Nissan is bringing it’s 2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition to the New York International Auto Show showcasing its lightly freshened look.
Most auto enthusiasts might not know what a Datsun is but about 50 years ago Datsun introduced its Z-series of cars forever changing the face of performance cars from Japan. To celebrate this upcoming anniversary according to Nissan on an official press release they dropped earlier yesterday (Apr. 5, 2017) Nissan is releasing a special heritage edition Nissan 370Z with a freshened front and rear fascia as well as a new Exedy clutch standard on manual models. Check out a couple of press photos that Nissan dropped for us below.
Although technically the Nissan 370Z largely goes unchanged for 2018 Nissan decided to introduce this heritage edition as the harbinger of what’s to come next year for its Z-car. The Heritage Edition adds new headlights, taillights, new rear faux diffuser paint scheme, smoke chrome door handles and a graphics package (read giant stickers.) Two colors are available, Chicane Yellow or Magnetic black and both sport yellow interior trim. Chicane Yellow was one of the original colors available for the 1969 Datsun 240z.
If you opt for the manual in the heritage edition you benefit from an extra grabby Exedy clutch.
A bit of research will reveal that the Nissan 370Z has largely gone unchanged since 2009, a full eight years ago. For its price point at a starting MSRP of $30,855, there are few cars that it competes against that can match it for value. Nissan has stuffed the 370Z with its tried and true 3.7L V-6 making 332 HP and 269 lb-ft. While the engine isn’t anything to sneer at, its architecture has roots that go back all the way to 1994. And therein lies the root of the issue with this Heritage edition, the 370Z as a whole needs a serious redesign or an entirely new model altogether.
Sales are lackluster at best for the 370Z. According to our friends at Good Car Bad Car, Nissan manages to push out a couple hundred a month. Last month they only sold 500 370Z’s.
Nissan’s sports lineup needs a kick in the pants. And although we love the 370Z as it stands, we don’t think a few exterior tweaks and a clutch will do the trick.
