2012 Nissan 370Z: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2012 Nissan 370Z is mostly unchanged. Its one meaningful update is a standard oil cooler across the coupe, roadster, and NISMO lineup, which helps manage oil temperatures during hard driving.
About the 2012 Nissan 370Z
Z34 generation (2009-2020), pre-refresh year.
Nissan positions the 370Z as a traditional two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports car with strong V6 power, compact size, and a cockpit built around the driver. The coupe is the pure hardtop sports-car choice, the roadster adds open-air fun, and NISMO raises the performance ceiling. Across the range, the draw is the same: a serious, old-school sports car feel without moving into exotic-car pricing.
The 2012 370Z remains a compact, rear-wheel-drive two-seat sports car offered as a coupe or roadster, with a comfort-focused Touring trim and a more track-focused NISMO model. Base and Touring versions use a 332-hp 3.7-liter V6, while the manual-only NISMO has 350 hp, a firmer suspension, stronger brakes, and more aggressive bodywork. Touring models add everyday comforts such as leather-appointed heated seats, Bose audio, and Bluetooth.
What changed, by category
2012 Nissan 370Z specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode / Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18–19 mpg | 18 mpg | 18–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25–26 mpg | 26 mpg | 25–26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 332 hp | 350 hp | 332 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 276 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.2–6.9 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 4.2–6.9 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Nissan 370Z compared with the 2011 model?
The main change for 2012 is a standard oil cooler across the entire 370Z lineup. The engines, transmissions, styling, safety equipment, technology, and overall lineup otherwise carry over.
Does every 2012 Nissan 370Z have an oil cooler?
Yes. The oil cooler became standard on the 2012 370Z coupe, roadster, and NISMO models, helping control engine oil temperatures during hard driving.
Did the 2012 Nissan 370Z get more horsepower?
No. Base and Touring models retain the 332-hp 3.7-liter V6, while the NISMO retains its tuned 350-hp version. The oil cooler is the only meaningful powertrain-related update.
Was the 2012 Nissan 370Z redesigned?
No. The 2012 model remains part of the Z34 generation and keeps the same overall design as the 2011 model. A broader styling update followed for 2013.
Which 2012 Nissan 370Z is the most performance-focused version?
The 2012 NISMO is the most performance-focused version. It has a 350-hp V6, a six-speed manual transmission, a firmer NISMO suspension, larger sport brakes, a limited-slip differential, and unique aerodynamic bodywork.