2012 Nissan 370Z

As long as there has been Z,® there has been a soulful 6-cylinder leading the way. In this case, the 4th-generation of the legendary VQ V6 engine.

With a 3.7-liter displacement for massive muscle, this 332-hp dynamo features advanced Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology that continuously tunes valve lift and timing for quicker response and a broader torque curve, while optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

And while all this engineering may sound intriguing on paper, the exhilaration – on the straights or through the corners – is pure, pulse-pounding magic.

A world’s first. Included on the Sport models, SynchroRev Match® technology – the first in any production car – monitors the 6-speed manual’s clutch pedal, shift lever, and vehicle speed.

As you shift to a lower gear, the system will “blip” the throttle to the ideal engine rpm for a supremely smooth downshift as you let out the clutch.

The system also works when upshifting to give you a smooth flow of power when accelerating.
Control at your fingertips. Want effortless cruising? Put the 7-speed automatic transmission in “D.”

For a quick gear change, just pull the steering column-mounted lightweight magnesium paddle shifters. In Manual mode, you get manual- style control with a nudge of the shift lever or a pull of the paddle shifters.

The transmission can even hold a gear in cornering for better balance, or downshift before a corner for more effective braking.

And when a downshift is needed, Downshift Rev Matching automatically opens the throttle to match the rpm for smoother gear changes.