Originally Posted by gtbuzzbee

Is it just me or is anybody else depressed. After reading up on the focus group and seeing the test mule pictures I assume its true what we have been researching on the design of the new z. I am loyal Z fan, 30 years of age and have been since my driving days began. At 16 I purchased me a red/orange 87 300Z31 car and loved everything about it. It was a great car to drive and sleek enough for a teenager. After selling the vehice at 20 I upgraded to a 1990 300TT. By far HANDS DOWN the most thrilling car I have owned to date. I loved everything about that car from design to the interior. I still to this day regreat ever selling that car. But after 5 years of ownership and a new z in the horizion I finally was ready for my first new car, a 03 350Z. Like alot of us here I preordered my Z well in advance and I knew this was the car I wanted regardless of the design. In 2003 I was a very proud owner of lemans touring 350z. Much like my previous two Z cars this one again was a thrill to drive and stare at, however I will admit the design was my least favorite feature of the car. Now please dont think I am bashing the design of the Z33 because I am not. Keep in mind I still favor the design of the Z32 its just that the Z33 did not connect with me as the 300TT did. Five excellent years passed with my Lemans 03 but with hints from nissan of a new Z once again I felt it was time to prepare for a replacement. In the spring of this year I sold my Nissan in preparation of yet another New Z car. I have $16,000 just sitting in the bank ready to go. Not only is my money ready I have talked about it so much with wife she too is convinced our garage will again store another Z. Now this is where I am depressed and unsure what to do. I know its still early in the design stages and nothing is official but I don't feel the connection with me and the current design. I almost feel like nissan is taking the cheapest way out in designing this vehicle if effort to maxamize their profits. When you look at the design, is the 370Z different enough from my previous car to justify spending $36,000. Honestly I don't think it is and I also feel Nissan will regret this decision. The Z33 sold well for many reason you guys already know about but with Buzz/Hype a major factor. The design was fresh/new and 7 years between its prdecessor it was time for a buzz, Nissan deliverd. Now I ask what is the buzz with this new Z. Yes its going to be faster and better handling but afterall it should. Its common for manufactuers to improve from design to design so this is standard in my book. Has the design changed/improved enough and if so will it cause create a buzz to help maintain its sales. This in my opinion is where Nissan will fall short. Sure loyal Z fans such as us and others will join in but we are only a small part of this car success. I feel the car's design is to much indentical with the current design to generate a connection for me and buzz from the public. Am I the only one who feels this way and very confused on what to do. A year ago I was dead set I would own the newest and greatest Z car but I at this time I am not feeling the love at all. I certainly do wish nissan would have held focus groups last year regarding design. I so I feel we would have a different animal all together but still true to the Z heritage and design. Feel free to reply as it could help either way in my decision. Am I the only one depressed regarding design?

Originally Posted by WShade

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Originally Posted by scrapser

Here's my take from a general point of view....

Everything has its limit. I look at engineering improvements like one might look at mountain climbing...you eventually reach the peak. From there, no matter what you do or direction you take, you go down.

I think the 350Z was very near the peak but not at the top. That means there was very little left to do to the current design that could be categorized as going "up". Mistakes were made by the Nissan design team and they more or less went sideways with most of the design while going down in what remained (the headlights is prominent on this point). Once you get something close to the top, it's time to say, "We will be hurting more than helping from this point forward." Nissan obviously missed this little bit of wisdom.

If I were in your position, I would go out and get a 350Z now before there are no more zero mile cars left. The new Z just doesn't make the grade in my opinion. You'd be spending a lot of money on something that dollar for dollar will not be worth it.

Originally Posted by SargentZ

How can anyone be upset until they have actually sat in one and drove it around. You'd think all these haters were still in grade school. Patience is a virtue...

Please people... no more negatives until you have enough info to back it up.

Originally Posted by 350zQ45a

+1

This is so reminiscent of every model year Z update. Déjà vu for the GTR prior to its release. Not very many haters of that car left in the known universe.

Not everyone was pleased with the 350 in terms of appearance, I was a hater in the beginning.. I came around. Tastes are always evolving and changing. I doubt Nissan will disappoint, and if they do to your tastes, there are plenty of HR 350's to pick up.

At least you won't be in my position. I had a gorgeous white 96 TT Supra that I loved unconditionally, but the color and the transmission got to me so I sold it hoping to find a "better" one. Then F&F came out and the whole process became so much more involved, needless to say I haven't owned another Supra since, something I still regret. Z32s are readily available and at reasonable prices.