2009 Nissan 370Z Long-Term Test - Edmunds.com

ImportConvert · 10-06-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

Isn't the clutch supposed to be an on/off switch from a performance driving point of view as opposed to daily cruising? On a track, you stab the clutch quickly, shift quickly and then dump the clutch again. You don't feather or modulate clutches on a track. You want a very short range digital clutch, not a longer range analog one. Seeing youtube videos of racing drivers footwork, the clutch pedal on these cars doesn't seem to travel more than 10 or 15 cm from very top to very bottom.

Well when the 370Z gets an oil-cooler and some real brakes then you can make your "it's a track car" argument. Until then, it's just got a crappy clutch.

wstar · 10-06-2011, 10:14 AM

That just goes back to the compromise argument.

Nissan could change the 370Z's specs a bit and sell it as an awesome track-only car. Strip the interior, drop the power windows, power door locks, radio, etc. Give it an oil cooler and a factory roll cage, etc. You'd probably come out about even on mfg cost changes and it would be a great track car. But then it would never be worth it on the market: not enough of them would be sold because it'd be a horrible daily driver for a commuter, so they couldn't really afford to produce them that way in the big picture. The increased sales for track drivers would never make up for the loss of regular consumers who just like the look and sound and feel of it and want a "sporty" daily driver.

So they make compromises. The idea is to put out a track-capable car that's still cheap to buy, just barely commuter-friendly enough to keep the sales volume high enough to keep the car around, and only needs a few key mods to be ready for amateur track use.

ImportConvert · 10-06-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

That just goes back to the compromise argument.

Nissan could change the 370Z's specs a bit and sell it as an awesome track-only car. Strip the interior, drop the power windows, power door locks, radio, etc. Give it an oil cooler and a factory roll cage, etc. You'd probably come out about even on mfg cost changes and it would be a great track car. But then it would never be worth it on the market: not enough of them would be sold because it'd be a horrible daily driver for a commuter, so they couldn't really afford to produce them that way in the big picture.

So they make compromises. The idea is to put out a track-capable car that's still cheap to buy, just barely commuter-friendly enough to keep the sales volume high enough to keep the car around, and only need a few key mods to be ready for amateur track use.

Ford is doing great with their BOSS/Leguna Seca car.

No, it doesn't go back to that argument. Just spend a few more bucks and improve the car with an oil-cooler, brakes, and clutch better suited to its mission in life: To be a sporty car that can be driven at HPDE's on the weekend if the owner so chooses.

wstar · 10-06-2011, 10:18 AM

Hah you quote faster than I edit. The Mustang is in the enviable position of having high enough sales volume to be able to afford a one-off variation for more serious use. We have the Nismo edition in that role, and I totally agree the Nismo should come with an oil cooler and better braking.

The clutch I'm not so fond of compromising on though. Changing out a clutch (to get back to the short quick version we have today) is kind of invasive and expensive, and I'd rather it have a more-tracky clutch in the compromise than a more commuter-friendly one.

christian370z · 10-06-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

Hah you quote faster than I edit. The Mustang is in the enviable position of having high enough sales volume to be able to afford a one-off variation for more serious use. We have the Nismo edition in that role, and I totally agree the Nismo should come with an oil cooler and better braking.

The clutch I'm not so fond of compromising on though. Changing out a clutch (to get back to the short quick version we have today) is kind of invasive and expensive, and I'd rather it have a more-tracky clutch in the compromise than a more commuter-friendly one.

In my opinion, I think the stock clutch is actually very resilient. It can hold 500rwhp without slipping which is pretty incredible if you ask me, although I'm not in love with its high engagement and chatter at times.

shadoquad · 10-06-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Well when the 370Z gets an oil-cooler and some real brakes then you can make your "it's a track car" argument. Until then, it's just got a crappy clutch.

The Z has trackworthy brakes. They're just not sufficiently cooled. The lack of ventilation is a design flaw.

Davey · 10-06-2011, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

The Z has trackworthy brakes. They're just not sufficiently cooled. The lack of ventilation is a design flaw.

This also seems like "not an easy fix."

Pads, I expect to need to do. But brake ducting?

Red__Zed · 10-06-2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davey

This also seems like "not an easy fix."

Pads, I expect to need to do. But brake ducting?

Meh, I enjoy cutting holes in the bumper of my brand new car.

10-06-2011, 10:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3596	That just goes back to the compromise argument. Nissan could change the 370Z's specs a bit and sell it as an awesome track-only car. Strip the interior, drop the power windows, power door locks, radio, etc. Give it an oil cooler and a factory roll cage, etc. You'd probably come out about even on mfg cost changes and it would be a great track car. But then it would never be worth it on the market: not enough of them would be sold because it'd be a horrible daily driver for a commuter, so they couldn't really afford to produce them that way in the big picture. The increased sales for track drivers would never make up for the loss of regular consumers who just like the look and sound and feel of it and want a "sporty" daily driver. So they make compromises. The idea is to put out a track-capable car that's still cheap to buy, just barely commuter-friendly enough to keep the sales volume high enough to keep the car around, and only needs a few key mods to be ready for amateur track use. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

10-06-2011, 10:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3596	Hah you quote faster than I edit. The Mustang is in the enviable position of having high enough sales volume to be able to afford a one-off variation for more serious use. We have the Nismo edition in that role, and I totally agree the Nismo should come with an oil cooler and better braking. The clutch I'm not so fond of compromising on though. Changing out a clutch (to get back to the short quick version we have today) is kind of invasive and expensive, and I'd rather it have a more-tracky clutch in the compromise than a more commuter-friendly one. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

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