Nissan chose to retain the vertical metallic exterior door handle, which is not our favorite feature because it's difficult to grasp, and to echo the rear quarter-window look first seen on the original 240Z. We think that little nod to history has been skillfully adapted. Attractive Z-badged turn signal markers fill the void between the front wheels and the front-door shut line, while vertical bars in the grille opening up front make the car look a little like a feeding manta ray.

The surface of the bodywork is comparatively devoid of bling. Nissan's hamburger logo graces the front end, and a shiny 370Z badge decorates the rump, but it's otherwise tastefully simple.

The Sport model gets Rays wheels with five artfully faceted split spokes, and look terrific peeking from the 370Z's muscular wheel wells. We've only seen the base car's wheels sitting apart from the car, but they don't look bad either.

At the rear, the dual exhaust outlets are tidily integrated with the rear fascia, and so is the rear spoiler when fitted as part of the Sport option. But we think more could have been made of the tail with a diffuser-like lower edge. See what you think.

Although it's not immediately obvious, one of the most telling aspects of the car's body is that the doors, rear hatch and hood are all made from aluminum, obviously in the quest for lower weight. Although the hood of the previous Z was aluminum, it used steel supports. Not in this one. Despite the added strength in the body, Nissan claims a 90-pound weight reduction.