Check out the new Automobile Magazine - should be available/delivered any day now. We got a couple from the author, Joe DeMatio today.

My350z.com regular VandyZ (aka: Adam Broslat) is mentioned in the article, along with a couple of much appreciated plugs for the Middle Tennessee Z Club.

This is a full 'thumbs up' article, just like all the rest. I've NEVER seen reviews like this for a new car. It's great to be a part of it in our own small way.

Jim Leutgens
Middle Tennessee Z Club - Nashville

13 th Annual East Coast Regional Z Car Show Sept 14th 2002. Held at Clayton Nissan 4515 Clinton Hwy. Host hotel is the Clarion Hotel, Merchants Center Dr. off Merchants rd. and I-75 Knoxville.

 

Does anything in the article really stand out? If so, please post a few quotes.

 

Like TCL said... please don't leave us with these Daily News-like cliff-hangers..



Give us a summary please.

 

I will do it tonight.

 

Table of contents from this month's issue:

http://www.automobilemag.com/toc/index.html

 

Here we go! I encourage all of you to buy this issue, it is a great read. I am posting some quotes and some of their performance numbers, as their website says “On newsstands now.”

The article was written by Joe DeMatio with photos by Tim Andrews.

“The very high beltline and short window height bring to mind the Audi TT, as do the aluminum accents. Although the Nissan’s cabin is not as finely crafted as the Audi’s, the tolerances between dashboard panels are tight, and the materials are pleasant, if not lush, to the touch.”

“The steering has heft and precision, although it’s not as razor-sharp as that of the Porsche Boxster S, one of the Z’s performance targets. The gearshifter is a joy, with short throws and closely spaced gearing ... “

“We had a BMW M3 as our photo car, and the Z didn’t give up much to it in handling or grip, although the 333-horsepower M3 provides better straightline acceleration.”

“The Audi TT is not only more expensive and less powerful, it’s more of a design statement than a sports car. The Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster S are more fitting competitors. The 350Z is not quite as fluid or tactile as the Boxster but it is far cheaper, and it’s more drivable than the S2000.”

0-60 5.5 sec
0-100 14.0 sec
¼ mile 14.2 sec @ 101
30-70 mph passing (6th gear) 17.2 sec
Peak acceleration .66g

Hangs .94g left and .92 g right

70-0 162 ft
Peak braking 1.12 g

1st 38 mph
2nd 62 mph
3rd 88 mph
4th 113 mph
5th 143 mph
6th 155 mph (electronically limited)

And finally:

“[Middle Tennessee Z] Club member Adam Broslat, 23, a systems analyst, is expecting a Silverstone Enthusiast model in September. “I went to the Atlanta auto show last month,” he says, “and I stayed there from noon until 10 p.m. to get a chance to sit in the display 350Z after the show closed.” That’s what we call enthusiasm.”

 

I thought some of you would enjoy that stat!

 

By the way, of the "50 Hottest New Cars of 2003," which do you think Automobile chose for #1? No hint needed!

 

Hmmm...the new Accord??

 

Nahh, its gotta be some Kia or something...

 

Thanks VandyZ! I knew my Charter Member neighbor would come through. I went to Barnes and Noble at lunch but the August issue was still on the shelf. I have a subscription but it will be another week before I see that copy.

I think we have stats from all the major publications. Can someone post the best of breed numbers?

 

I'm guessing the Tiburon!

 

Is that from a skid pad steady state cornering test or some other kind of cornering test? Those numbers look very good.

 

well number one was the z guys...duh...

 

It does not say. It is a graphic with curved arrows left and right with the number beside each. This is why I used the term "hangs."