Nissan: 370Z News
#121
Senior Moderator
last time I let you drive my car.
Originally Posted by srika
I've arrived at this conclusion after having driven one. I was cruising at 80 mph on the highway and punched it, it was accelerating, just not too quickly - I was in the optimal gear too. Again, when they put two turbos on this thing, it's gonna be killer. The only real problem I have with it is that I think its underpowered... which the TT's will take care of.
#122
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Age: 43
Posts: 5,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cusdaddy
BTW, I agree with the statements made by others that a stock Z will beat a stock Supra in a road course. I won't argue this, but the Z is VERY quick in road courses.
A lot of people seem to forget though that the driver is the most important part in posting quick times. My friend had a professional driver doing testing last year at Gingerman and took out their tow vehicle(Cadillac Escalade). The pro was able to catch and pass a lot of the cars on the track, which included various Bimmers and Vettes. Motor Trend had Ron Fellows drive a bone stock Z06 around Gingerman and ran 1:33. My friend used to own the same car, but with Goodyear race slicks and PF pads and ran a best time of 1:32 on his lap timer. The difference between a real professional driver and above average SCCA racers or open lappers is huge.
#123
I've driven a Z, an STi, and a Supra. The Supra will walk all those cars above 80; I'm definitely with Srika on this one. But out of all the cars, I gotta admit the Z was by far the most fun!! Torque, N/A (it easily revs), the sound it makes, plus RWD rules!! The STi is no slouch either, I was soo freakin surprised on how hard it pulled to about 80~90mph. Unreal how quick that car is stock. By far the quickest feeling car I've driven; next to a BPU+ Supra! The Supra (stock 6-speed) didn't feel fast to me for some reason, but I knew it was because the speedometer was flyin, but it belongs in the highway; that's where it shines; in the upper rev band. But if I were to buy a car purely based on fun factor right now; it'll definitely be the Z!! I haven't felt more confident in any car, besides my R. Seriously for all you doubters out there drive em all and see for yourself!
-Justin
-Justin
#124
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by synth19
last time I let you drive my car.
#125
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 45
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by srika
ok, I guess acceleration and performance is subjective...
#126
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 45
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Maximized
The bounce is present all the time, you are probably just used to it. Nissan didn't properly tune the suspension IMO. My friend has an S-tune suspension(which supposedly helps cure the bounce) and it's still present. My friends Z06 doesnt ride as stiff, nor does my brothers M3 with ground control coilovers.
Finally, I drive the car every day, so I know what I'm talking about. If you don't believe me, read on my350z.com. It's NOT always present. It's only present under specific road conditions such as uneven pavement.
#127
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by charliemike
$42k in 1993 is equivalent to $52.5k today ... That would go directly against an M3.
*shrug*
*shrug*
#128
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by srika
I've arrived at this conclusion after having driven one. I was cruising at 80 mph on the highway and punched it, it was accelerating, just not too quickly - I was in the optimal gear too. Again, when they put two turbos on this thing, it's gonna be killer. The only real problem I have with it is that I think its underpowered... which the TT's will take care of.
Underpowered compared to a 13.1 in the 1/4 mile car, maybe. But in general, the Z is not underpowered. That engine is a beauty and the weight of the car and its gear ratios are also fine.
I mean come on. We call a mid 5s in the 60 car underpowered. Where has the world come to?
#129
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by srika
Yes it was a TT. When the Supra came out R&T did a comparo with the Ferrari 512TR and Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 - they came to the conclusion that it definitely was not as exotic as those two, but performance-wise it was very very close, surprisingly close. Maybe people have forgotten how good a car it was, in all areas. I remember in one of the first big magazine comparo tests, it was the Supra, Viper RT/10, RX-7, NSX, LT4 Vette, and 3000GT VR4, I may be missing one. The Supra was first in all areas except top speed, only because it was limited to 155 mph.
#130
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by srika
not sure what you mean by this.. these are stats for a US-spec car..
1. Look at how tight the gear ratios are (by looking at the top speed for each gear)
and
2. Look at :
2a. 2nd gear topping at exactly 62 mph which is 100 k/h which is what Europeans measure accelration for
2b. Look that at the end of the 1/4 mile, the trap speed is just 2mph less than where 4th gear tops.
All of that is completely intentional by the Supra engineers. Bottom line? The car was geared for the ultimate times in acceleration measured by magazines. 0-60 mph, 0-100 k/h and 1/4 mile. In Europe they also measure 0-1000 meters which I am sure if we had stats of, it would also show intention with the gears ratios.
#131
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Can't say its fair to take the best z time against the slowest supratt time. And for the weight and handling, the new tacoma xrunner is almost definately going to weigh more than a Z, and toyota has already claimed it has outhandled the z so its possible.
A car that weighs 3500 pounds cannot do 0-60 in 4.6 and 1/4 mile in 13.1 with 320HP. Even with those ultimate gear ratios. This is more like 380HP.
Srika as an ex-owner, what have you heard about Supra TT engines being under-rated. If anything?
#132
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by cusdaddy
BTW, the Z is not that heavy as some make it out to be. It's not a lightweight, but it's still only ~3150 lbs, which isn't bad at all. In smaller AutoX courses, it does have a disadvantage compared to cars such as the S2000.
#133
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by srika
ok, I guess acceleration and performance is subjective...
I am guessing what he menas and what I am trying to tell you also is that if you got the Z in a number of different tracks with cars like the 911, you'd be surprised at the results.
#134
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by Maximized
The bounce is present all the time, you are probably just used to it. Nissan didn't properly tune the suspension IMO. My friend has an S-tune suspension(which supposedly helps cure the bounce) and it's still present. My friends Z06 doesnt ride as stiff, nor does my brothers M3 with ground control coilovers.
#135
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by synth19
last time I let you drive my car.
Or maybe there was something wrong with the car. Who knows.
#136
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by Maximized
It really depends on what type of roadcourse it is. If the course is setup for high hp cars, such as Road America, the Supra will probably post quicker lap times. A track such as gingerman, rewards cars that are able to carry speed through the corners, which IMO the Z would post a quicker lap time.
A lot of people seem to forget though that the driver is the most important part in posting quick times. My friend had a professional driver doing testing last year at Gingerman and took out their tow vehicle(Cadillac Escalade). The pro was able to catch and pass a lot of the cars on the track, which included various Bimmers and Vettes. Motor Trend had Ron Fellows drive a bone stock Z06 around Gingerman and ran 1:33. My friend used to own the same car, but with Goodyear race slicks and PF pads and ran a best time of 1:32 on his lap timer. The difference between a real professional driver and above average SCCA racers or open lappers is huge.
A lot of people seem to forget though that the driver is the most important part in posting quick times. My friend had a professional driver doing testing last year at Gingerman and took out their tow vehicle(Cadillac Escalade). The pro was able to catch and pass a lot of the cars on the track, which included various Bimmers and Vettes. Motor Trend had Ron Fellows drive a bone stock Z06 around Gingerman and ran 1:33. My friend used to own the same car, but with Goodyear race slicks and PF pads and ran a best time of 1:32 on his lap timer. The difference between a real professional driver and above average SCCA racers or open lappers is huge.
True and true to both paragraphs.
That's why I later wrote "a number of different tracks" so that we average out the "type of track" criterion and to the second paragraph: when we talk about a track comparo we keep the driver criterion/factor always constant, as a self explanatory rule.
#137
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by importtuner
I've driven a Z, an STi, and a Supra. The Supra will walk all those cars above 80; I'm definitely with Srika on this one. But out of all the cars, I gotta admit the Z was by far the most fun!! Torque, N/A (it easily revs), the sound it makes, plus RWD rules!! The STi is no slouch either, I was soo freakin surprised on how hard it pulled to about 80~90mph. Unreal how quick that car is stock. By far the quickest feeling car I've driven; next to a BPU+ Supra! The Supra (stock 6-speed) didn't feel fast to me for some reason, but I knew it was because the speedometer was flyin, but it belongs in the highway; that's where it shines; in the upper rev band. But if I were to buy a car purely based on fun factor right now; it'll definitely be the Z!! I haven't felt more confident in any car, besides my R. Seriously for all you doubters out there drive em all and see for yourself!
-Justin
-Justin
One thing I remember about the Supra TT from magazine testing was the fact that the car was "tuned" to be really quiet for its class. That fact in itself takes away from the fun-factor of a...sports car. Not that there is anything wrong with a sports car being quiet. I for one, prefer it. That's one of the differentiators of a GT versus a sports car. The Supra is a GT, the Z is a Sports Car.
So your statement above, combined with what I remember reading from mag testers, make sense.
#138
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by gavriil
You know the more I think about this the more it does not make sense.
A car that weighs 3500 pounds cannot do 0-60 in 4.6 and 1/4 mile in 13.1 with 320HP. Even with those ultimate gear ratios. This is more like 380HP.
Srika as an ex-owner, what have you heard about Supra TT engines being under-rated. If anything?
A car that weighs 3500 pounds cannot do 0-60 in 4.6 and 1/4 mile in 13.1 with 320HP. Even with those ultimate gear ratios. This is more like 380HP.
Srika as an ex-owner, what have you heard about Supra TT engines being under-rated. If anything?
#139
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by gavriil
I cant disagree with the above.
One thing I remember about the Supra TT from magazine testing was the fact that the car was "tuned" to be really quiet for its class. That fact in itself takes away from the fun-factor of a...sports car. Not that there is anything wrong with a sports car being quiet. I for one, prefer it. That's one of the differentiators of a GT versus a sports car. The Supra is a GT, the Z is a Sports Car.
So your statement above, combined with what I remember reading from mag testers, make sense.
One thing I remember about the Supra TT from magazine testing was the fact that the car was "tuned" to be really quiet for its class. That fact in itself takes away from the fun-factor of a...sports car. Not that there is anything wrong with a sports car being quiet. I for one, prefer it. That's one of the differentiators of a GT versus a sports car. The Supra is a GT, the Z is a Sports Car.
So your statement above, combined with what I remember reading from mag testers, make sense.
#140
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by gavriil
I cant disagree with the above.
One thing I remember about the Supra TT from magazine testing was the fact that the car was "tuned" to be really quiet for its class. That fact in itself takes away from the fun-factor of a...sports car. Not that there is anything wrong with a sports car being quiet. I for one, prefer it.
One thing I remember about the Supra TT from magazine testing was the fact that the car was "tuned" to be really quiet for its class. That fact in itself takes away from the fun-factor of a...sports car. Not that there is anything wrong with a sports car being quiet. I for one, prefer it.
#141
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by gavriil
The only thing I can think of, of what might have happened with Srika and the 80mph+ run is the fact the Z's engine has a little bit of a weak spot at the top end of its rpm range. And if he hit 3rd at above 5K rpm, he may have gotten a little bit disappointed.
Or maybe there was something wrong with the car. Who knows.
Or maybe there was something wrong with the car. Who knows.
#142
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
350Z Coupe
The high performance Nissan Z®, which comes with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, has sold over 70,000 units since its introduction to the U.S. market in August 2002. The stylish, 287-horsepower 350Z continues the Z heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was introduced 35 years ago as a 1970 model. In 2005, the 350Z adds only minor enhancements.
Enhancements to the 2005 350Z Coupe:
· Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
· Clutch pedal effort has been reduced for easier operation
· 5-speed automatic transmission features downshift rev matching
· Standard driver’s seat front and rear lifter
· Heated outside mirrors
· Faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times
· Newly available Ultra-Yellow exterior color (Liquid Aluminum exterior no longer available)
350Z Roadster
The 350Z Roadster offers sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Z® Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in 20 seconds. The fully automatic soft top stows compactly under a lightweight tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down. The Z Roadster will continue to offer the powerful 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft torque.
Enhancements to the 2005 350Z Roadster include:
· Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
· Clutch pedal effort has been reduced for easier operation
· 5-speed automatic transmission features downshift rev matching
· Standard driver’s seat front and rear lifter (except for net seat design)
· Heated outside mirrors
· Faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times
· Newly available Ultra-Yellow exterior color (Liquid Aluminum exterior no longer available)
Source: Autospies
#143
Senior Moderator
Pics of the new Yellow 350z
Stole these from another site... Can't really tell from these pics..but sorta kinda reminds me of my friend's S2k yellow....
#145
I like that color on the Z. The Axis Z with the yellow inside was nice when I saw it. good color for the car.
The convertible Z looks atrocious. It NEEDS the top, part of the distictive styling.
The convertible Z looks atrocious. It NEEDS the top, part of the distictive styling.
#149
That's Racist
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: San Diego native. UCLA resident. =)
Age: 38
Posts: 5,634
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I dont' think I'd be able to pull off a yellow car. Just something about my skin color matching the body color of my car. Alil' off.
-The Z however... looks good, hard top and or convertible IMO.
-The Z however... looks good, hard top and or convertible IMO.
#152
Nissan Releases Photo of 35th Anniversary 350Z
GARDENA, Calif. (September 16, 2004) – In 1970, the original Datsun 240Z changed the sports car landscape in North America with its ingenious approach to performance, technology and design. The Z®‘s rebellious spirit continues stronger than ever in 2005 with the arrival of a special 35th Anniversary 350Z offering 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Brembo® brakes, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, available two-tone leather-appointed seats and a choice of three exterior colors, including a new Ultra Yellow. The 35th Anniversary 350Z will also feature a higher level of horsepower.
#153
Work safe avatar bish :D
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Avon Park/Gainesville FL
Age: 41
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by heyitsme
GARDENA, Calif. (September 16, 2004) – In 1970, the original Datsun 240Z changed the sports car landscape in North America with its ingenious approach to performance, technology and design. The Z®‘s rebellious spirit continues stronger than ever in 2005 with the arrival of a special 35th Anniversary 350Z offering 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Brembo® brakes, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, available two-tone leather-appointed seats and a choice of three exterior colors, including a new Ultra Yellow. The 35th Anniversary 350Z will also feature a higher level of horsepower.
hot
#155
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 45
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Beltfed
05 Track Z to get 300hp..............guess the anniv model will as well.
The new VQ engine now has a 7000rpm redline vs 6600 for the regular VQ. It also has an increase of 13hp, (300hp vs 287hp) but it now loses 14lb/ft of torque (260lb/ft vs. 274lb/ft) compared to the regular VQ.
So basically, an increase of 13hp, but a loss of 14lb/ft of torque. I doubt this will do much to improve acceleration, and I think I prefer the regular engine with more torque, as 13hp can be gained through adding an aftermarket Intake & Exhaust with no loss in torque.
#156
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Age: 43
Posts: 5,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cusdaddy
The Track and 35th Anniversay model are getting the slightly modified VQ engine that the 2005 G35c 6-speed will use but with 2 more hp. Sounds great at first, but there is a disadvantage.
The new VQ engine now has a 7000rpm redline vs 6600 for the regular VQ. It also has an increase of 13hp, (300hp vs 287hp) but it now loses 14lb/ft of torque (260lb/ft vs. 274lb/ft) compared to the regular VQ.
So basically, an increase of 13hp, but a loss of 14lb/ft of torque. I doubt this will do much to improve acceleration, and I think I prefer the regular engine with more torque, as 13hp can be gained through adding an aftermarket Intake & Exhaust with no loss in torque.
The new VQ engine now has a 7000rpm redline vs 6600 for the regular VQ. It also has an increase of 13hp, (300hp vs 287hp) but it now loses 14lb/ft of torque (260lb/ft vs. 274lb/ft) compared to the regular VQ.
So basically, an increase of 13hp, but a loss of 14lb/ft of torque. I doubt this will do much to improve acceleration, and I think I prefer the regular engine with more torque, as 13hp can be gained through adding an aftermarket Intake & Exhaust with no loss in torque.
#157
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 45
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The document linked below details the power changes. The figures are located at the the top right of page 3. It shows the increase in HP to 300, but decrease in Torque to 260 for both the Track and 35th Anniversary model.
http://www.nissanusa.com/buying/Ebro...m_encoding=UTF -
http://www.nissanusa.com/buying/Ebro...m_encoding=UTF -
#159
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Why they lower the torque? Is the VQ engine pushing to its limits with 300hp?
Funny thing is this car and the new RL have the same power ratings from the same size engine.
3.5 liter V-6 with 300hp and 260lbs torque. I wonder where the RL makes it's peak power in the rev-line.
Considering the old 3.0 made 222hp and needed twin turbos to make 300 horses, the naturally aspirated 3.5 VQ making 300 horses is technology getting better.
The loss of torque has to be b/c the VQ can make more power at higher revs but loses torque.
#160
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Age: 43
Posts: 5,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Considering the old 3.0 made 222hp and needed twin turbos to make 300 horses, the naturally aspirated 3.5 VQ making 300 horses is technology getting better.