great LED rear lights, other than that, I don't feel like I missed anything by having my '03

 

seems like most people dig the 06...
but there's nothing on the 06 that I like more than the 03~05...
I love the original design inside-out

 

they've completely destroyed the circle theme they have on the interior

The AC controls used to have the aluminum ring around the dials and there was also one around the shifter, now it's just blah solid plastic or aluminum


I'm betting Nissan sat down, defined their target market as young adults who are primarily concerned about looks and thus that's what they addressed.

The 350Z has arguably more body kits and visual mods available for it than any other car I can think of - even the other big import models like the RX7 and Supra.

They probably figured that most of their customer base is concerned about looks and that's a cheap thing to spend money on.

Because if Z people REALLY were concerned about something else like performance, they'd buy an EVO or STI. If they were really more concerned with luxury, they'd buy a G35. If they were more concerned with features and functionality, they'd buy an RX8. If they were more concerned with flat out power, they'd get a mustang or GTO.

The Z market as a whole is generally very into looks and the whole import modding thing. They want their car to look all "pimped out" and that's what we got with the 06 model.

People and reviewers always complain about the interior but I can't find anything about it that I have any real problem with. I think the interior is great - it's simple and lightweight and will last over time. It's very driver oriented and feels more like a cockpit than a car. Those door arm rests will eventually get chapped and crack and dry out over the years.

I'm glad that my Z doesn't have all those cheesy new things the 06 has and makes me feel better that they didn't come out with a 400hp Z for the same price as before or with a drastically different engine that'd screw up the focus of companies making parts for the current cars. So for my own sake, I'm glad the new Z isn't really all that different from the earlier ones, but at the same time kinda irritated and insulted that nissan is just sitting on their *** messing with headlight designs and LED lights instead of actually making the car better in a real way.

 

The 2006 front looks like a MR2 Spyder kinda. Not feeling the exterior changes. Interior looks cool.

 

I bet Performance Nissan is going to be backordered on those taillights and headlights for at least a few months after they get their hands on their first set.

 

Thanks for the pictures. Definitely love the taillights and wheels, but I wouldn't be calling Nissan on Monday to look for those. At least we get to enjoy our Z a little longer.

 

Can we start a pre-order list on those tailllights? I'm not kidding. If so, I'm in.

 

I like the headlights, and I dont like the taillights. The taillights in the g35 seem to have a pattern or flow to them, where the 06 Z leds seem to just be stuck in there.

 

Saddly I completely agree with sentry... those changes are a waste of money. The Z interior was beautifully minimalist and elegant, even though it had cheap materials, overall the interior was great. They are ruining it...

If they made the car really better(lighter, stronger, better suspensions, transmission, etc...) Instead of wasting time and money on aimless changes, I would be inclined to sell my 2003 to buy a 2006... but it's not the case... I'll wait for 2007+ lol. But if the trend is pointless changes, then there is little hope.

those headlights are horrible BTW

 

As far as looks go:
57 T-Bird, 65 mustang, 03 350z etc.

I was hoping for some real performance enchancements. The market has stepped it up since the release of the 350Z. To stay up with the market from a performance stand point, the 350Z should be putting out between 330hp to 340hp.

I guess if comes down to either turbochraging my 350Z or buying a GT-R. I dont think I want to put out as much money as the GT-R might cost so putting on a turbo kit might be the best option for me....

 

I'm definately not feeling the headlights. Maybe they'll be better at night, but it makes the car look kind of bug eyed, its quite annoying. The tail lights are great though..

 

It's a Z - I like Z's, so this Z is good. Carry on.

I'd have to see it in person to truly appreciate it. Might have to test drive it, too.

 

Not really feeling the selection of new lights. Not drastic changes though

ONE QUESTION: Who was the owner and how the heck was there a new 06 at the event?

 

The updates are fine by me- I don't think the headlights look bad- the only thing I can't figure out is why they have 4 turn signal "dots" instead of 3- this is inconsistent w/ the 3 dot theme the rest of the car has....

New door panel trim is really nice-

Curious about details of the mechanical changes- not sure why many posts in this thread seem to assume that there were no changes on the performance side- I'm sure they made a few updates- maybe sligtly larger brakes? maybe a few more ponies? maybe an improved gearbox or clutch? I guess we'll have to wait for the official press release....

Anyway, I can't believe that this car is already entering its 4th model year!

Ethan

 

I'm interested.

The tail lights rock, I've always been disappointed that the G35 got LED tails while the Z was stuck with crap.

 

damnit! i want those volume controls on my steering wheel!
only thing i want, maybe the led rear, but thats it

 

+1

I've always wanted volume controls on my steering wheel... Hopefully it'll be an easy retrofit... but I doubt it.

 

same... you guys 100% sure its the real deal? and not just someone who modded their Z? I mean... its only June, thought we won't see 06s until Sep

 

You guys are rite... my apologies for not taking pix of the wheels/brakes and better pix of the interior gauges. as for the performance updates, Im not sure. the driver parked the car and didn't really stick around to answer any of our questions. well, im sure the questions will soon be answered when the new 06's show up at our dealership showrooms in late August/ early September. only a couple of more month to wait.

 

As you can tell from the rear pic, the license plate was 562.... meaning it belongs to Nissan Motors America.