Z makes debut at US dealerships

[wylin]

Perhaps one of the most anticipated momments in modern Nissan history has crept upon us. Dealers on the west coast have begun receiving 350Z cars for delivery. Universal Nissan in Los Angeles, California was one of the first to receive 350Zs and they we were kind enought to let us take a look at the production cars. Fit and finish were overall excellent and while we weren't able to test drive the car, the engine sounded very cool indeed.

noel shaw 350Z dealership



Ah the 350 Z is out comments?

like it ugly? yay? S2000 rival is out!

[thaite]

Ugly? No way, it's friggin' awesome and that picture does not do it justice. This weekend I saw it in black, candy blue, and metallic orange. Black is, well, just black. Looks cool but nothing special. The blue is really nice. But the metallic orange just shines in the sun and left my jaw on the floor.

[wylin]

its kinda funky looking IHMO but overall not bad!







<!--EDIT|wylin|Aug 21 2002, 06:27 PM-->

[wylin]

Z

[Arex]

While the overall car is not necessarily ugly, I still think they made quite a few questionable decisions in its design. There's simply not a lot of cohesiveness to the overall design. Several of the individual elements are pretty cool, but they just don't all fit together. The rear 3/4 view is a perfect example of this with an abundance of lines that don't jive. Or perhaps that was the chosen them...=P

On a side note, I bet the Honda designers that came up with the inverted trapezoid-shaped headlights for the Prelude are feeling pretty vindicated about now. Now, after the 'lude's demise, other manufacturers are starting to evolve the design.

Alex



<!--EDIT|Arex|Aug 21 2002, 07:48 PM-->

[wylin]

one unique thing bout this recent Z design tho it was lead by by engineers from the S15 silvia team, and its suspension is tuned more in line w/ the s15 silvia then the Z32 (90-96 300zx). Overall it reminds me of a audi TT fused w/ a corvete but w/ prelude lights.

I probs would buy one over the s2000 for 2 main reasons price and its a fixed roof car (for now). Cuz i do like the fact the car has power down low so u dont have to wait for vtec to kick b4 the car moves. The model i'd get is the highline Track model which is a amalgam of parts from other nissan cars: Skyline GTR R34 front and rear brakes, S15 silvia Spec-R optional rippled cloth seats, Rays/Volk TE-37 derivative (not exactly Te-37's but the design is similar and same manufactuer) 18x7.5 187x8.5 wheels, yay nissan parts bin sharing.



<!--EDIT|wylin|Aug 22 2002, 07:49 AM-->

[wylin]

Z pricing structure

Model Equipment Price
350Z 6MT
Standard features:
3.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6 with variable valve timing, multi-link front and rear independent suspension, dual outlet exhaust, drive-by-wire throttle, carbon-fiber driveshaft, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution, Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS), automatic temperature control, 160-watt AM/FM/CD with 6 speakers, power windows/door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, vehicle security system, leather steering wheel and shifter boot $26,269

Enthusiast Model 6MT
Standard features plus: Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $28,249

Enthusiast Model 5AT (w/manual mode)
Standard features plus: Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $29,219

Performance Model 6MT
Standard features plus: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), tire air pressure monitor, 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $30,429

Touring Model 6MT
Standard features plus: 240-watt Bose CD6 with cassette and 7 speakers, leather-appointed seats, 4-way power driver’s seat, 2-way power passenger’s seat, heated seats, heated mirrors, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), tire air pressure monitor, 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $33,179

Touring Model 5AT (w/manual mode)
Standard features plus: 240-watt Bose CD6 with cassette and 7 speakers, leather-appointed seats, 4-way power driver’s seat, 2-way power passenger’s seat, heated seats, heated mirrors, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor mirrors $31,589

Track Model 6MT
Standard features plus: Front and rear spoiler, 18-inch tires and lightweight aluminum wheels, vented Brembo brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), tire air pressure monitor, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $34,079
Options DVD-based Navigation System
Side air bag and curtain airbag $1,999
$ 569
Destination and Handling
$ 540



<!--EDIT|wylin|Aug 22 2002, 07:40 AM-->

[deez nuts]

I think the car looks hot, but it kinda looks a porsche/TT coupe. Thank god it's fixed roof. Did I right that right? $27K?!? Thats a pretty good price, I think. When is this car available?





<!--EDIT|Chasiubao_Boy|Aug 22 2002, 06:03 PM-->

[Arex]

Originally posted by Chasiubao_Boy@Aug 22 2002, 09:31 AM
I think the car looks hot, but it kinda looks a porsche/TT coupe. Thank god it's fixed roof. Did I right that right? $27K?!? Thats a pretty good price, I think.

Yeah, the car is definitely Porsche/TT-esque. Which is kind of another reason I'm not too fond of the design: its borrowing, rather ripping off, of elements from those two cars is too blatant. I'm sure Nissan designers could've come up with something wholly original that would've looked marvelous in its own right. But I guess they wanted to make a Porsche for the masses, in every sense.

But I would definitely take the 350Z over an S2000. More low end power, gobs more power overall. More amenities. Not to mention that the Z is just a more substantial car. Fixed roof is not a big deal to me 'cause I love convertibles. I personally can't wait to see how the Z cabrio is executed.


Alex

[deez nuts]

Should I have waited for this bad boy rather than putting a deposit on the C32 AMG(like 3 weeks ago) and in the process save me some money? I mean sacrificing some specs at the cost of about $20G-30G's? Might be a stupid question, since I know minimal about cars, but I got this sinking feeling after reading this. When I saw the specs and the fixed roof, my jaw kinda dropped.

Fuck, I hate that feeling when you buy something and something else better comes along.

I knew there was a reason I avoided this section after consulting with Wylin about my car choices, making the final decision and putting a deposit while waiting for the car to come. No offense, Wylin, you still my car guy.



<!--EDIT|Chasiubao_Boy|Aug 22 2002, 06:09 PM-->

[wylin]

Originally posted by Chasiubao_Boy@Aug 22 2002, 09:31 AM
I think the car looks hot, but it kinda looks a porsche/TT coupe. Thank god it's fixed roof. Did I right that right? $27K?!? Thats a pretty good price, I think. When is this car available?

its out for normal buyers around late november/ decemember cuz nissan presold all aug-sept-oct-nov cars in a presales/ reserve event. u can buy one for MSRP (hopefully) around then.

I think the C32 AMG is a better car then the Z it should be a lil faster, more luxurious, and more inline w/ u having a family. make sure u got HID lights w/ the C32 dude its an option which sux.

more like 28-34k for the better models the lowest model i'd avoid no Limited Slip Differntial or traction control, which is a must to drive a RWD car around snow, no HID lights to blind oncoming traffic, and all Z's except for Track model use kinda modest single piston sliding calipers versus the previous gens 4 piston fixed calipers (track uses larger 4 piston brakes nessesitating the 18inch wheel)

[Arex]

Originally posted by Chasiubao_Boy@Aug 22 2002, 10:07 AM
Should I have waited for this bad boy rather than putting a deposit on the C32 AMG(like 3 weeks ago) and in the process save me some money? I mean sacrificing some specs at the cost of about $20G-30G's? Might be a stupid question, since I know minimal about cars, but I got this sinking feeling after reading this. When I saw the specs and the fixed roof, my jaw kinda dropped.

Fuck, I hate that feeling when you buy something and something else better comes along.

I knew there was a reason I avoided this section after consulting with Wylin about my car choices, making the final decision and putting a deposit while waiting for the car to come. No offense, Wylin, you still my car guy.

If you think the Z is objectively a "better" car than the C32, then I guess you should have waited.=/ On the other hand, I personally don't even think it's really fair to compare the two cars as they're two entirely different beasts. The Z is supposed to be more of an all out sports car, sporting its slick 6 speed tranny, while the C is a luxury sports sedan with a badass engine mated to a pretty nifty 5 speed auto. It all depends on what you're shooting for. One thing's for sure though: the C will pimp more gold diggin' girls (at least among the girls that know what a C32 is...).

Alex

[wylin]

my thoughts exactly Arex, the Z competes w/ cars that are in its price range and performance class.

Cars that i think rival the Z:
1. Chevy Corvette base targa coupe - 39k
2. honda S2000 - 33k
3. Mazda Rx-8 (1/03 release)- 32k
4. Mitsubishi Lancer EVO (2/03 release) - less than 30k
5. BMW 330Ci - 40k
6. Porsche Boxster 2.7 liter base - 46k
7. Ford Mustang Cobra - 36k
8. Subaru WRX - 24k base 30k + STI model
9. Audi TT High Pressure Quattro - 39k
10.Nissan Silvia s15 (australian and japanese market) - 24k
11.Infiniti G35 coupe/ Skyline GT3500- 32k
12. used Nissan Skyline GTR R32 - 30k

i personally would get an Rx8 or lancer EVO because 4 doors rock



<!--EDIT|wylin|Aug 22 2002, 12:38 PM-->

[deez nuts]

Yo thanks for the responses Wylin and Arex. I think the bottomline question is do you guys think that the difference between the Z and C32 is worth the price difference? I mean like I told Wylin, I wanted a sports sedanish car, but a total sports car was not out of the question. Wylin if you remember I had a top price range I can go, but the range between my choices were kinda wide. But basically my two choices were between the S2000 and the C32. I opted for the C32 because 1)I got a good financing plan with the C32 2)the S2000 wasn't a fixed roof. Sorry to be anal about this.

I think after seeing the Z, it wouldv'e boiled down to the Z and the C32. And with either I am looking at a wating period anyways, so that doesn't factor in. I know you can't compare the two. But, I'm not gonna sacrifice a good value for purely status. A happy medium between the two is good.

Heh fuck it, I'm already like 100k in debt with student loans, mind as well spoil myself.

But dang, that Z does look sweet.

And thanks for the tip Wylin, I think I got the HID light option, gotta check back with dealer tomorrow.



<!--EDIT|Chasiubao_Boy|Aug 22 2002, 09:58 PM-->

[wylin]

HID for mercedes is about 2k for them OEm set up (new light housings, HID bulbs, HID balasts) + wiring fun. why not drop 800 bux upfront anf get it w/ the car!