Motor Trend 8/29/12 2012 370 Review

forza370z · 08-30-2012, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red6spd

Nice numbers they got. Those 0-60 times are right on par with a SS and a 5.0. Oh and in the two years owning the car I have never inadvertently opened the console from a shift.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z_ealot

same here man, don't know how this "reviewer" was shifting, but i have never ever opened up the center console from shifting through the gears...you'd have to be shifting like a retard to even accomplish that...on second thought the reviewer fits that bill nicely

On that note, I think I understand(kinda) what the reviewer was talking about. Although, I never accidently open the center console while shifting. BUT I do find it's annoying when I resting my right arm on the center console. It often opens it! It's a poor design I have to admit it. 370z is not a gangster lean-friendly car.

Cuban Z · 08-30-2012, 12:59 AM

Today here and now the Z is the best in its class. Can you get faster straight line performance for the money, sure. But this car is the total package. Sure the interior can benefit from richer appointments, but are these essential for what this car is? IMO, no. The Z outperforms or is on par with cars much higher in cost, and it is much more than the Gen, 86, and the domestics. And its sexy as hell. It's not because I have one...its why I got one. So what's next? Nissan says performance...a better Nismo and an RS model. Will it happen? Your guess is as good as mine...but at least they're speaking my language. And that's very promising!

https://m.facebook.com/?refsrc=http%...user=606345512

Z_ealot · 08-30-2012, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nillaz

I must be a retard then, because I've done this a few times over the last couple months....and except for a one year blip of insanity where I owned an auto Acura TL I've been rowing my own exclusively for 20 years.

The button to open the center console is just where my elbow happens to come to a rest. I've modified my driving position a bit to accomodate it but I can't shorten or lengthen my arms.

All in all I think it was a relatively fair and positive review. I love my car and there are very few vehicles I would trade it for at the moment...but I wouldn't complain if Nissan lowered the price a bit due to it's lack of 'features'.

didnt aim to offend anyone here, just my own experience with my Z i find it very hard to open up that center console accidentally unless i am full on leaning on the thing, as for features i'm pretty sure nissan is working on upgrading the features across their entire line up as evidenced by the new 2013 altima which now comes standard with blue tooth even on the base models, wouldnt be suprised to see the next Z get a few upgrades in that area as well. honestly though as mentioned by others already i have no interest in a whole bunch of upgraded stereo equipment and electronics in a sports car. while it is nice to have the option of having that i dont think it should make or break the deal as the reviewer suggests by pointing to other comparable cars that have those options as standard. heck i would bet that is the reason why the gen coupes are heavier than the Z's is because of all that extra electronics that they bundle along with them as standard. in any case its just my opinion by itself and nissan will ultimately do what it thinks the consumers want which is fine by me...i just hope they still make a base+sport model on the next generation of the Z's that has as little electronics as possible.

Nillaz · 08-30-2012, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z_ealot

didnt aim to offend anyone here, just my own experience with my Z i find it very hard to open up that center console accidentally unless i am full on leaning on the thing, as for features i'm pretty sure nissan is working on upgrading the features across their entire line up as evidenced by the new 2013 altima which now comes standard with blue tooth even on the base models, wouldnt be suprised to see the next Z get a few upgrades in that area as well. honestly though as mentioned by others already i have no interest in a whole bunch of upgraded stereo equipment and electronics in a sports car. while it is nice to have the option of having that i dont think it should make or break the deal as the reviewer suggests by pointing to other comparable cars that have those options as standard. heck i would bet that is the reason why the gen coupes are heavier than the Z's is because of all that extra electronics that they bundle along with them as standard. in any case its just my opinion by itself and nissan will ultimately do what it thinks the consumers want which is fine by me...i just hope they still make a base+sport model on the next generation of the Z's that has as little electronics as possible.

No worries you didn't offend me in the slightest, and the rare times when it does pop open it's always on the 3 - 4 shift so I know it's due to my arm placement in relation to my driving position....not something I can really fault Nissan for. I totally understand the desire for a pure sports car that doesn't have an inflated price due to extra gizmos that have little to do with the driving experience. That's why I bought a base+sport.

OTOH the price has crept up a bit over the years without adding significant changes to really justify the added premium. In that regard I think the Motor Trend article does have a valid point, but even still...I wouldn't trade my Z for any of those other cars mentioned.

Mt Tam I am · 08-30-2012, 09:26 AM

The author seems to be critical without saying anything untrue. Is the glass half full or half empty. In this case, half empty.

I don't recall the lack of oil cooler being mentioned either. So he could have been more critical. on the plus side ...These shortcomings are redeemed somewhat once the Z is given room to gallop.

b1adesofcha0s · 08-30-2012, 09:46 AM

All the comments about the interior being outdated and the lack of features are easily solved by getting the touring package.

I've driven a 2013 Altima and the improvements they've made on the interior are amazing! I can't wait to see what they do with the interior of the next Z, it should look even better.

Spikuh · 08-30-2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

The author seems to be critical without saying anything untrue. Is the glass half full or half empty. In this case, half empty.

I don't recall the lack of oil cooler being mentioned either. So he could have been more critical. on the plus side ...These shortcomings are redeemed somewhat once the Z is given room to gallop.

They come with oil coolers now.

Spikuh · 08-30-2012, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s

All the comments about the interior being outdated and the lack of features are easily solved by getting the touring package.

I've driven a 2013 Altima and the improvements they've made on the interior are amazing! I can't wait to see what they do with the interior of the next Z, it should look even better.

Touring + Sport FTW!!! Navi is...a coin flip imo. I actually like my cubby, good place to put my wallet when I am driving.

b1adesofcha0s · 08-30-2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spikuh

Touring + Sport FTW!!! Navi is...a coin flip imo. I actually like my cubby, good place to put my wallet when I am driving.

The cubby is the perfect place to put your EZ Pass if you don't want to stick it on your windshield

Somberlaine · 08-30-2012, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s

The cubby is the perfect place to put your EZ Pass if you don't want to stick it on your windshield

i second that!

Somberlaine · 08-30-2012, 11:04 AM

the fact that he is comparing 2013 cars to a car that hasn't changed significantly since it's intro in 2009 says a lot. aside from it's performance, the Z is just gorgeous. Plus, you don't see many of them compared to Camaros and Mustangs.

elmz · 08-30-2012, 11:11 AM

The 370Z is in a particularly tough position. It has too many competitors because it offers so much at an affordable price range. For starters, it's often compared to cars that cost nearly twice as much like the Cayman/Boxster(if you have the vert), BMW Z4, and even the Audi TT. Because the Z is able to compete with them performance wise, they in turn become competitors. But the Z always fall short of quality and branding. Then we have cars like the Mustang, Camaro, and now the BRZ/FRS which are all in the same price range, so these in turn become competitors. But unlike the Z, the muscle cars lack the handling and percision, and in case of the BRZ/FRS it lacks the power. And somehow out of all that, the Z is considered overpriced. It is also worth noting the Z has the better interior of these cars, but that's just my opinion. The Z is a great overall package for consumers at 30k, but its a downfall for magazine editors to pick apart.

lemon-fresh · 08-30-2012, 11:11 AM

He was comparing it to the slow mustang and camaro btw.

Anyways the whole brz/frs love is just because it's new. Go dig up some reviews of the 2009 Z, everyone loved the car back then. It's mostly nissan's fault for not updating the platform enough to justify the price. If subaru is smart and makes a sti brz expect the fanboyism to continue

Spikuh · 08-30-2012, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s

The cubby is the perfect place to put your EZ Pass if you don't want to stick it on your windshield

I am now upset with myself for not thinking of this...

b1adesofcha0s · 08-30-2012, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spikuh

I am now upset with myself for not thinking of this...

Well at least you have the idea now

08-30-2012, 12:59 AM	#32 (permalink)
Cuban Z Track Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: SoCal WestSide Posts: 557 Drives: 11 370Z Nismo #0384 Rep Power: 14	Today here and now the Z is the best in its class. Can you get faster straight line performance for the money, sure. But this car is the total package. Sure the interior can benefit from richer appointments, but are these essential for what this car is? IMO, no. The Z outperforms or is on par with cars much higher in cost, and it is much more than the Gen, 86, and the domestics. And its sexy as hell. It's not because I have one...its why I got one. So what's next? Nissan says performance...a better Nismo and an RS model. Will it happen? Your guess is as good as mine...but at least they're speaking my language. And that's very promising!https://m.facebook.com/?refsrc=http%...user=606345512 __________________ 処女 / Shojo Audrey Blue Series 1 240Z (10/70)

08-30-2012, 09:26 AM	#35 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3842	The author seems to be critical without saying anything untrue. Is the glass half full or half empty. In this case, half empty. I don't recall the lack of oil cooler being mentioned either. So he could have been more critical. on the plus side ...These shortcomings are redeemed somewhat once the Z is given room to gallop. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

08-30-2012, 09:46 AM	#36 (permalink)
b1adesofcha0s A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: MD Posts: 40,963 Drives: HypeTrain Choo Choo! Rep Power: 141	All the comments about the interior being outdated and the lack of features are easily solved by getting the touring package. I've driven a 2013 Altima and the improvements they've made on the interior are amazing! I can't wait to see what they do with the interior of the next Z, it should look even better. __________________ Project: b1adeZmobile (2009 370Z) \| Uprev Tune by AAM Competition \| Berk Exhaust Project: b1adeZmobile 2.0 (2014 C7 Z51) \| Corsa Xtreme Exhaust

08-30-2012, 11:11 AM	#42 (permalink)
elmz Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 674 Drives: 2014 Porsche Boxster Rep Power: 17	The 370Z is in a particularly tough position. It has too many competitors because it offers so much at an affordable price range. For starters, it's often compared to cars that cost nearly twice as much like the Cayman/Boxster(if you have the vert), BMW Z4, and even the Audi TT. Because the Z is able to compete with them performance wise, they in turn become competitors. But the Z always fall short of quality and branding. Then we have cars like the Mustang, Camaro, and now the BRZ/FRS which are all in the same price range, so these in turn become competitors. But unlike the Z, the muscle cars lack the handling and percision, and in case of the BRZ/FRS it lacks the power. And somehow out of all that, the Z is considered overpriced. It is also worth noting the Z has the better interior of these cars, but that's just my opinion. The Z is a great overall package for consumers at 30k, but its a downfall for magazine editors to pick apart. Last edited by elmz; 08-30-2012 at 11:24 AM.

08-30-2012, 11:11 AM	#43 (permalink)
lemon-fresh Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Calgary Age: 39 Posts: 471 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 13	He was comparing it to the slow mustang and camaro btw. Anyways the whole brz/frs love is just because it's new. Go dig up some reviews of the 2009 Z, everyone loved the car back then. It's mostly nissan's fault for not updating the platform enough to justify the price. If subaru is smart and makes a sti brz expect the fanboyism to continue Last edited by lemon-fresh; 08-30-2012 at 11:20 AM.

08-30-2012, 11:04 AM	#41 (permalink)
Somberlaine Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 242 Drives: 2016 Golf R Rep Power: 14	the fact that he is comparing 2013 cars to a car that hasn't changed significantly since it's intro in 2009 says a lot. aside from it's performance, the Z is just gorgeous. Plus, you don't see many of them compared to Camaros and Mustangs.

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