And here are my thoughts... I think the 370Z is going to be a resounding success in spite of the current economic market.
After going over the new Z in close detail over the last two days I've spent with it, I can say, the vast majority of "cosmetic" issues people have complained about can be easily and cheaply addressed by the individual owners.
Sorry, no, I'm not going to tell you how well it does on the dyno...
For the rest of the car, here are some of my observations:
- The car is lighter than a similarly equipped 350Z. Yes, the '03 base model was lighter, but there are only two model's of 370Z. Base and Touring. The base being closest to what an Enthusiast model would be in a 350Z in which case the 370Z is lighter.
- The car is cheaper than a similarly equipped 350Z. Yes, it's more than the original 2003 base model 350Z, but again, with similar options, it's several hundred cheaper.
- The 370Z makes more HP with 332.
- The 370Z is shorter in the rear, reminiscent of the original 240Z, if you're into that, you'll like some of the styling cues.
- The 370Z is wider making it "potentially" a better handling car than the 350Z.
- The 370Z has a lower center of gravity than the 350Z adding to the hypothesis that it will ultimately handle better than the 350Z.
- The 370Z comes with rolled fenders from the factory and can easily accommodate tires about 2.5" WIDER on the stock wheels. With 275's on the factory 10" rear wheels, you're looking at the possibility of getting 335's on there without having to modify ANYTHING.
- The sport package gets you the "synchro rev match" in the manual transmission. For anyone who isn't a hard core road racer, this is especially useful. Those of us that enjoy the option of doing our rev matching through "old fashioned" heel and toe will resent this option, but the 99.99% of people who can't heel and toe to begin with will most likely love it!
[edit]Apparently, the "synchro rev match" can be turned off. I certainly couldn't find the "off" button, but then, I didn't look either! ;) [/edit]
- After all this, the 370Z get's better fuel economy. Yeah, maybe it's not such a big deal with gas prices back down to the mid $2 range for premium, but every bit counts.
- A Base model with the "Sport Package" is going to be the starting point for a killer street/track car.
- Absolutely get the factory rear wing. The "hump" on the rear deck lid of the cars without the wing is truly a travesty that is difficult to reconcile. Fortunately, the factory rear wing that comes in the "Sport Package" resolves most of this problem. I can see some people fitting the G35/7 rear wing onto this car with some ingenious modifications...
Please feel free to comment... ;)
