Don't let the title fool you right off; I have always loved the Z. I was not even an embryo, when the first Z arrived in 1970, but it was obvious to everyone else that this car was special. Consequently, like most car enthusiasts, I have been following the Fairlady's progress for as long as I can remember. Perhaps the one that made the biggest impression on me was the 1984 300ZX Turbo. Here was a car that was sleek, aerodynamic with pop-up headlights and a 200-hp 3.0L turbocharged V6! I wanted one real bad.
In the 80s, Nissan came into its own with some impressive designs, with the exception of the Stanza and Sentra, as I also wanted a black 5-speed 1989 Maxima SE. As fashion would have it, all of Nissan's cars got bigger, heavier, more powerful but not necessarily better-looking. At least until recently. The latest Maxima has rightfully reclaimed the title of the 4-door sports car and most of Nissan's products are starting to really look the part.
Enter the compacting dragon
The latest Z is not only a thing of beauty, but it’s the most in-your-face ever Nissan, behind the GT-R of course. The smallest member of the “Japanese Big-3” actually did something original this time around; they made the new Z shorter, essentially smaller overall and more compact. Sounds a little redundant but I only say it because I hope other manufacturers catch on.
The size is far from being the only important aspect of the new car. Nissan tweaked and honed the classic “big, long and winding hood coupled to short overhangs and truncated posterior” style. The beautiful exterior design incorporates tons of special unique features such as headlights and taillights which are almost identical in shape. Throw in 19” staggered wheels for good measure and you've got yourself a very sexy car.
All aboard! Well, at least the two of you...
If you recall reading reviews of the previous 350Z, you may remember about the vast expanses of cheap and ugly plastics that were always on the list of the writer pet peeves about the car. I'm here to say that this is no longer the case. The new cabin remains snug but fit and finish are top-notch and the materials are almost luxurious compared to the old car.
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| In the under $50,000 category, few cars will give you the sophisticated “manness” of the Z. |
In the 80s, Nissan came into its own with some impressive designs, with the exception of the Stanza and Sentra, as I also wanted a black 5-speed 1989 Maxima SE. As fashion would have it, all of Nissan's cars got bigger, heavier, more powerful but not necessarily better-looking. At least until recently. The latest Maxima has rightfully reclaimed the title of the 4-door sports car and most of Nissan's products are starting to really look the part.
Enter the compacting dragon
The latest Z is not only a thing of beauty, but it’s the most in-your-face ever Nissan, behind the GT-R of course. The smallest member of the “Japanese Big-3” actually did something original this time around; they made the new Z shorter, essentially smaller overall and more compact. Sounds a little redundant but I only say it because I hope other manufacturers catch on.
The size is far from being the only important aspect of the new car. Nissan tweaked and honed the classic “big, long and winding hood coupled to short overhangs and truncated posterior” style. The beautiful exterior design incorporates tons of special unique features such as headlights and taillights which are almost identical in shape. Throw in 19” staggered wheels for good measure and you've got yourself a very sexy car.
All aboard! Well, at least the two of you...
If you recall reading reviews of the previous 350Z, you may remember about the vast expanses of cheap and ugly plastics that were always on the list of the writer pet peeves about the car. I'm here to say that this is no longer the case. The new cabin remains snug but fit and finish are top-notch and the materials are almost luxurious compared to the old car.
 |
| The seats are tight and propose the kind of support you need on a track. |