Super7 Turbocharged July 10, 2003 Share July 10, 2003 Quoted from another website:- Nissan dealers have had a shock. Now they have to cope with waiting lists and Porsche trade-ins. The drastic change has been brought about by the 350Z. Already a smash hit in Japan and the US, its UK allocation of 840 units for this year sold out within hours. Research shows the Audi TT tops the list of intended trade-ins, followed by Subaru's Impreza. Will the owners of serious sports cars be disappointed when their new machines arrive in mid-October? We've sampled the Japanese-spec version before now, but European models have been substantially revised to suit UK roads and higher speeds, with more spoilers to improve cooling and airflow. The interior has been upgraded, too, and now gets an alloy finish to the steering wheel and switchgear, plus some better-grade plastics. It's enough to make an Impreza driver jealous, but the TT remains superior for looks and feel. Still, all the controls fall readily to hand and the seats move electrically, although it's a surprise to find that the wheel adjusts only for height. However, start up the engine and you will soon forget such quibbles, thanks to a satisfying beefy-sounding exhaust burble. The gearbox has a positive shift, too, and slots between the six ratios with a pleasingly mechanical feel. ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super7 Turbocharged July 10, 2003 Author Share July 10, 2003 Floor the accelerator, and anyone familiar with the turbo engines used in the TT and Impreza will be confused. Being normally aspirated, the 350Z's 276bhp V6 pulls instantly through the rev range. Although turbo-lovers will miss the shove-in-the-back mid-range acceleration of a blown car, the 350Z is certainly not slow. But despite being a V6, the engine isn't that smooth and there is surprising vibration through the controls, especially the gearlever. For drivers brought up on a diet of front or four-wheel drive, the handling will also require some getting used to. To make sure the model is taken seriously among sports car enthusiasts, the 350Z sends its power to the rear wheels. If you're on a track and fancy a bit of fun, switch the ESP system off and the tail will slide out with little provocation. But if you arrive at a wet roundabout too fast by mistake, there's plenty of grip and the electronics keep you pointing in the right direction. Huge braces linking the suspension struts under the bonnet and rear hatch make the bodyshell super-stiff, too, giving a precise feel to all the controls plus a surprisingly supple ride for a model that has virtually no roll through bends. Designed from the outset as a 'proper' sports car, the 350Z is far more focused to drive than a TT, and is more fun at everyday speeds than any of the four-wheel-drive turbo saloons. With only 1,300 due in the UK every year - against 5,000 TTs - the Nissan is assured cult status. Just be patient with the poor dealer while he gets used to all the excitement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super7 Turbocharged July 10, 2003 Author Share July 10, 2003 interior.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accenture Neutral Newbie July 10, 2003 Share July 10, 2003 that is really one very nice "affordable" sports car Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadX Moderator July 10, 2003 Share July 10, 2003 Agree with u ...this is TOPS on my list for a 2nd car... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hc1883 Neutral Newbie July 10, 2003 Share July 10, 2003 Hi Super7, Nice! Do check out the other thread which I have just posted on the 350Z....... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seansene 1st Gear July 10, 2003 Share July 10, 2003 Still have to drive it, but from reports it tops the TT quattro in terms of handling. After my experience with the Audi I'd believe it... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super7 Turbocharged July 10, 2003 Author Share July 10, 2003 ok Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modeldriver Neutral Newbie July 10, 2003 Share July 10, 2003 Wow... really runaway success Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modeldriver Neutral Newbie July 10, 2003 Share July 10, 2003 So when are you getting the keys ??? Must come let us molest and try out leh... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super7 Turbocharged July 11, 2003 Author Share July 11, 2003 wish they also make turbocharged 2000cc an option to suit sgp roadtax system... or even 1300cc rotary ??? ..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assassin Clutched July 11, 2003 Share July 11, 2003 Beautiful car ! If only it was cheaper. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadX Moderator July 11, 2003 Share July 11, 2003 AS if u think I gonna say!!! IF so, most of the time will be 'pumping petrol' liao....if u need a hint on this....ask my stoolen...E36UDM!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
E36UDM Neutral Newbie July 11, 2003 Share July 11, 2003 Now then see this Thanks hor Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modeldriver Neutral Newbie July 11, 2003 Share July 11, 2003 Can't blame me for trying mah... saw a silver one today after leaving the lunch meet up. Really nice man. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modeldriver Neutral Newbie July 12, 2003 Share July 12, 2003 Guess for all intents, it's already a pretty 'affordable' super car - compared to the Italian editions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assassin Clutched July 12, 2003 Share July 12, 2003 Yep...if you compare with the Italian editions...its a fraction of the cost...but if you compare it with the likes of Evo and STi...then its more expensive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modeldriver Neutral Newbie July 12, 2003 Share July 12, 2003 True... and also if compared with Evo and STi, less practical - Evo and STi at least has 4 seats. anyway, it's outta my price range. Hoping for E46 to make up his mind, if he is indeed considering to get close up to the car ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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