MotorAuthority--Nissan 370Z gets 332hp, rev-matched manual transmission 11.11.08
#27
I've also noticed something else that is a little disconcerting. As various "rumors" have swirled about over the past year that the Z was getting smaller, there was always the accompanying remark about a much lighter weight, also... 200+ pounds. Some geniuses even kept guessing around 3000 pound curb weight.
Even some remarks from Nissan Corp had been inferred to mean that it was losing weight. I always said it would be difficult to lose more than 150 pounds.
Now, recently, I've noticed that there is very little mention of weight loss in official "teaser" remarks from Nissan nowadays... they aren't really trumping on that card, anymore.
I guess we'll find out soon enough... but it's been looking worse and worse for the 370Z to get in under a 3200 pound curb weight. Even the LA Auto Show blurb says better "power to weight" ratio, but that doesn't mean lighter, since you're getting a more powerful engine. Seeme like if it was "lighter", Nissan would be pushing that fact, along with "redesigned, sportier, more powerful", etc.
The 370Z under 3200 pounds was acceptable and back on course. A 3300+ pound Z is unacceptable, imo, and I wouldn't buy one...
I'll take that paltry 295 HP Cayman S instead, thank you...
#30
I've driven a Cayman S many times. It's unreal, and I have a LOT of track time behind many different top notch sports cars.
The handling and communication of the CS is absolutely sublime... and partly due to a 2976 pound curb weight. If Nissan wants to "compete" with Porsche like they keep saying they do, they better start taking some engineering cues from Porsche, especially that lighter=better.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and go drive a CS. Take on some curves. Unless you experience it, you don't have a comparison. It defies explanation, and a person really can't fathom the dynamics until they experience it firsthand. My second test drive lasted an hour, and it was worth every minute. The only other vehicle who's handling impressed me so unexpectedly was an NSX.
However, it's a moot point, as I would get a 2 year old CS, anyway. So we're looking around $40K. The CS hasn't had great resale, and that's in my favor right now, with many coming off of leases. I've budgeted around $45K for a second car, so there's lots of options. A 2 year old CS would depreciate about the same as a 370Z, maybe less. Sure, I pay more up front, but what is the asset worth 2-3 years down the road when I sell it?
The handling and communication of the CS is absolutely sublime... and partly due to a 2976 pound curb weight. If Nissan wants to "compete" with Porsche like they keep saying they do, they better start taking some engineering cues from Porsche, especially that lighter=better.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and go drive a CS. Take on some curves. Unless you experience it, you don't have a comparison. It defies explanation, and a person really can't fathom the dynamics until they experience it firsthand. My second test drive lasted an hour, and it was worth every minute. The only other vehicle who's handling impressed me so unexpectedly was an NSX.
However, it's a moot point, as I would get a 2 year old CS, anyway. So we're looking around $40K. The CS hasn't had great resale, and that's in my favor right now, with many coming off of leases. I've budgeted around $45K for a second car, so there's lots of options. A 2 year old CS would depreciate about the same as a 370Z, maybe less. Sure, I pay more up front, but what is the asset worth 2-3 years down the road when I sell it?
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#32
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Ditto... HP doesn't make a car more sporty or fun to drive. IMO, what takes the fun out of driving my Z33 is the craptastic transmission/clutch combo. Gearbox is notchy, whiney, and clunky. Clutch engagement is inconsistent, and travel is a tad deep. That and the fact the Z likes to eat rubber.
#33
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Synchronized Rev Matching for 6-Speed Manual?!
What is this all about? From the LA Auto Show website, in addition to calling out that the new 370Z will have 332hp, it also states that the 370Z will have the following:
"the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual transmission"
Anyone know how this works? No more blipping the throttle when you downshift...the ECU will do it for you as you release the clutch or something? It also sounds like the button near the manual gearshift allows the driver to disable this feature if they would like to.
This is a technologically impressive feature! Although, rev-matching is part of the joy of driving a stick.
Any thoughts?
http://www.laautoshow.com/Debuts.aspx
"the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual transmission"
Anyone know how this works? No more blipping the throttle when you downshift...the ECU will do it for you as you release the clutch or something? It also sounds like the button near the manual gearshift allows the driver to disable this feature if they would like to.
This is a technologically impressive feature! Although, rev-matching is part of the joy of driving a stick.
Any thoughts?
http://www.laautoshow.com/Debuts.aspx
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It's kinda like how heel&toe works.
let's say from 6th at 80mph about 3000 rpm.
you step on clutch rev go down to 1500 or around that and if you shift to 5th usually car will have some impact if you don't release clutch at right RPM.
so it's will reving(by it self) to matching down shifting.
get some idea ?
let's say from 6th at 80mph about 3000 rpm.
you step on clutch rev go down to 1500 or around that and if you shift to 5th usually car will have some impact if you don't release clutch at right RPM.
so it's will reving(by it self) to matching down shifting.
get some idea ?
#38
It may only activate if the vehicle is decelerating... if your foot is on the brake (braking), it assumes you can't get over to blip the throttle, and blips it for you...
We'll know soon enough. I'm open-minded to it... but have my doubts in fast track conditions.