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yes, hence no time for a full review.

[@ridgeline006]

370 more fun to drive than a GTR and a real manual transmission so you feel and love the how the power come on and not let the computer take all the fun away

[@sadatarefin9247]

Can't wait to see your reaction when you accelerate in the gtr ;)

[@zachbrady8013]

Spot on

[@charlesdu7585]

GTR is my dream car! Can't wait to see the review.

[@JakeG895]

Chao Dou i do burnouts and drift in my dreams ;p

[@Blaylock1988]

Looks like Recaro Sportster CS seats. I need a set for my TT.

[@07wrxtr1]

Blaylock1988 Would love to have them for my Z, but I Think they are $$$$$$$$

[@oliviercloutier1975]

Holy sweet jesus an upcoming GTR video.

[@0HerroPrease]

Last clip was awesome lol

[@Sash_Window]

How do you get to review so many cool cars? >.

[@vincentosullivan9093]

Ho U teaser!! Great video!

[@hovnanianraffi6577]

awsome machine good value

[@christianmaschka]

What about making a VIDEO on REV MATCHING Engineering Explained? Just to fully understand everything that is behind the feature

[@CRVB7]

You deserve a Noble prize for the deal you made at the end. lol

[@jgmzbrz]

Make more vids on your STI!!!

[@NeoResurected]

I love 350z and 370z and I keep hearing that they need a update and change. If they do I hope they don;t change the look too much. because it is very beautiful as it is. I think a performance change should be more adequate. May be going for a V8 and getting 500hp+ so that it can compete with the new cars coming out like the Shelby GT350 which cost 49K. I know one day I'll get a nice nissmo I am waiting for the right time.

[@Zekriax]

hey man i reckon you should have some background instrumental music

[@TheMrANONYMOOSE]

I really want to daily one these even though I live in Canada

[@txrangerkidd222]

I'm in shock, I was just at that lodge this past weekend! when did you film this??

[@EngineeringExplained]

txrangerkidd222 July 7th I believe.

[@CRVB7]

How does this rev-matching feature work? Do you like do all the steps as if you were to rev-match in a "regular" manual however you don't rev the engine?

[@TheJuice401]

thats what im talkin about baby vqpower g35 lifeeee

[@johnnyperez3051]

What do you think would be a more fun daily driver, this or an FRS/BRZ?

[@SonzillaGTR]

Ice on the cake would be a proper flat bottom racing wheel for the Z.

[@majorpantsniffa]

Did your model have the Active Noise Cancellation? just wondering what you made of it and if the 2016 model exhaust is sounding better than previous models?

[@FullMetal-nu8bj]

You used a seat-belt for your backpack instead of putting it on the floor. What a safe guy. I think the base 370 is better value.

[@fvcku188]

Dang didn't know u were in the woodinville area

[@kailui3295]

How does the transmission (the notchiness & clutch take-up) compare to the S2000 (AP1)? Thanks.

[@arkjiang]

How about a video about 370GT or G37 in US to compare with ? Im also curious about 370z compare to brz/wrx feeling

[@jesusalbertoolazotrujillo686]

Hey, Jason, i got a question what does an internal combustion engine has but you cant remove and besides all it doesn't work (it does not produces energy)?

[@0x33_Uk]

I tested a 370 a while ago and whilst I can imagine rev matching to be a nice feature on the track, I found on the road it really got annoying after a while. Purely because I do a lot of engine breaking and rev matching doesn't really let you do that. Aside from that, it was a nice car to drive.

[@EngineeringExplained]

That doesn't make any sense to me? Let of the gas in gear and it slows the car down, same as any other manual. In addition, you can turn it off.

[@Clobercow1]

MikeJZA80 You rev match to engine brake. It sounds like your clutch braking, and that's not engine braking. You should not be doing that with your clutch because you're going to cause lots of premature wear. Engine braking is using your engine as a restrictive air pump to slow you down. So you rev match, and let off the throttle to allow the engine to slow the car down. Overall, you should use your brakes to brake the car instead of the clutch since the brakes are designed to do this and not the clutch.

[@0x33_Uk]

Engineering Explained Right, but normally you drop a gear and you slow down more [without heel-toe]. If you have rev matching enabled then your transmission is still spinning at the same speed or higher as the previous gear when you shift, thus making the shift down irrelevant in comparison. Perfect for when you are on the track, not so great trying to slow down to a set of lights for instance (unless you use the breaks obviously)

[@0x33_Uk]

Clobercow1 What you described is more or less the same thing. I guess it comes down to personal preference, but I'd rather use some subtle engine/clutch breaking to bring myself to a halt (assuming there is no danger ahead) rather than wearing out my brakes. It's an interesting difference in school of thought, I know some people who swear by brakes only, and others that are more open to using other means of slowing down. Either way you are wearing down components on the car, pick your poison really.

[@chachacamel]

MikeJZA80 new brake pads $ < $$$$ new clutch

[@CallMeByMyMatingName]

2:18, barely got it in gear before the clutch came all the way out! :)

[@MadelnMachines]

What do you think of this vs a 2014 Base Cayman 981 or even TTS?

[@TristenS27]

Please tell me youre doing the GTR next ? :D

[@tiiiimmmmmm]

Alriiiiiight we're going to get a GTR review. Yeah? :D

[@kelvoy]

sick

[@910suck]

Manual ❤️

[@YourPistachios]

could someone explain dual clutches? are they independent or something? are they on top of one another? how does power get from 1 clutch to the other?

[@jamessohn1868]

Hey.. it kinda is weird to leave a note here. But out of curiosity.. Will you do any interior, exterior review of the 370z nismo as you've done with other cars? I'm actually driving WRX and thinking of getting 370z and it'd be great to see your review on it.You've done great jobs with recent car reviews after all those great lectures. I appreciate it man and I learned alot from you

[@EngineeringExplained]

Unfortunately not, this was at a Nissan event so I didn't have time for all the details.

[@kumaraswamyhande3726]

olden format of review (like the one done for 2015 scion fr-s) is much better than the present format...

[@urielc188]

Can you do a review for an 2004 Infiniti G35? It's a well known sport car.

[@MrRoyalestCrown]

If you could get your hands on an M3 or an M4, that would be very nice! Would love to hear your opinions on those!

[@Th3James]

I am 6 foot 8. I can't heel toe in my Evo X because of my knee hitting the steering column. I can still down shift fine, but it isn't as quick. That feature is pretty fucking cool.

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Did u get to drive the auto version if so how does it compare.

[@Thelwi1]

nice shirt!

[@20FreeWill]

Loved z cars since I used one in Dirt2 PS3 game in like 05 it was my favourite car now I have a 350 an hopin to get a 370 nismo in the next couple years . Don't know if anyone agrees but I love these cars just the mix of noise, looks, handling , seat position. Just feels like ur in a cockpit. Engine and driver that's it , little bit of bodywork around it . I was going to get a Porsche Cayman or maybe an Audi s5 or TT turbo but I think I might just end up with the 370z nismo instead.What do you guys think ? If you had the choice of those 4 cars what would you have? Porsche Cayman , 370z nismo , Audi S5 or TT turbo ?

[@DarkMan2555]

@William Connolly - I personally would choose the 370Z nismo. I was never a fan of Porsches. I do like Audis, although the S5 is too heavy for my taste. When I get out of college and get a real job, I will buy a sport package 370Z so that I can race it on a racetrack. I just want a car that is (fairly) lightweight, has good looks, power, handling, braking, is easy to modify/has plenty of aftermarket parts, and is in the $20,000 range. The Z fulfills all these requirements.

[@numinous4789]

Liked! How does the rev-matching work? Does it rev match right when you pull it into the lower gear? Or when you begin letting out the clutch in the lower gear?

[@shoryukenpower]

as the shifter is going through the lower gear's gate

[@idgaf757]

That's way to much for a 370! Might as well get a fully loaded mustang gt with track pack for 46000

[@ABthatMan_]

If only they update it with the 3.0t with about 450HP. I’d buy it. Sooooo quick.

[@IncredibleXVII]

I find it funny that you put the seat belt on your backpack

[@videomaniac108]

I got a 2019 370Z sport coupe 6M for about $33K, a much better performance value in my opinion. The thick A pillars and tall rear view mirrors restrict forward vision a little too much for my liking, smaller mirrors are in the future plans for the car. The gearshift notchiness smooths out somewhat as you get the transmission broken in and do a fluid replacement, I used Redline 75W-85 MTL in the trans and a Redline Hypoid gear lube for the diff at 5K miles.

[@GixxerRider1991]

I love my 2017 370Z Sport, but I wouldn't get the Nismo simply because you can tune a base or sport model to make the same power for a lot less money.

[@Theiazn]

Ahh, they took away the beautiful wing that games on the older Nismo's. Sure it was blocking half your rear windshield but it was still a very nice touch to the car.

[@TheJuice401]

Hey do you have any videos on rear active steering? And would you say its a plus having it or doesnt matter?

[@EngineeringExplained]

I've got a video on it, have a quick search on my channel. :)

[@OriginalMChaate]

can you maybe test original nissan 350z?

[@TheRomichou]

Your Face at 2:19 says it all!

[@bsfibers]

Such a pretty car! I wonder if they'll make a forced induction model.

[@isaacdover963]

I love the Z's performance and style. The sole reason I decided against buying a 370 was the terrible visibility. Apparently the designers have a very different idea of periphery.

[@TheLukey21]

GT-R next maybe :)

[@zookiatookya320]

Can we expect GTR next?

[@dionwisambodhi]

What are the differences between the 2014 and the 2015 model

[@RenZoneNL]

sheeeet dream car..

[@steerj07]

Your bag needs a booster seat to see out the window

[@Maxpound]

As cool as this thing looks you can get a maxed out V8 Mustang for about the same price and it has about 80 more horsepower.

[@OmarsTechWorld]

That is true, I looked into getting a leftover Nismo 370Z because of how good looking they are but for 45k I can get a loaded Camaro SS that will destroy the Nismo pretty much everywhere. I wish this car offered better performance than what it does, especially since it really does look like it would if you saw one on the streets and didn't know what it was.

[@rjmari]

that gt-r teaser...

[@HaloToday]

Did you find your answer to your question if you need to use the clutch to downshift?

[@EngineeringExplained]

+HaloToday Oh, yes. You do indeed need to use the clutch.

[@YZRandomE]

Is BMW going to give you some cars to review one of these days?

[@frogchaser]

wow 285 tires in the rear!

[@Notatearawrist]

Thats what im running on my 350z :)

[@07wrxtr1]

Garrett Martin Yeah some are doing a 265/305 combo if you opted for a 370z with the sport package as you get wider wheels/better brakes. I just went stock 245/275's on mine via Pilot Super Sports. Completely transformed the car compared to the stock bridgestones Nissan offers... Better in the cold/rain/ride/everything.

[@VinceThe123456]

running 285F/325R on stock Nismo wheels

[@kevinkim2905]

I'm stuck. I'm about to buy a car but can't decide between the nismo or the STI. What you guys think?

[@EngineeringExplained]

I believe the Nismo is more fun, though the STI is far more practical. Depends what you need it for, and whether AWD is important.

[@DRAKEJUN1OR]

Kevin Kim do not get the sti, you will regret it.

[@DRAKEJUN1OR]

Kevin Kim this comment a year old Lol so to anyone who sees this

[@AngelMartinez-fx2sb]

nice

[@masmcg]

when are they going to update that engine? been very similar powertrain for a long long time. you can get one a few years older much cheaper nearly same performance.

[@alexn5159]

Do a video on how Nissan has the "rev-matching" technology. Does it automatically blip the throttle for you, or does it actually somehow help speed up the synchro to match it more like "double clutching".

[@ohmygawdallyoufools9075]

Alex Nguyen basically.. they program into the computer at what rpm each gear should be at for what speed. so for instance, say at 30mph 2nd gear would be at 4000rpm. if you're cruising in 3rd gear at 2800rpm and downshift into 2nd, the car would blip the throttle to get the rpms up to exactly 4000rpm to make the shift super smooth. I sometimes turn it off for fun (and to stay in practice for when I drive other cars) but it does the rev matching better than you could ever heel-toe yourself.

[@alexn5159]

ohmygawd allyouretards Thanks. I was just curious. I recently had to not only rev match but double clutch my down shifts cause my synchros/hub/collar are worn. This got my curious about the technology, this still puts all the work on the synchros. Which at 150k+ mi, might pose an issue.