2018 Nissan 370Z looks like the last one

After launching overseas in late 2017, the fresh-faced 2018 Nissan 370Z has arrived in Australia priced between $49,990 for the manual coupe and $63,490 for the drop-top roadster with a seven-speed  automatic.

The vast majority of Australians buy the coupe – around 95 per cent, according to Nissan's figures – while the Roadster is largely unloved. Nevertheless it will still be part of the range here.

Both models are offered with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, new-look 19-inch alloy wheels and a couple of other minor visual updates. These include dusky smoked treatment on the headlights and brake lights, black door handles and a Nissan 370Z NISMO inspired rear diffuser.

There's also a new Cherry Red exterior colour.

Inside, the 2018 Nissan 370Z is showing its age – it arrived in 2009 and hasn't changed much since. It gets a 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with sat nav and Bluetooth.

The new model is powered by the same 3.7-litre V6 that's been beating away since the car arrived here 2009, generating 245kW at 7000rpm and 363Nm at 5200rpm. Fuel economy is pegged at 10.4L/100km.

Manual models get a high-performance Exedy clutch "that makes it more responsive and fun to drive", according to Nissan. It should deliver better gear change precision and reduced pedal effort, says the company.

Nissan also offers the 370Z NISMO model in Australia for $61,490. It's a harder-edged version of the car with more power, tough looks and a sharper chassis setup.

However, we're still no closer to whether Nissan to replace the 370Z with another sports car or an SUV coupe, with executives clearly unsure whether to invest big bucks to develop a new Zed car.

2018 Nissan 370Z pricing (plus ORCs):
Coupe $49,990 manual
Coupe $52,490 auto

Roadster $60,990 manual
Roadster $63,490 auto