Nissan 370Z gears up for 2018

The muscular Nissan 370Z is rarely encountered on the roads of Britain, but its Japanese maker hopes that a new round of updates will widen the sports coupe's appeal for 2018.

Enthusiastic drivers don't have many fixed-roof sports cars to choose from these days, and the 370Z arguably has no direct rivals. It handily undercuts premium sports cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman, while its 320bhp V6 petrol engine has usefully more power than the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86. Now, a range of subtle improvements aims to reinvigorate the 370Z for 2018.

Externally, the shape hasn't changed, but dark-tinted headlamps and rear lights – previously only found on the top-spec NISMO version – are now standard, as are black door handles and a black finish to the rear bumper trim. Newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels and the option of a new Red Metallic paint colour round off the revised exterior look.

Open the door of the refreshed 370Z GT model and you'll find the NissanConnect Premium infotainment system standard, with a seven-inch touchscreen, sat nav and rear-view camera, as well as a DVD player. The system is also standard on the 370Z NISMO, which continues to top the range.

Enthusiastic drivers will be more excited about the mechanical changes, though. If you choose the six-speed gearbox, you can look forward to the changes Nissan has made to the 370Z's clutch, with the aim of improving the driving experience. A new high-performance clutch from specialist supplier Exedy is now fitted – it's claimed to reduce clutch pedal effort and make changing gear feel more precise, particularly when downshifting.

As before, the 370Z is fitted with Syncro Rev Control, which automatically optimises engine revs when you change up or down using the manual gearbox. A seven-speed automatic gearbox is also available.

The latest Nissan 370Z is available to order from dealers now, with prices starting at £29,185.