Saint_Spinner

First off, this is not a flame. I'm actually considering of picking a touring model up. I was just thinking this morning about my friends 70's 240z and how light, nimble and tossable it was. A champ at the autocross back in the days...it seems that the new Z, although great IMO, kind of forgot about the original feeling of the Z.

I'm willing to say that the S2K is probably closer to the original Z than the current 350 is. What are your thoughts? Do you think that the Z is more of a GT than a sports car?

elmmx5

The Z has been more of a GT since the 300zx was introduced in 1984. Sure the newer model is heavy compared to the s2k, but that's where cars in general have been heading. Most people want some luxury in their sport car as well as performance, I can't really blame them either. 30k is a lot for a car, it takes a different kind of person to actually prefer less in their car for that money.

Saint_Spinner

Although 30k is alot of money (atleast for me), I find that the 350z and rx-8s are bargains for that price. For 30k, you get sooo much with it (navi, heated seats, creature comforts etc..).

I understand the whole car getting heavier and all as we move forward, but I see other companies still doing it (elise, S2K, Mx5 etc..) I'm reading on the 350 boards that the next gen. Z is going to hark back at these orginal concepts.

An example I could find is the Rx-7. First gen was similar to the original Z....the 2nd. gen got bloated, heavy and loaded with options. The 3rd. gen is a return to the original....I thought the 350z was trying this when they introduced it (both i spirit and design), but I guess the next gen. will hopefully get it.

Slamnasty

I think the 350Z successfully merges GT and track car characteristics. The 280 and 300 were very GT...rather bloated and overwrought, but still nice.

The 240 and 260 are the real classics IMO, and I think the 350 pulls enough from those two to cement its place in history above the 280 and 300.

UnkieTrunkie

I agree that the S is more in the spirit of the old Z'z; a bare-bones sports car. But that was also at a time when a lot of people wanted a bare-bones sports car.

The current 350z addressed a market, and based on how many I see on my morning commute, it stands to reason it's succeeded in fulfilling the need for a GT car with chutzpah for little bank. I mean, you (Saint_Spinner) are looking at a Touring anyway, right? If it's the right car, then it's the right car.

Saint_Spinner

True. I like it alot. Just wondering whether there were any Z fans that were actually disapointed that it wasn't closer to the original or not.

3fiddyZ

It may not be an autocross king, but it does very well for itself on larger tracks with some very respectable times and kills (BMW M3 comes to mind).

As far as a next gen Z, I have not heard one word regarding a smaller Z. Honestly, haven't heard anything about a next gen Z either. The big news out of Nissan in the coming years will be the GTR.

UnkieTrunkie

I guess what I was hinting at (but foolishly did not say), was that Nissan has to run a business. . . Z heritage or no. Yeah, it's a bummer when they have to deviate from a formula, but I also give props to anyone who can innovate, but keep the spirit of an original idea together.

Christople

A 350z can beat a BMW M3 on a track?

The Hoth

The only thing that is not true to its heritage is its weight.

The original Z was known for its light curb weight.