In my mind, this limited-run car should be either or. It's also got SynchroRev Match (automatic electronic heel-toe) and a shift light. All of this brings me to conclude that this is a poser car. Comrad Pritchard qualifies the car as being “electrifying and rewarding” but I find myself annoyed by this car's dual personality.
Road or track
The Z's brakes are knock-out serious, grip and traction are monumental. The car's Bridgestone Potenza RE-050a do seek out all forms of ruts therefore 2 hands are required on the wheel at all times; an absolute must unless you feel like swapping paint with the neighbour. Mix this with overly sharp steering that, with any microscopic steering input, will have you correcting yourself nearly every time. This lack of steering progression once again necessitates firm hands and know-how.
This is on regular roads. Something's amiss.
I would have taken this opportunity to test the 40th as a real track car or performance street machine. I suggest that the Nismo come north of the border, make it the speciality car, and soften up the 40th.
In the end
With a base price of $48,498, the 40th is not cheap. Its closest competitors in my mind are the GT Ford Mustang (412 hp) and Hyundai Genesis Coupe (306 hp). A likewise equipped 'Stang comes in at under $45K and a Coupe, without nav, will be yours for under $37K. Both cars have a back seat and will be easier to live with on a daily basis (I seriously doubt that more than 10% of Z owners ever exploit their car's near 50/50 weight distribution on a track).
The Z is gorgeous, seriously, mind-numbingly beautiful but, to me, the clothes know outshine the car. I'd spring for a Mustang.
Road or track
The Z's brakes are knock-out serious, grip and traction are monumental. The car's Bridgestone Potenza RE-050a do seek out all forms of ruts therefore 2 hands are required on the wheel at all times; an absolute must unless you feel like swapping paint with the neighbour. Mix this with overly sharp steering that, with any microscopic steering input, will have you correcting yourself nearly every time. This lack of steering progression once again necessitates firm hands and know-how.
This is on regular roads. Something's amiss.
I would have taken this opportunity to test the 40th as a real track car or performance street machine. I suggest that the Nismo come north of the border, make it the speciality car, and soften up the 40th.
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| With a base price of $48,498, the 40th is not cheap. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
In the end
With a base price of $48,498, the 40th is not cheap. Its closest competitors in my mind are the GT Ford Mustang (412 hp) and Hyundai Genesis Coupe (306 hp). A likewise equipped 'Stang comes in at under $45K and a Coupe, without nav, will be yours for under $37K. Both cars have a back seat and will be easier to live with on a daily basis (I seriously doubt that more than 10% of Z owners ever exploit their car's near 50/50 weight distribution on a track).
The Z is gorgeous, seriously, mind-numbingly beautiful but, to me, the clothes know outshine the car. I'd spring for a Mustang.
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