The *REAL* official 370Z test drive thread

[DIGItonium]

I currently own an '03 350Z picked up Oct. 2002. Everything is stock besides the 19" LE-37t with 255/285 tire setup, side skirts, spoiler, and a JWT Pop Charger. It's an everyday driver's car with some spirited driving once in awhile.

A red 7AT touring loaded with sports package and navigation arrived today. I got in and adjusted the seats to see if it would feel "at home" in the new Z (I'm 5'7").

The leather seats felt pretty good. The windshield has a steeper slope, so visibility above my head decreased by a couple of inches. Also, the ceiling felt lower by about an inch. To my eyes, I felt a tiny bit claustrophobic as if I'm wearing a cap with the visor blocking parts of my view. Perhaps it was the change to black cloth for the ceiling (love it). The dome light didn't look cheap. The trunk light looked familiar. The view to the side wasn't much different than my 350Z. It might be a tad better. I didn't notice the rear view much since I spent too much time focusing on the road.

I felt like a newb because I initially forgot how to work the automatic. Sales guy told me to simply put it in D on the right (slide to left for manual). Shifts were not as smooth as I'd like it to be. There's roughly a 1 second delay to downshift when quickly opening it up. It's no Lexus, but AT owners will definitely welcome the 7AT.

Engine sounds great, and boomy/rough idle has been eliminated. While idling in one spot I tapped the pedal and notice the revs hung for a little bit before falling down to idle. Engine felt quite responsive with good low end torque. Exhaust tone isn't as loud, but it's not annoying either. As for power, it didn't really blow me away since I didn't go anywhere beyond 50% throttle.

The steering wheel is nice, but it felt light. The accelerator pedal felt softer than my Z. The pedal range felt pretty good. It felt a bit artificial because of the soft feeling. Braking is a tad more responsive and effortless, but it's new so it was to be expected.

Overall, the car didn't feel lighter or heavier. The cockpit definitely felt much more sporty - with a hint of GT-R.

I might order a PS Base with Sports Package loaded with accessories for tad over $34k this Monday. It'll be a 3 month wait.