Five decades ago, a revolutionary Japanese sports car made its U.S. debut at the 1969 New York Auto Show. The two-door coupe was, for the era, both stylish and powerful. Best of all, with an MSRP of just over $3,500, it was affordable compared to other sports cars on the market. Known as the “Fairlady” Z in its home market, it came to America under the moniker of the 1970 Datsun 240Z. The rest, as they say, is a proud history that includes outstanding success in showrooms and racetracks alike. Now in its sixth generation, Nissan is celebrating 50 years of sports car passion with the 2020 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition.
The new 50th Anniversary Edition package is offered exclusively on the 370Z Coupe Sport grade and is available with both the 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmissions.
Its unique appearance pays tribute to the renowned Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) livery that adorned the famous BRE Datsun racers of the late 1960s and early 1970s – in a choice of two exterior two-tone color options: White/Red or Silver/Black with bold door stripes. Other exterior features include unique red wheel accents, black outside mirrors, 50th Anniversary side marker decals and 50th Anniversary rear badge. In addition, the standard Sport grade front chin and rear spoilers have been deleted.
The car’s unique interior treatment features leather/synthetic suede sport seats with red accents and logos, 50th Anniversary embossing on the seatbacks, leather/ Alcantara® steering wheel with top red stripe, 50th Anniversary badges on the tachometer and console, synthetic suede door panel inserts with red stitching, red contrast stitching and piping throughout the interior, dark silver 50th Anniversary kickplates and 4-way power heated seats.
In addition to the new 50th Anniversary Edition package, the 2020 370Z Coupe is available in three trim levels – 370Z (manual and automatic transmissions), 370Z Sport (manual, plus automatic on 50th Anniversary only) and 370Z Sport Touring (automatic transmission only). Also available is the 2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO [add hyperlink] with 18 additional horsepower, NISMO-tuned suspension, unique exterior panel treatments, 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum wheels by RAYS and more.
Five decades of sporty performance
As it has for the past 50 years, the 2020 370Z is built on the foundation of sporty style and exciting performance. The sixth-generation 370Z features a balanced FM (Front Midship) platform, advanced 332-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ37VHR DOHC V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match® or a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control.
The 3.7-liter V6 engine’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) produces 332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm.
The engine is backed by a choice of two advanced transmissions. The close-ratio 6-speed manual includes an available synchronized downshift rev matching system (Sport 50th Anniversary Edition and Sport Touring models), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gearshift performance. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially “blipping” the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own.
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