The 2020 Nissan 370Z represents the final, highly refined era of the venerable Z34 generation sports car, offering buyers a choice of five distinct trim levels—Standard, Sport, Sport Touring, 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition, and the high-performance NISMO—each powered by a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Introduction to the 2020 Nissan 370Z Lineup
The Nissan Z-car lineage has long stood as a benchmark for accessible Japanese rear-wheel-drive sports performance. By 2020, the Z34 generation platform had matured significantly. While its foundational architecture remained true to its introduction for the 2009 model year, the 2020 Nissan 370Z lineup showcased a carefully curated set of trim levels designed to appeal to everyone from daily-driving enthusiasts to track-day purists.
Understanding the differences among these variants is essential for prospective buyers, collectors, and automotive enthusiasts. Each tier introduces specific chassis upgrades, braking enhancements, aerodynamic elements, and interior amenities. This comprehensive overview examines every trim level available for the 2020 model year, detailing standard equipment, performance upgrades, and the mechanical philosophy driving each configuration.
Core Powertrain and Mechanical Foundations
Before analyzing individual trim levels, it is crucial to understand the shared mechanical DNA of the 2020 Nissan 370Z lineup. Beneath the sculpted aluminum hood of almost every model lies the legendary VQ37VHR 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine.
- Engine Architecture: 3.7-liter V6 featuring Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology.
- Power Output: 332 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 RPM for the standard, Sport, Sport Touring, and 50th Anniversary editions.
- NISMO Output: Tuned exhaust and optimized ECM calibration push the NISMO variant to 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmissions: A close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission featuring SynchroRev Match (available on select trims) or a 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and paddle shifters.
This powertrain emphasizes linear power delivery and a mechanical exhaust note, standing in sharp contrast to the forced-induction trend dominating modern sports car development.
2020 Nissan 370Z Base (Standard) Trim
The entry-point model into the Z-car family is simply known as the Standard or Base trim. Far from being stripped-down, it provides the pure, unfiltered sports car experience that purists demand without the added weight or cost of luxury electronics.
Performance and Exterior Features
The Base trim rides on 18-inch black-finish aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN Sport tires. Stopping power is managed by standard Nissan-branded brakes with ventilated discs (12.6-inch front and 12.3-inch rear). The exterior features HID bi-functional xenon headlights with signature LED daytime running lights and LED taillights.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the cockpit is driver-focused. It includes cloth-trimmed bucket seats with an 8-way manual driver's adjustment, automatic climate control, push-button ignition via the Nissan Intelligent Key system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Infotainment is handled by a 2-DIN AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and an auxiliary input, keeping the focus squarely on the driving dynamics.
2020 Nissan 370Z Sport Trim
Stepping up to the Sport trim transforms the 370Z from a capable grand tourer into a serious corner-carving machine. This trim addresses the braking and chassis rigidity demands of enthusiastic driving.
Major Upgrades
- Brakes: Upgraded Nissan Sport Brakes featuring 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors clamped by 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers finished in red.
- Wheels and Tires: Wider 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels wrapped in stickier Yokohama ADVAN Sport high-performance tires.
- Handling: Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) for improved traction exiting corners, paired with a stiffer sport-tuned suspension setup.
- Aero: Front chin spoiler and rear spoiler to enhance high-speed stability.
Transmission Technology
The manual transmission variant of the Sport trim includes Nissan’s innovative SynchroRev Match system. This technology automatically blips the throttle during downshifts, simulating heel-and-toe shifting with professional precision to maintain chassis balance during aggressive deceleration.
2020 Nissan 370Z Sport Touring Trim
For drivers who want the mechanical performance of the Sport trim combined with modern cabin conveniences and long-distance comfort, the Sport Touring trim serves as the luxury bridge within the lineup.
Interior Refinements
The cabin receives a significant technological and material upgrade:
- Upholstery: Genuine leather-appointed and synthetic suede-trimmed heated seats with 4-way power adjustments and power lumbar support.
- Infotainment: Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System featuring a 7.0-inch VGA touch-screen display, Bose premium audio system with eight speakers (including dual subwoofers), SiriusXM NavTraffic and NavWeather, and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) alongside Active Sound Enhancement (ASE).
- Convenience: Aluminum-trimmed pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a built-in HomeLink Universal Transceiver, and illuminated vanity mirrors.
Mechanically, the Sport Touring retains all the performance hardware of the Sport trim, including the RAYS forged wheels, larger brakes, and the viscous limited-slip differential.
2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition
Introduced to commemorate five decades of Z-car heritage (dating back to the 1970 Datsun 240Z), the 50th Anniversary Edition is based mechanically on the Sport trim while sporting a distinctive visual package inspired by the Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) IMSA championship-winning race cars of the 1970s.
Distinctive Styling
- Exterior Livery: Available in two distinct two-tone color schemes: Bayside Blue with silver accents or Pearl White with red accents. The paint scheme features dual side accent stripes running from the headlights to the rear glass, along with painted accents on the trunk and side mirrors.
- Wheels: Unique 19-inch wheels with red accent highlights matching the exterior color scheme.
- Interior Detailing: Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a center stripe marker, special 50th Anniversary badging embossed on the seatbacks, stitching on the instrument panel, kick plates, and commemorative badging on the exterior fenders.
2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO
At the apex of the lineup sits the NISMO (Nissan Motorsport) trim. Engineered for track use and maximum aerodynamic efficiency, the NISMO is the most aggressive factory-built 370Z available for 2020.
| Feature / Specification | Base / Sport / Sport Touring | 50th Anniversary Edition | NISMO Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 332 hp @ 7,000 RPM | 332 hp @ 7,000 RPM | 350 hp @ 7,400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft @ 5,200 RPM | 270 lb-ft @ 5,200 RPM | 276 lb-ft @ 5,200 RPM |
| Wheels | 18-inch (Base) / 19-inch RAYS (Sport+) | 19-inch RAYS with Red Accents | 19-inch NISMO RAYS forged aluminum |
| Brakes | Standard or Sport 14-inch brakes | Sport 14-inch brakes | NISMO-tuned Sport brakes |
| Seating | Cloth or Leather/Suede | Leather/Suede with 50th Badges | Recaro leather and Alcantara buckets |
Aerodynamic and Chassis Engineering
The NISMO features an exclusive aerodynamic body kit designed by NISMO engineers, including an aggressive front fascia with integrated LED daytime running lights, side sills, a unique rear bumper, and a distinctive rear spoiler that increases downforce. The chassis features a NISMO-tuned suspension with specific spring, damper, and stabilizer rates, alongside a rigid body damping system to reduce structural flex during heavy cornering.
Cockpit and Exhaust
Inside, the NISMO features black-and-red Recaro leather-appointed seats with Alcantara inserts, specifically designed to hold the driver firmly in place during high-g maneuvers. Power is exhaled through an H-pipe free-flow dual exhaust system that gives the 3.7-liter V6 a deeper, more aggressive tone.
Comprehensive Trim Comparison Table
To assist in comparing the features across the entire 2020 Nissan 370Z lineup, review the specification matrix below:
| Trim Level | Transmission Options | Infotainment & Audio | Wheels & Brakes | Key Performance Additions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Base) | 6-speed manual / 7-speed auto | Standard AM/FM/CD audio (6 speakers) | 18-inch cast alloy / Standard brakes | Base suspension, open differential |
| Sport | 6-speed manual (SynchroRev) / 7-speed auto | Standard audio system | 19-inch RAYS forged / 14-inch Sport brakes | Viscous LSD, sport suspension, front/rear spoilers |
| Sport Touring | 6-speed manual (SynchroRev) / 7-speed auto | 7-inch touchscreen navigation, Bose audio | 19-inch RAYS forged / 14-inch Sport brakes | Leather-appointed heated seats, active noise cancellation |
| 50th Anniversary | 6-speed manual (SynchroRev) / 7-speed auto | Standard or optional tech packages | 19-inch RAYS with red accents / Sport brakes | Unique BRE-inspired livery, commemorative interior details |
| NISMO | Exclusive 6-speed manual or 7-speed auto | Bose audio, navigation touchscreen | 19-inch NISMO RAYS forged / NISMO brakes | 350 hp engine tune, Recaro seats, NISMO aero kit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 2020 Nissan 370Z trim offers the best value for enthusiasts?
The Sport trim is widely regarded as the sweet spot for driving enthusiasts. It includes all the essential mechanical performance upgrades—such as the 14-inch Sport brakes, 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, viscous limited-slip differential, and SynchroRev Match manual transmission—without the higher price tag associated with the leather interior and navigation system of the Sport Touring trim.
Does the 2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO come with an automatic transmission?
Yes. While the NISMO trim is predominantly associated with its close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, it is also available with a 7-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle shifters and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), catering to drivers who prefer two-pedal operation in heavy traffic.
What is the difference between the engine in the Standard trim and the NISMO trim?
Both trims use the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 engine, but the NISMO variant receives a specialized H-pipe free-flow exhaust system and optimized engine control module (ECM) calibration. These modifications reduce exhaust backpressure and lift output from 332 horsepower to 350 horsepower, along with a minor increase in torque.
Is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto available in the 2020 Nissan 370Z?
No. The Z34 generation infotainment architecture was not updated to support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto during the 2020 model year. Smartphone connectivity is limited to Bluetooth hands-free phone calls, audio streaming, and auxiliary/USB inputs depending on the trim level.
How does the SynchroRev Match system work?
Available on manual-transmission models from the Sport trim upward, SynchroRev Match monitors the clutch, shifter position, and vehicle speed. When the driver downshifts, the system automatically blips the throttle to match engine RPM to the lower gear speed, eliminating engine braking shock and ensuring smooth, balanced weight transfer entering a turn.
Conclusion and Buying Recommendation
Selecting the right 2020 Nissan 370Z trim level depends entirely on your intended use. If your goal is a blank canvas for track modifications, the Sport trim provides the necessary mechanical foundation at a reasonable entry point. Buyers looking for daily-driving comfort alongside performance will find the Sport Touring well-appointed, while collectors and design purists will naturally gravitate toward the 50th Anniversary Edition or the uncompromising track focus of the NISMO. Evaluate your priorities regarding suspension stiffness, wheel size, and interior technology before scheduling a test drive.
