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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

August Car & Driver

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Old 06-26-2002, 03:22 AM
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2000Rdstr
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Default August Car & Driver

Just pulled the August Car & Driver out of the mailbox. Front cover has a Daytona Blue Track.

Road test results:

0-60 5.4
1/4 14.1 @101
Old 06-26-2002, 03:29 AM
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TCL
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What did they say about handling, braking, and steering feel?
Old 06-26-2002, 03:31 AM
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Jill
 
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How could they release the information they got before the embargo date?
Edit: By the way, 2000, Thanks!

Last edited by Jill; 06-26-2002 at 03:46 AM.
Old 06-26-2002, 03:41 AM
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Flyingscot
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Must have been a 300lb test driver (Probably "Fat Bastard" himself)

Seriously, I can't believe it.
Old 06-26-2002, 03:41 AM
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2000Rdstr
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Sorry about the first post being so short - it was my first and fumble fingers hit enter too soon.

OK - rest of the specs. C&D shows 287 HP and 274lb-ft torque. Top speed is 156 @5700 rpm in 6th. They pulledd .88 g on their skid pad with moderate understeer. The following is a quote from the test article. "...the steering is direct, linear, and beuatifully weighted. The thick-rimmed, cast magnesium three-spoke wheel provides a seductive combination of stability and immediate responsiveness. As you bend into a corner, the Z carves a smooth line with the exact radius that you command. Turn up the cornering speed, and the tires bite harder into the pavement, with very little extra steering input required. As you approach the edge of the grip envelope, however, the Z will resolutely understeer. Only at low speeds, in the lower gears, can you use the power to kick out the tail."

I'd give you more, but my fingers are getting tired.

Now I definitely can't wait for my 6 speed Chrome silver. Enthusiast
Old 06-26-2002, 03:44 AM
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Flyingscot
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Did they mention those all important words "pre-production"?
Old 06-26-2002, 03:45 AM
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AutoXJunkie
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Woah, woah... let's not go comparing times, that's a huge mistake. There are a million variables to take into account- temp, humidity, elevation, track stickiness, driver skill, driver weight, amout of fuel in the tank, the list goes on forever. The only way to get a fair comparison is to take a couple of cars to the same strip and have the same guy launching them.

Still, nice to have some numbers, finally.
Old 06-26-2002, 03:45 AM
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TCL
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I think those acceleration numbers are very reasonable for a sports car. There will be a bit of variance based on the particular car, test driver and conditions. I'm sure we'll see some road tests with slightly better numbers.
Old 06-26-2002, 03:53 AM
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DIGItonium
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It's the fastest NORMALLY ASPIRATED Z ever built!

Correct me if I'm wrong... this is stock for stock comparison.

The TT Z32 is a different car than the 350Z.
Old 06-26-2002, 03:55 AM
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Todd
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How did you get that magazine this early? Mine doesn't usually come until about a week into the month!
Old 06-26-2002, 03:56 AM
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Dave
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2000Rdstr,

Anyway you can get the article+cover scanned in High quality?

I also subscribe to C&D, but I have a feeling I always get my issue 2 weeks after it comes to newspaper stands.
Old 06-26-2002, 03:58 AM
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Cintel7
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Did Nissan promised that the 350Z will be the fastest Z ever built or fastest NA Z ever built?
Old 06-26-2002, 03:58 AM
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TCL
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Interesting comment about the understeer. It conflicts with the experience of the 240Z racer who drove the car and posted his comments about it being neutral. Could have been the tire pressures that made the difference. In any case, if the production version shows up with understeer, there are plenty of ways to dial it out.
Old 06-26-2002, 03:59 AM
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Rogue350z
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Thumbs up Not bad!

0-60 5.4
What is a few tenths of a second anyway?

I think the car will be fast no matter what the "final" numbers turn out to be. Just remember the "final" numbers are yours to accept, or go out and improve upon. (with a little money)
Old 06-26-2002, 04:06 AM
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TCL
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To put the .88g's into perspective, the new BMW M3 was measured at .89g's in Road & Track's June issue. A better set of tires on the Z might equalize them.
Old 06-26-2002, 04:25 AM
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InternetABYSS
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Default WHAT WHAT THE WEIGHT???

WHAT WAS THE WEIGHT????

SCAN THE IMAGE IN........SCAN THE ARTICLES.....SCAN THE REVIEW!!!!!!

NOW...PLEASE....

WE BELIEVE YOU ...BUT....I WANNA SEE FOR MY OWN EYES!!!
Old 06-26-2002, 04:27 AM
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Kahanakyu
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Jmanz or seedyrom, care to comment?
Old 06-26-2002, 04:31 AM
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2000Rdstr
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Weight is 3322 for the Track. OK - I have scanned the magazine cover - 774kb .jpg - I can probably e-mail a few.
Old 06-26-2002, 04:31 AM
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archduke
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Exclamation Some people are never satisfied

Think back to when we were still hoping to have Nissan build the Zcar again. Then they decide to go ahead. Next they predict the bhp will be 260+. Later it's upped to 280+.
Months go by and our anticipation and aganst increase exponentially with each passing day and rumor.
Before we know it we are all dreaming of a car that eats Porches and Vettes for breakfast.
I for one am happy that they have apparently produced a car that will be the envy of many. Those of you that have a need for more and more and more speed wait for the super charger that will be coming out and put it into your 350Z. Get yourself a better set of tires and improve your cornering and road handling.
I for one will enjoy my Super Black touring edition for many years to come.
One Man's Opinion!


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