NBC NEWS - At Nissan, "Z" has always been the first letter in performance.  Back in 1970 the 240z put Datsun, as they were known then, firmly in the minds of Americans for the first time.

Nearly 40 years later, it's evolved into the 370z.  That name comes from the engine, a 3.7 liter v6, that makes 332 horsepower and the proper sound.  In Japan, this car has always gone by the name, Fairlady Z.  Apparently the Japanese executives at Nissan were so taken by the movie "My Fair Lady," they named a car after it.  True story.

The 370 is more than fair, ladies and gentlemen.  It's a real kick in the pants.  Stoplight to 60 miles an hour happens in a rapid five seconds.  The engine pulls hard at any speed making passing on two lane roads a breeze.

This standard suspension is firm, and the sport package is stiffer.  Buy a Lexus if you want a cushy ride.  Rear wheel drive and razor sharp steering make for great fun on twisty pavement.  The Z slings through corners confidently and effortlessly.

The optional 7-speed automatic adapts to a driver's style.  Great paddle shifters handle manual gear changes.

The Z is not a quiet car.  All the better to hear the throaty engine and there are rev matching down shifts.  Sounds like a racecar.

On specified premium, I'm averaging 16 miles to the gallon.  This Nissan is about performance not frugality.

Compared to the outgoing 350z, the snug interior gets material upgrades.  Some of the details are quite nice; the gas and temperature gauge not so much.

This touring model goes for 38 grand.  It includes a good Bose sound system, dedicated iPod interface is optional.  Seats are well sculpted to hug tight during high speed cornering.  Controls are easy to reach.  Gripes include poor rearward visibility, a power port NBA players can't reach when driving, and very little storage.  Order the nav system and this space is gone.

There's Bluetooth handsfree, good because there's really no place for a phone.  Even the small shelf behind here is tough to access, the seats don't easily flip forward.  Imagine, getting all of this into a Z-car.

And if you think that's possible you have a good imagination.  The security cover goes for maximum space.  The space is shallow with intrusive strut towers.  Frankly, I'm pleasantly surprised it holds four packs of the two-ply.

The stubby stealth fighter look is shorter, but wider than the 350z.  There's a hint of the original 240 and cues from the current GT-4.  But the real attraction here isn't style, its performance.  Enthusiasts who engage with their cars will find the Nissan 370z a treasure.

The Nissan 370z starts at $30,600.  It will be available next year as a convertible.