delhi

yeah that and a multi-engine designed to have the broadest coverage of Nissan/Infiniti models. to me it's a bit compromised. YMMV. But IMHO, its still a gorgeous car.

Cupcar

Still interesting that the 350Z, despite it's multiplatform heritage has an all aluminum V6, aluminum gearbox, aluminum suspension parts and subframes, aluminum hood and a carbon fiber drive shaft.

The Track model has forged aluminum wheels and aluminum brake calipers.

Nissan at least tried to keep the weight down with expensive technologies, even at a low price point!!

Flatsixer

I think Nissan, by far sets the benchmark for Japanese design right now. No small thanks to Renault for the infusion of money. The new Z is a bargain. I Still love the timeless look of the TT Z32.

Michael-Dallas

Now that's interesting. I knew he raced a 300ZX last year in GT-2 and I knew his 350 this year was a far cry from stock. But I figured the engine was at least the same because there's an interview (small paragraph) with his engine builder on nissannews.com / infinitinews.com where he commented on the 350's 3.5L: http://www.infinitinews.com/events/n...25161139.shtml

This is true. In efforts to reduce cost and eliminate debt, Nissan has basic FWD and RWD platforms (ranging from short to long wheelbase) that all of the Nissan / Infiniti lineup uses. The 350 shares the same platform / suspension (albeit spring, strut, sway bar rates) with the G35 sedan / coupe and FX SUV. However, the 350 has additional underbody bracing as well as front and rear strut tower braces (front being adjustable).

Also, the full size spare tire weighs a whopping 40lbs and the factory exhaust (y-pipe, straight pipe, and muffler) weigh at least twice as much as a 996 exhaust (mufflers)!

And there is good reason for this. Nissan has always used Porsches as their performance benchmark and it clearly shows in some of their ad campaigns (likewise, Infiniti uses BMW as their benchmark). This not meant in a bad way, but rather in a complimentary fashion.

Michael.