Well gentlemen (and ladies), this car is perfect.

I was able to get down to Buena Park yesterday to hang out with Jeff (Scafremon) and Kevin (Kevintari) and a couple of shiny Zs!
At first we expected only the Touring Chrome, but then the Track Blue showed up. Perfect for comparison reasons alone.

Now, I know that we know most everything there is to know and see on the Z, but a few things that we may not have covered:

1. First off, the NAV system. Unbelievable. I got a complete walkthrough from a gentleman named Rob of NNA. After he let the engine roar a few times he left the car on and went to work. I've never playedwith/seen a NAV before so bare with me. This thing is almost a must-have. Simply because I can't imagine the car w/out it - the empty space and all. The NAV takes on a 3D view of the map/landscape. She (the sexy female voice guides you the whole way. It plots every destination imaginable. You're in Lompoc and you want to find a Chinese restaurant? It lists them for you - address, phone and directions. You can save all places that you visit (up to 10). The NAV keeps track of the car's maintinance schedule, also. With day/night settings, you can read everything perfectly clear. So many gadgets in that thing it's great. The DVD Rom is located just a touch off center on the back wall behind the drivers seat. Out of the way, but easily accessible (while not driving, of course). I'm calling my dealer this morning to see if I can add.

2. The stock stereo is average. I sat in the Track version and played around just a bit, so I probably couldn't answer too many q's on this. Plenty loud with decent sound. Simple controls. Bass seemed a bit too much for the speakers to handle at high volumes. I didn't like the LCD readout too much though. Almost too simple. Adding a 6-CD changer would be easy as you could store it behind the passenger seat where that small "mail slot" compartment is. Plenty of room.

3. The seats in the Track are outstanding. Upset you didn't order the Touring because of the leather? Don't be. The cloth seats hug you into position. I mean, sticky cloth, almost a wetsuit material (they're not, of course) that hangs on to ya. Very comfortable. I fit with ease and the 6-way manual seats I had no problem inching the seat position to fit me exactly. You're not losing much at all by getting manual vs. power seats.

A few little things:
1. DON'T SWEAT THE ANTENNA. It's a slick little thing that you won't hardly notice.
2. In my opinion, plenty of storage for a single guy. (See Jeff's golfbag pic - nice work Jeff!) I don't know if the wife can do too much shopping in this car though, guys - that's a good thing!
3. The front cup holder seems cheap. This could very well need to be replaced after breaking it in the future.
4. Nice horn sound.
5. No true blind spots. You may be slightly obstructed, but nothing to fret over.
6. This is a very simple interior with very little inner workings, except for the NAV. It's all about YOU, the driver.
7. I have a new love for the aero package. At first I couldn't stand it. Then I saw it. Very nice and subtle. Gives the car a slightly more aggressive stance for some reason.
8. Spoke with an NNA guys and asked about final numbers, of course. He said "I wouldn't be surprised if the HP #'s weren't higher than expected" I asked, "In the 290 range?" He said, "That's what I'd guess" Just a tidbit for you guys there...

Okay, well, I'm rambling now. I know one thing. We're all STOKED to be waiting on this thing... Hang in there...

Kenneth

 

Might this "Rob" be the infamous ZISME? (Rob Simmons)
(2nd in command in charge of the Z project at NNA)

Wow, the master was right there and nobody knew....

(if it was him that is)

-j-

 

Pretty young guy, glasses, I have no idea...

 

I'm editing video of the car as I was reading this, got to the name "Rob" and posted quickly before finishing the article.

Great article KraZy... you gave us a great look into something many felt might not be worth it. Heck, I myself was thinking that it would have been smarter to have a custom unit installed that could play dvd's but what you pointed out sounds so much more fun. Who has time to watch dvd's in their car anyway? heh

-j-

 

Nice write-up krazy. Makes me happy I ordered the Navi package.

Did you happen to see if the climate controls or radio worked with the Navi unit? Sometimes they do.

Thanks again. Thumbs up all the way!

 

Well, I said how much I liked the NAV... just called my dealer to add it to my package. It's that nice. I'm waiting to hear back from him. He seems to think that it can be added at this late stage with no delays on prouction and delivery?... We'll see, I'll keep you posted in case you may want to make the change.

Don't want to scare you guys who didn't order it (like myself), but it just seems like the NAV should be there... Absulotely NOT a necessity, but ultra-sweet to have especially if you're in sales, on the road quite a bit, etc... Just a thought...

K

 

Just got a call from my dealer... NAV has been added to the order!!! So excited to be able to add this late in the game w/out delay on delivery... This leads me to believe that cars which haven't been set for production date can and will accept changes. I can't see it any other way. I guess it's both good (for adding the NAV) and bad (seems cars will have a later delivery date than first expected) to have this scenario...

Kenneth