​Nissan’s sporty “Z” coupé has grown up with a bigger engine and altogether sportier outlook. Les Oliver gets behind the wheel to see how it performs . . .

The Nissan 370Z

Nissan’s 350Z was always a real muscle car – like a bodybuilder on steroids.  Its successor, the 370Z, is no pushover either, emerging from the gym with pumped-up biceps that can floor the opposition with a knockout blow.

The V6 engine capacity, up from 3.5 to 3.7 litres, brought with it an accompanying surge in power and torque. But its sheer animal aggressive looks alone are enough to silence the opposition.

Pitted against the likes of an Audi TT S, VW Scirocco or even a Porsche Cayman, it’s like putting Mike Tyson in the ring with Claudia Schiffer, Dale Winton and Ainsley Harriot.

But, wait a minute . . . the macho machine now comes with the option of automatic transmission! Isn’t that a bit wimpish for a full-blooded grunt and guts sports car that was brought up in the school of hard knocks where a proper manual gearbox was traditional?

Well, prepare to be shocked, for in fact, this Nissan coupé loses none of its pent-up aggression. Sensibly spaced gearing makes for relaxed driving in town or on the motorway, then, when you are out on open country roads, the steering wheel paddles allow you to drive in full seven-speed manual mode.

The 326bhp petrol engine delivers its maximum torque 269lb-ft at 5,200rpm, but more importantly, its peak power at 7,000rpm.

And whether you’re in manual or automatic when you put your foot down, it roars away in an amazing fashion. The benchmark 0-62mph is achieved in 5.6 seconds.

Top speed is a limited 155mph.

Unfortunately, I was caught out – by wintry conditions – trying to pull away at just 5mph from standstill and had to rely on a push from passers-by when it became stuck on a very slight incline covered in snow. I’ll never live it down!

Under normal conditions the Z handles its incredible power extremely well thanks to revised dampers and specially tuned suspension and huge 245/45, 9-inch wide rear tyres giving impressive grip in corners and positive feel from the steering.

As might be expected, however, with a front/mid-mounted rear-drive engine and this sort of power, it’s easy to flick the tail out when you want to, though in most circumstances the ESP just manages to keep it all under control.

It’s blindingly fast and extremely well balanced in the bends and although it lacked the poise of the (slower and similarly-priced) Mercedes E-Class Coupé I drove recently, it would doubtless have left the Merc in its exhaust fumes.

“Finesse” is not the word that springs immediately to mind when you put this beast through its paces, especially when you’re travelling on uneven surfaces where the ride becomes jarring.

The brilliant meaty performance is hampered also by excessive tyre noise and poor visibility because of the large C-pillars that restrict the view over the shoulder. So, coming out of a junction with a 60-degree slip road, for instance, required extra care and attention.

Disappointingly, the driving enjoyment comes at a price at the forecourt – the “Z” is a thirsty beast with combined fuel consumption of just 27.2mpg.

And the 247g/km of CO2 is a hefty contribution to global warming.

Inside, Nissan has not skimped on kit, which includes leather or suede electric seats, cruise and speed limit control, rain sensors and automatic wipers. Auto aircon, and the GT spec includes a six-CD changer Bose sound system with eight speakers, steering wheel controls and Bluetooth phone operation.

With sat-nav and auto transmission it costs £33,050 on the road.

This is a true two-seater and though luggage space is improved over the 350Z, it still has a very small boot with just about enough space for the weekly shop.

Verdict: Does what it says on the tin. An outrageous macho hard-core machine for the enthusiastic driver. Pity about the fuel consumption though.