Shark_gts

Has there been a discussion thread about the Z? I was checking the specs and it is very close to the size of the '28. Shorter probably due to less air space at the nose. A few hundred pounds lighter of course (V6 v.s V8), no torque tube and carbon driveshaft.

Moveable instrument pod (I have not seen a writer give credit to Porsche yet).

Sales figures are expected to be in the range of 35,000 then dropping to about 25,000 per year.

SHRKBIT

[quote]Originally posted by Shark_gts:
<strong>... Moveable instrument pod (I have not seen a writer give credit to Porsche yet).</strong><hr></blockquote>

I've seen press that mentioned that feature's likeness to the Porsche 928 directly. That was in the automotive press, not anything from Nissan.

As a former 300ZX owner I was quite interested when I first heard about it, but the shape of the car just hasn't grown on me.

In terms of performance numbers, it's probably a good match for my '86 S. From the manufacturers:

350Z: 287hp/274lb-ft; 3225 lbs (track edition)
928S: 288hp/302lb-ft; 3351 lbs (US '85-86 S)

I'll be curious to hear more from people who get one and track them.

tdelarm

Shrkbit,

Some 16 yrs later and they still attempt to match your shark performance. Tell me that doesn't make you a proud shark daddy!

Tim Delarm
<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

John Struthers

Shark GTS,
I was watching that Discovery Channel special on the convertibles on - 4th of Dec - and a earlier show on Americas luv of the Auto, the moveable pod goes back a ways.
Hell, I'll settle for the aluminum hemi!
I'd take the RX-8 over the new Z's 80 cubic inches or so and that rotary is pumping some serious HP.
John S. and Pattycakes 82' Weissach, auto. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Herr Schnell

[quote]Originally posted by tdelarm:
<strong>Shrkbit,

Some 16 yrs later and they still attempt to match your shark performance. Tell me that doesn't make you a proud shark daddy!

Tim Delarm
<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Bah! A water-cooled engine in front?! That's no sportscar!

Seriously, it seems like a nice performance car for the money. Lots of people have commented on its similarity in shape to the 911. I've seen a couple in person now and while it's not love at first sight I think it's one of those cars that might grow on me.

As for the 928 comparison, it's still missing two seats and a large hatchback area! <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" />

SHRKBIT

[quote]Originally posted by tdelarm:
<strong>Some 16 yrs later and they still attempt to match your shark performance. Tell me that doesn't make you a proud shark daddy!
</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yep. And I paid under $10k US for the '86, too. Of course, by the time I finish fitting it out, it will have cost me as much as a 350Z track edition, but that's okay.
<img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" />

John..

Looks like a direct copy of the Audi TT to me...

Shane

John,

That was my first impressin with the new Z and several other cars coming to market, was that the were copies of the TT.

Shark_gts

What goes around (in design circles) comes around (in the work of others). It might be a bit unfair to call the Z a TT.

The Z is certainly an evolution of the 300ZX which I never really liked the design of that much.

The TT and Z share that bullet proof windowed bunker tank look, and use of aluminum in the interior, accent details (rear strut brace) and badging.

The TT's rear, very 928ish is beautiful. The front of the TT is more awkward. Same for the Z, although for the front the designers kept it simple & agressive. It seems it is harder to render the front a flowing masterpiece or a design feature these days.

Ultimately it comes down to the buyer. Do you want to own and use this new car over the TT, Boxster or competing models?

John Krawczyk

I think the Infinity G-35 is a better looking car.

Mike LaBranche

I have a hard time thinking of this thing as a 'Z'. I grew up on 240Z's, several with small chevy's. $2800 in '73 bought you that classic sporty car and they're asking what for the new one? 35 grand? Looks goofy. To me. Too many angles, not enough curves. Anxious to see them on the track.

GT Jackson

I hear that Nissan dealers are getting as much as $5G premium over sticker if you want one. And there is a waiting list.

Gordon

CarreraFour

Let me make this plain and simple for ya as far as the 350Z is concerned...


YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! THE CAR IS A HUGE DISAPOINTMENT.

Normy

I had a chance to sit in a new Z the other day, and I can tell you that the design is a step back from the last 300ZX, it has less power/torque and overall performance, and the interior is majorly plastic looking! Nice try, but no cigar-

N-

John..

Of course, you could always drop even more coin and get the "exclusive" Infinity version.

I saw one on my way to work the other day...he wanted to play with the 944. No take, I would have had to pick my doors up. Maybe we can repeat this process with the 928?

The Japanese have and always will follow the design guidelines set by the Europeans and Americans. Very few innovative styling dsesings coming from Japan. They do make a very bullet-proof car though.