[UBERV8]

I particpated in a research group this past weekend and we tested three poorly camoflauged manual cars. I could instantly tell the cars were a Hyundai genesis coupe 3.8, BMW 328i sedan (LCI) and a Nissan 370Z (odd comparison I know!)

The 370Z was tested on a closed course at Pomona Fairgrounds and also on public roads. I put tracked in quotations because the highest speeds achieved were 70 m.p.h on a short straight away and didn't really push the cars limits. The Z had full options, I believe touring pkg w/Brembos.

So....I'm not a C/D editor and by no means is this an official review.

The main thing that I want to point out about this car is the AMAZING rev-matching gearbox. I've used quite a few of manual transmissions, but the way you downshift before going into a turn and not feeling that initial "jolt" is such a cool feeling. It has very short throws and there's also a pretty cool "formula one" like sound when downshifting.....and that's where all the fun comes to a screeeeeeching HALT...

Aside from some of the aesthetics and gearbox, this car is very UN-refined. UN-refined actually sums up a majority of the rest of the car. The car has good power, but 0 to 60 feels like I'm breaking something to get there. On public roads, all the bumps and cracks were not welcomed, more like made their prescence known to whatever sport dampers were on the Z. I can imagine you can really get this car sideways if pushed, but handling was decent with a hint of oversteer. I think the Z has a form of LSD to put power down effectively when exiting corners. The interior was pretty modern with its LED fuel and temp gauges. Before I go on about how harsh everything else was, the tester whom was with me asked to downshift into first gear at low speeds, which is something I usually do at a complete stop. At about 6 m.p.h., I hesitantly 2-1 downshift and it goes "vwwwoooomp" and there is absolutely no jerkiness! I simply love that tranny!

Well, I don't want to bash the Z, because it's an overall decent car. I'm sure I have a biased review since I own a 3'er, but I'd welcome any others that own or have test driven a 370Z and their views

P.S. The Genesis wasn't even worth mentioning.

[UBERV8]

Cool story bro.

I'll get that one out of the way just in case.

[miiipilot]

I test drove a 370z prior to landing a 1er.

The rev matching was pretty cool for a manual gearbox. Interior was nice and much more refined than the previous 350z.

As far as drivability...BRUTAL. I cut the test drive short. I felt beaten up actually. It was phyisical work to drive it. Brutal power and brutal suspension. Smooth is nowhere near this car. I agree also that I felt like I was breaking something at WOT.

To me, def not a DD,

miiipilot

[UBERV8]

Ok, good to know that it wasn't just me!

[CJ421]

Nice write-up! I agree with a lot of your points.

I was between a 370Z and the 335i I now drive. LOVED the 370Z. They only had autos for me to drive. I liked the interior a lot - comfy and nicely appointed and classy. Seats were great. The exterior design is edgy and ultra modern ... definitely one of my top five favorites.
The engine is brash, powerful but not all that refined. I didn't think the exhaust sounded that good from the inside, very metallic. Not bad sounding, just ... where's the refinement? Steering feel is phenomenal, thing turns with millimeter precision. A joy to drive.

But damn, it beats you up. The tire roar and road noise are unbelievable, even at 40 MPH I had trouble hearing the sales guy say stuff. Sounded like an economy car going 75 MPH (this is with the 19s/sport package). Ride is also harsh. Both of those elements severely detracted from the driving experience and were my primary reasons for not getting it.

Other reason I didn't get it - insurance/other costs. I was quoted 30% higher than the BMW on the insurance. Also maintenance. If you ever have to replace brakes, good luck w/ the Brembos - MFing expensive. If the 370Z was quieter I might have gotten it though, F the finances!

[CAPSGOD]

I have heard nothing but good things about that rev-matching gearbox. 370Z is definitely a macho sports car and not the ideal car for cruising.. and the Genesis is not even in the same class lol

[kyleb350]

Perhaps, they were all just in the same price range (328i, Genesis 3.8 track, base 370z)?

[Raine]

You guys are lucky. The 370z costs 10k more here and our dollar is higher

But yea, how's the low end power in the car? For city DD cruising?

[JoosyJoos]

Originally Posted by Raine

You guys are lucky. The 370z costs 10k more here and our dollar is higher

But yea, how's the low end power in the car? For city DD cruising?

It's an overbored VQ engine... should be sufficient.

[UBERV8]

Originally Posted by Raine

You guys are lucky. The 370z costs 10k more here and our dollar is higher

But yea, how's the low end power in the car? For city DD cruising?

Low end power is decent, I believe the VQ engine was on the Waurd's 10 best engine list, so that's a plus, it's just putting down the power that is downright brutal.

As for city DD cruising...well let's just say you can't really "cruise" in the 370Z, it's more of a battle.

[ptack]

I can see including the Hyundai, but why the sedan? Obviously if they are going to the trouble and expense of setting this up (and I'm sure it wasn't cheap), they carefully picked which cars to test. We all know why they would want a BMW in the comparison, but I'm not sure who's cross-shopping a Z and a 328i sedan. I'm not sure how worthwhile the feedback might be. My expectations and opinion would be affected by the fundamental difference in the 2 types of cars. What did they ask you when you were done? Did they focus on something in particular?

[UBERV8]

Originally Posted by ptack

I can see including the Hyundai, but why the sedan? Obviously if they are going to the trouble and expense of setting this up (and I'm sure it wasn't cheap), they carefully picked which cars to test. We all know why they would want a BMW in the comparison, but I'm not sure who's cross-shopping a Z and a 328i sedan. I'm not sure how worthwhile the feedback might be. My expectations and opinion would be affected by the fundamental difference in the 2 types of cars. What did they ask you when you were done? Did they focus on something in particular?

Well, as a tester, we weren't exactly supposed to know which car was which. BUT, me being the car fiend that I am, it wasn't difficult to identify the silhouettes of each car. Now, what I believe the researchers were doing was a double blind test (kind of) where we had no idea what we we're driving while giving an un-biased opinion on rating these cars in several categories. I don't think there was a direct comparison done, but more of a way for each manufacturer to buy into this research group for some real world feedback on their current models. We we're asked questions (while driving) based on a Likert scale such as:

"This car's handling inspires confidence, disagree, neutral, agree, etc..."

When I was done, they asked questiions like, "how likely are you to buy car 1" or "What did you like least and most about car 3"

They're main focus was really what can we (the engineers) do to improve the current make of each of these cars by a car enthusiast consumer's perspective. IMO

[TSM330i]

I can understand why they didn't let you push the Z to the limits on the track. If you read the Car and Driver lightning lap test you'll understand (brakes failed due to insufficient cooling).
Nice write-up. I prefer to do my own rev-matching though.

[DASHOCKER]

I like the 370z.. The Infiniti G37 coupe is a softer more luxurious 370z which is not a bad thing.

[UBERV8]

Originally Posted by AW325xi

I can understand why they didn't let you push the Z to the limits on the track. If you read the Car and Driver lightning lap test you'll understand (brakes failed due to insufficient cooling).Nice write-up. I prefer to do my own rev-matching though.

Interesting.

Thanks for the input and I hear you on the rev-matching, but it was so gosh darn smooth you just have to try one to know what I mean!

[UBERV8]

Originally Posted by DASHOCKER

I like the 370z.. The Infiniti G37 coupe is a softer more luxurious 370z which is not a bad thing.

Yes, when Nissan made these two mechanical twins, it seems that they were looking to make a pure sports car and a sports-luxury car. I think they captured the G37 as the sports-luxury. The Z is somewhere between track only and weekend car. IMO.