Since the 370Z is going to be in the heat of competition with Nissan's nemesis, Porsche, does anyone know if the new Z has ran the green hell? The GT-R pre-release hype was built around beating the 911 Turbo's time, however, there isn't much going on with the 370Z in comparison with the Cayman S lap time. I'm sure the 370Z must have clocked itselt around the ring, but right before it is release, anyone want to take chance at estimating the time?

Not sure how recent this list is, but it gives a general idea of times to beat:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordsch...test_lap_times

Fastest lap times for the Cayman:
8:10.08 Porsche Cayman S Walter Röhrl Sport Auto, 19 inch wheels, ceramic brakes.

Fastest lap times for the 350Z (ties with the 335i coupe):
8:26 Nissan 350Z Horst von Saurma Sport Auto (10/2003)

So surely to beat the Porsche, the 370Z has to finish 17 seconds faster than it's predecessor.

Just something to think about prior to the LA auto show.

Cheers!

 

What year was that Cayman S? I'm also wondering what the new Cayman S lap times would be.

I think 17 seconds is gonna be hard to come by for the 370Z. My guess would be 10-12 seconds better than the 350Z.

 

Most likely a 2005-2008 model. The 2009 Cayman S is rated at 320PS with a LSD and should be much faster. Probably in the low 8 mins to the high 7 mins range depending on Sports Chrono package.

 

So I ran a test in Gran Turismo 4 on the PS2 to answer this very question.
I took a stock 2003 350Z and tuned the engine to 333 hp and did a level 1 reduction in weight while keeping the S2 Sport tires equipped.
This combination allowed the B-Spec computer driver to run a 7:55 on the Nordschleife using a "fast" pace. I fully expect the 370Z to run a sub 8 minute time when the track is dry and with an excellent driver behind the wheel.

 

Why did you do a weight reduction? The cars weigh the same. Try it again without the weight reduction.

 

Per Nissan it is minus.. what... 85 pounds? That counts for something.. right...

 

don'tyoumeannurburgring?

 

I wonder how much weight reduction is in Level 1 in the Gran Tursimo?
I think realistically the new Z will not beat but approach the 8:10 of the Cayman S time. However, I do hope it can beat the Porsche's time, after all that is the main objective of Nissan.

 

Nordschleife is the only part of Nurburgring still in use, and it is the testing ground for all performance auto.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordschleife

 

Does anyone know how fast 350Z ran in the nurburgring?

 

8:26

 

What mods did you do to the engine?

 

 

Grand turismo is a game....In real life the 370z wont break into the 7sec range unless its a ringer imho. 7:55 is NSX-R, C5 Z06 territory and too close to what the GTR does in the hands of independant testers. 3250lbs and 332hp and that less than stellar weight distribution I cant see it approaching the time of a C5 Z06. NSX-R is highly tuned, lighter weight and mid engined car so its able to hang with the Z06 on shear athleticism and engineering despite being down on power. Im thinking more in the 8:05 range or higher for the 370z...The new Cayman S with 320hp and LSD will drop below 8mins easily imho. The 370z wont hang with it in the straights or twisties. Just my worthless 2c.

 

I read somewhere that the 350Z running that lap around the 'Ring in 2003 was not a final production model, or something, so the time isn't a true testament to it's actual capability.

 

unless nissan today will come out with a video/statement/whatever... my best guess is that the 370z hasn't a good performance on the 'ring. more than the added power is the added rubber that should help.. the 03 was with 215F and 235R 17", besides 17" helping accelerating, the meat wasn't enough... and besides that.. the new cayman with pdk will be way faster than the actual.. look at the carrera S with pdk... pretty much as fast as a "current generation" GT3 (they published the full lap that is about 25/30 sec longer for that kind of speed)

 

I agree, Gran Turismo is a game but it is also considered by many to be the best driving simulator for the masses. So, its the best we've got until someone actually runs the ring.
I will put the weight back in and will up the tires to S3 sport tires to see what I get. I will also note what my engine mods are.

 

2003 Z33
333 hp, 306 ft/lbs
Time: 7:50
S3 Sport Tires
Exhaust
Racing Chip = Sports
Brakes = Racing
Suspension = Sports
Transmission = Std
Fly Wheel = Sports
Carbon Driveshaft
Limited Slip 2-Way
Weight=2647 lbs

2005 Z33 GT4 Special Edition
296 hp, 260 ft/lbs
Bone Stock (weighs 3174 lbs)
Time: 8:25.371

2005 Z33 with Mods
325 hp, 281 ft/lbs
(weighs 3174 lbs)
Time: 8:04.029
Exhaust = Sports
Chip = Sports
Engine Balanced
S3 Sport Tires

CONCLUSION - 8 Minutes or less very feasible

 

game or not, it tends to be pretty accurate (not down to the second but decently close from tests I've read about vs. driving it in the game). I'd say your 8:04 won't be all that far off, but we'll see.

 

wow...interesting simulation. looks like we should expect time between 8min to 8:10 (Cayman S time). Not bad if Nissan can hit this range.