Nissan's go-fast gurus are well aware that European sports-car drivers regularly push their favourite playtoys harder (especially around corners!) than do their counterparts in the dominant North American market.
With that in mind, Nissan Technical Centre Europe has introduced a number of suspension, transmission and equipment improvements for the 2011 European-spec 370Z range (and yes, Cyril, that includes South Africa), culminating in a new trim level called the GT Edition.
The dampers have been retuned for a better balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling and there's extra underbody insulation to reduce road noise.
The optional seven-speed automatic transmission now has a snow mode which, when engaged, pulls away in second gear and controls engine revs to prevent wheel-spin - and, before you snigger, it might just prevent an embarrassing slide in heavy afternoon traffic during a Highveld thunderstorm.
A tyre pressure monitoring system is now standard across the range and the (optional) satnav package includes a new rear view-parking camera with steering lines.
All of which is included in the new GT Edition Coupé, which comes in metallic black, pearl white or a deep purple called Black Rose (only available on the GT), each with contrasting stripes running down the sills and special 19” forged-alloy rims in a dramatic dark grey, in place of the standard 18” hoops.
Unfortunately, explained Nissan SA PR maven Veralda Schmidt, we're at the back of quite a long queue and, while she could confirm that South Africa will get the upgraded-for Europe 370Z, she couldn't say when. As soon as we find out, so will you.