So far I have had my Z for about 12 days and 1900 miles.

I can say that when I first saw the Z in person it looked much better than the photographs, in fact the look seems to grow on you the more you look at it. The rear end looked a bit small but with the rear spoiler to break up the back it actually looks better. The front of the car looked ok at first but the more you look at the flared fenders and lines swooping down from the beautiful HID's just add to the aggressive look of the Z. The profile of the car is phenomininal. I may be a bit biased but I think that the current Z has the best body styling of all previous Z's. The car simply has beautiful lines and curves that add a sexy yet aggressive look.

The interior is a bit Spartan but it emphasizes ergonomics for the driver. It is not quite the cockpit that the Z32 is but it is still very driver friendly. I wonder if the speedo position should be in the center, but still I am very happy with the layout. On the whole the interior controls are positioned fine, although the climate controls still leave something lacking. I would say that the interior has a kind of "old school tech" look, whatever that is. Visibility in the Z can be better. The FM design leaves the driver sitting in a position that leaves poor front corner visibility. Normally I like to be able to tell where every corner of the car is. Also rear hatch visibility is limited by small back window, swooping pillars and strut bar, however the rear view mirrors do an excellent job of improving side rear visibility. These mirrors are among the best I've seen. Passing and quick lane changes are not a problem as long as the mirrors are set correctly. The car is quite comfortable on long drives and leg and head room are also great. Sitting in the Z you feel very low to the ground due to the high dash and high side windows, but relative to the Z32 it is actually easier to get in and out of. Overall the Z interior is fine, perhaps some interior elements can be refined a bit more; like the nav door, center console door, cup holders, and climate control, but this is a sports car not a luxury coupe. If you want those amenities I would look at the G35c.

Drivability of the Z is amazing. Not only does this car drive great it is also very easy to drive. Straight line stability is awesome, cruising down the the 110s at 110 mph the car is smooth as silk. During high speed lane changes high speed curves the car lays flat throughout. When diving into a turn the under steer is noticeable but the car is still very stable and relatively flat. I’m sure changing springs and sway bars may correct the under steer. Also when whipping out of turns the Z does tend to shimmy a bit almost like the spring rate is not quite balanced. Despite these minor issues with the suspension, the Z still handles like a real sports car. The Z handles like a real sports car, but it doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The long wheelbase absorbs the bumps in the road and also make it easier than most low cars to take dips, driveways and bumps.

The feel for the road is good and steering response is very tight while still maintaining comfort. The steering wheel is awesome; it feels a bit smaller than others and is padded like a racing wheel. Clutch play is just about where I would like it. The clutch engagement and shifter feel awesome, as well a the smooth revving tranny. Shifts are like silk and power is very linear. I must admit that I would like a bit more power, but the linear torque does make speed deceptive. Over 4000 rpm there isn’t a kick in power but power does continue to pull you almost all the way through the rev band. I am beginning to love the linear power of the Z. Taking interchanges, curves and twists are now that much more fun.

I could have more power, stiffer suspension, more oversteer , et cetera….. but at what trade off. The car is a great sports car that is very comfortable. It may not be as fast as some of the others out there but it sure as hell looks better than most and feels even better. Anyways a built motor, sway bars, springs wider tires, tension rods and big brakes will make the Z a force to reckon with. That will come later, but in its stock form it is still a beautiful car that will do what the Z’s of the past have done. This will be a major benchmark for other sports cars. Nissan has done it again.

 

Insprational words Brother.

Take heed all yee who are waiting for your deliverence.

 

My Z, me and my friend who got me the Z in 34 days

 

How come you don't like the tach in the middle, especially since you have a manual?

I think it is a cool feature and fits the sport car image plus it is useful for track/auto-x.

 

The tach in the middle is ok I guess, but for normal day to day driving I like the speedo in the middle. I can hear roughly when the car is revving too high. But I guess if you are constantly riding redline the tach in the middle makes sense