370Z Japanese Muscle

After a multitude of 350z tests, I found that my running happiness with the power band was not enough. The unrelenting frustration with the flimsy interior, and claustrophobic seating position drove me to a simple conclusion: Even though the 350z is a true boy-racer(this comes with a strong compromise for the plastic 17-year old esc living accommodations) it is still a great alternative to the z4 and mustang GT. Nissan apparently got the message after five years. The carful redesign of the engine and a complete revamp of the interior and exterior (noting the 240z throw back) I can finally say that Nissan's new two-seater is not only a joy to drive, but a fantastic highway grand tourer. Walking around the car the details come alive the new headlamps are at the very least interesting. The elongated hood and sloping rear end gives a node back to the Datsun era and makes the car more mature and less like it bubble shaped older brother. The wheels still reek of the boy racer generation but the massive calipers make up for it with huge disc brakes to shout about its massive performance. Jumping into the car it is easy to see the large and small improvements starting with the steering wheel, the wheel is wrapped with new leather and brushed metallic in-liner instead of the cheap plastic fake metallic center piece that used to preside in its place. The two tone interior draped in tanned leather helps give the car a true muscle car feel and will not embarrass the mid-life crisis owners. That being said I do find that having driven the new G37S I see more in style with the interior the American branch of Nissan and I find that the touch up is a positive for once. and may be the best compromise between the two interiors. The bucket seats are more comfortable then the 350 but still left to be desired on long journeys. Over all the entire interior is taught and precise the dials above the GPS show the time and oil pressure which give it a nice track day feel. The sound system and GPS are easy to use and well placed in the cockpit. and the premium sound sytem does give off a hell of burst of bass. The push start is fun and turning over the large V6 with a push of the button gives off a throaty blip and a little bit of its charm. The engine is a dream with the horsepower output being bumped from 306 to 332 and the even though the torque out put is only 10 higher it still works sending the rear tires spinning ever time you go near the throttle. Nissan also slammed another 800 Rev’s out of the V6 to push the engine to 7 grand instead of its previous 6,200 RPM. The trans is precise and well oiled and the new rev-match on the transmission is a fantastic little selling point to though’s of us that are a little less then perfect on our down shifts. the one problem I may have more then anything else is the exhaust note I drive an 08' Altima V6 much of the time and the engine note sounds very similar almost like a grind not a throaty roar you expect from a two seater heater. Overall the car is a dream to drive even though the suspension is a little to taught on surface roads during everyday driving, but after a few bends and a touch of throttle that is all forgotten .