track days will love it. For most, the standard suspension is a better choice and still handles beautifully. With the sport setup, you will feel every crack and bump on the road, and on uneven pavement, you’ll get tossed around a bit. On smooth surfaces, the sport sus- pension is great and gives this coupe outstanding cornering ability. Inside, the front seats are support- ive and very comfortable. Among the best ever in a sporty car. The leather had a nice feel and seat heaters sure feel good when it’s cold. Rear seat- ing and headroom are good for most folks under five-ten or so. In a nod to 370Z its luxury nameplate, the steering ef- fort is a bit too low—I preferred the Z’s steering feel. Photos by Michael Cooney The G37’s clutch engaged rather 2010 Nissan 370Z and G37 Sport abruptly. On level pavement, it was easier to start out in second gear and Fast, Fun... One Question—2 Seats or 4? slip the clutch a bit more when not in a hurry. On smooth winding roads the ong ago and far away, Nissan quick responses, wide sticky tires, G37 Sport is great fun. With a longer Lbrought out the (then) 1970 Dat- and a firm well-tuned suspension de- and extra heft, it’s not quite sun 240Z. Yep, it’s been 40 years. livered superb driving fun and excite- Z-nimble. Nonetheless, it enjoys very And the 370Z, no surprise, is light ment. Stability and traction control high limits and should put most other years ahead of its ancestor. (both cars) helped keep things in line 4-seaters to shame in the twisties. The Z’s 3.7L boasts 332 when pushed hard. For the money, Nissan’s 370Z with 6-speed stick horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. it’s hard to think of a more capable, is EPA-rated at 18-city, 26-highway You choose between a 6-speed stick well-rounded high-performance mpg. This one with options including like this one, or a 7-speed automatic. . And don’t write me about a sport package totaled $34,605 in- With the stick, count on 0-60 times Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers. cluding destination. Can you scream near 5 seconds flat. That’s quick. The Those aren’t sports cars. “Performance Bargain!”? Infiniti’s engine’s sound is unusual, but I liked Next, add rear seats, 16 inches, 400 G37 Sport Coupe with stick is EPA- it. Kind of a slightly coarse, mechani- pounds, some $$$ (along with more rated 17-city, 25-highway mpg (it’s cal whirring sound. luxurious materials and extras) and those extra 400 pounds). Its sticker This is one of those rare cars that you get an Infiniti G37 Coupe. Same showed $43,115 with destination. looks and photographs great from engine and transmissions (although Both cars are great performers. I’ll any angle. No matter how you ap- down 2 horses at 330). The sleek pick the Z because it’s more nimble proach it, the Z carries that hunkered- look and practical hatch are there too. and responsive, a bit more fun, and down, ready-for-business stance. This example had the “Sport Tuned easier to park! Either way, though, Wide fender flares and a Suspension” and 6-speed stick so it’s you’ll get loads of driving satisfac- type hatch make it appear both sleek called the “Sport.” tion. And look cool, too! and menacing. And cool. Displaying more sedate styling, Mike Cooney is a lifelong auto enthusiast living and writing in Southern California. Comments are welcome at Inside, the design is a bit scattered, the G37 Coupe is smooth and easy on [email protected]. with separate sets of components the eyes, but doesn’t drawing your eyes in three directions: possess the “mean” instruments, center stack, and upper- look of the Z. Even dash-mounted gauges. Leather is op- so, it’s a highly ca- tional but I loved the fabric seats. More pable performer in its agreeable when hot or cold. Great sup- own right. port in the right places, too. Very com- The sport suspen- fortable. The hatch covers a decent sion is extremely sized storage area for hauling stuff. firm. Weekend war- No doubts here—the Z is an en- riors who live for thusiast’s sports car. Strong engine, canyon curves or Infiniti G37 Sport

Winding Road - Nissan 370Z & Infiniti G37.indd 1 5/28/2010 7:05:35 PM