Winding Road reports: Japan Report: Nissan Considering Options for Next Sports-Car. We had high hopes for the 350z when it was announced a few years back. But now those hopes have been dashed by higher-than-we-like prices and sort of a fat body.
We remember the 240 SX fondly and would love to see that beast make another appearance. Nissan, make the 240 SX and make everything the 350z was supposed to be: affordable (<$25k), light (<3,000 pounds) and quick (0-60 in <7 seconds). But before all of that, make it fun.
Call the Z fanboys whatever you want, but mistaking something as hot and stylish as the 350Z as "ugly" makes YOU the delusional one. Seriously, the only major problem I see with the Z is its weight--performance and style at its price make it very attractive and thus it fulfills two of the three elements demanded of it.
But I think everyone's missing the point here: The old 240SX was an affordable and practical alternative to the more serious and focused Z. $30K seems affordable for a good sports car but it's still too much money and not enough space/comfort/etc. for those who want a fun drive but happen to fall into that space between casual and hardcore driver.
As much as I love my Civic Si, I'd love to see other companies give Honda a run for its money and revive the old sport compact market. It's really a shame that the US missed out on the Silvia S15 while also witnessing both the demise of the Celica and Integra and the bloating of the Eclipse (the Trueno getting stateside respect only recently is kinda sad too).
Posted by: John | Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 12:48 AM
These guys are so, so angry that you said something bad about their Z car. And he never said the Z did 0-60 in over 7 seconds. He gave why it was crap, price and fat ugly body, along with what Nissan needs to do to make a car sell like hotcakes.
Posted by: sommmatt | Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 08:13 AM
I take it you've never driven a Z in your life. Stock for stock the 350Z outdoes the 240 in every way, now mod the 240 and thats a different story. And 0-60 over 7 seconds?! Did you pull this crap outta your ass or what?! Haha man get your info straight before you start posting BS.
And if your concerned about the price get it USED <$25k, problem solved
Posted by: Chazzy Chaz | Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 02:04 AM
You're way off buddy. The Z can be had at entry level with 306hp for 27-28k... it's way more fun to drive handling wise than a mustang and will go 0-60 in about 5.2 seconds! I had high hopes for this blog but when I saw that your post here, I was disappointed...
Posted by: flintgauge | Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 01:18 AM
well tell me how the 350Z goes 0to60 in 7seconds and finds a way to pull 13's your a dumbass go shoot yourself
Posted by: John | Friday, September 21, 2007 at 11:59 PM