When do you think the hype surrounding the 350Z will die off? It's pretty damn hot right now, but how much longer do you think it will last?

 

Maybe when the car gets more common in the streets. I remember back then when there was "hype" surrounding RSX when it first debuted. Now that its common.. i don't hear ppl talkin too much about it anymore. just my .02

 

I think your question answers why Nissan timed the convertible as it did. Just as the initial excitement MIGHT have dropped a little the convertible will be rolling in. That means new magazine reviews, more press coverage, and yet more excitement.

I would say this buzz level is maintainable until this time next year unless some other amazing sports car value merges to displace it. (RX8? New Mustang? who knows?)

Right now there is nothing even close to the Z in bang for the buck in this price range.

 

What about the S2000? I would say its pretty close to the same bang for buck though it is a roadster.

 

Well, I guess you are right. The S2000 is nearly the same bang for the buck.

For me it was a no-starter because it is too small for me so I always forget about it.

Also, I did drive the S2000 and the lack of low end torque really bugged me. All my previous sports/sporty cars have been V8s so I am really addicted to torque at the low end. I still get uncomfortable when I have to wind an engine out to 5000 just to get power.

But, yes, the S2000 is a comparable bang for the buck. Really it had the spotlight in this category until the Z came out.

 

slightly more expensive base(its very comparible to the touring since it has leather, but stereo sucks) its a 4cyl with 240hp and 150torque. its light as hell. it has its plusses(can handle like a ****) but over all, it has a 3 year design disadvantage. which hurts it. they are also very hard to get at MSRP, only 5000 a year made. theres just about as many Zs on the roads as all S2000s... making markups, atleast in my area, to the tune of 8grand, which they justify with a VERY expensive body kit.

 

Hype will not fade off dramatically. The release of the convertible will put things in high gear again. Then the big boom with the aftermarket parts! In the the words of Bubb Rubb...

WOO WOOO!!

 

If revving to 5,000 rpms for power makes you nervous then you really wouldn't enjoy driving the S2000. The real power comes on only after you reach 7,000 rpms and runs to redline at 9,000. I just read an article in the new Road&Track about a proposed hardtop coupe model for the S2000. Dubbed the S2200, it will have slightly larger displacement bumping up from 2.0L to 2.2L and power will go from 240hp to 250hp. Current S2000 production was quoted at 2,000 units per year and the new model is expected to bring that up a bit when it debuts.

There are two good articles on the 350Z in this issue as well. First, they compare the new Z to three other well known sportscars in a "bang for the buck" style comparison. The Z06, M3, and 911 are used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses, few as they are, of the new Z. In the end they conclude that the overall best performance value available on the market today is the Z06 followed by the 350Z. As these two cars are seperated by a significant price margin, ~$20K, I think they are appealing to two completely different buyers.

The second Z article is a "long term" test drive article in which they introduce to readers a '03 Daytona Blue 350Z that they will be enjoying for 50,000 miles and providing regular updates on. They have run 3 tanks of fuel through the car so far and reported average fuel economy in the 16.x/mpg range. How does this compare to other's observations? I wonder if their car will exhibit some of the same issues that many on this board have found. ie; tranny issues, window grease streaks, paint chips, interior noises, etc. I hope it will so that NNA will have a high profile opportunity to make it right and put the pressure on them to re-engineer the necessary parts to solve these issues for future Z's that come off the line later this year. Just my .02!

 

I have to agree with this statement from AndyB... Nissan is playing their marketing cards just right.

I expect by mid-summer, you'll start seeing more 350Zs on the lots as dealers begin getting more allotments that are not already spoken for... hype will begin to wane... then, BAMM (using my Emeril voice)... along comes a new sexy convertible to boost interest again.

I wouldn't be surprised if there is similar delay between the convertible and a higher output Z...

 

I thought that was your Don Madden voice...........

WayneTN

 

GM gave up on its bang for the buck twins, although, they couldn't hold a candle to the Z's handling. I'm new to looking at the Z, so I don't know what kind of 1/4 mile times people are getting, stock, bolt on mods, or some big time modifications. I know quite a few 4th Gen F-bodies in the 12's with a few bolt-ons, and hitting 11's and even 10's is kind of affordable. Then there are the millionaires hitting 8's! I like the Z, and respect it very much. I do, however, prefer the looks of the Infiniti.

Mazda has the RX-8 coming out, which I like as well, but WHERE'S THE TORQUE? Mustangs can be made to go fast, and I thought I heard that Toyota is going to have a new Supra, which is also supposed to lose a few dollar signs.