Nissan 370Z (2012) - first details of facelifted Z car

This is the new Nissan 370Z, a facelifted version of the brawny Zed sports car that will be unveiled at the 2012 Chicago auto show today.

We’re barely into 2012 but this is the 2013 model year iteration of the 370Z. The biggest change is the new front end, the softened and more rounded snout now featuring LED daytime running lights. Everything else is pretty minor: new 18in wheels, and a dark finish for the fuel gauge’s trim. Ooooh.

The 328bhp 3.7-litre V6 is also unchanged, but opt for the Sport Package and you get a new 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and European-tuned shock absorbers.

At the moment Nissan UK claims the MY13 updates for the 370Z are purely for the US market, with no plans for the revised car to come to Europe. But if you are lucky enough to live in America then the new Nissan 370Z will reach dealers in June 2013, and be available in Coupe, Roadster and Nismo guises.

The 345bhp Nismo-tuned Z – which has never been sold in Europe – doesn’t receive the same MY13 upgrades as the two other 370Z. The unique Nissan Motorsport bodykit remains unchanged, as does the suspension, but the hottest 370Z does gain a new Bose stereo, new 19in wheels and ‘Nissan GT-R style high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid’.

By Ben Pulman