About to buy a 2012 370z - road noise improved?
 

I've driven about 5 or so different 370z's, all but one of which had the sports package. I think I've settled on a 2012 Z, with touring, sports, and nav.

Obviously, I've read all the reviews mentioning the abundance of road noise, but I didn't seem to have too much trouble during my test drives. That being said, I'm of course worried: maybe I just haven't hit the right road type, or maybe I've just been so fucosed evaluating other aspects of the car during the test drives, or maybe it's just something that the longer I have the more it will annoy me.

I did read somewhere that starting with the 2011 model year they added some sound insulation material. Does anybody know the details of this? Has anybody with 2011+ with sport packages had major gripes on the road noise?

I'm obviously not expecting luxury sedan levels of quietness, I just don't want something overbearing to the point where it detracts the fun of the car.

There's still a good amount of road noise. It used to bother me to the point where I considered installing some noise deadening insulation, but I guess I got used to it and it doesn't bother me anymore. I'm still very aware of the road noise.

I think installing noisier tires (Direzza Z2's) may have had something to do with accepting the road noise—just the fact that I knowingly chose to not mitigate the issue helped me recognize my priorities with this car.

You buy new tires, and install a nice exhaust, that takes away most of it.
THEN you can install sound deadening

Road noise is still there (I have a '13).

Waiting for these tires to wear and then we'll see if new ones make a difference (most likely will).

Conti DW for the win!

IF Road noise is you're only concern? You should NOT let this subjective issue sway you from enjoying it.

You'll get used to it, and will eventually not notice it with the windows down and radio blasting.

An aftermarket exhaust will further drown out what little noise there is.

I didn't notice much of a difference in road noise between my '10 and the '13 I test drove. I ended up putting down some sound deadener in the hatch and doors. It really helped eliminate the "hollowness" of the car. If you're looking for quiet, you might want to consider a G instead.

so you've driven a bunch of Z's and not found the noise
 

Here's my advice,
Don't let people talk you out of it. Keep driving! One day you will find that noise.

I too was worried about road noise after reading review after review gripe and moan about it. You can read countless other sports car reviews that have similar dB values (and even those far louder than the Z) and not a word is wasted crying about road noise - it's all part of the "rawness" of other particular cars, yet somehow it's a detriment to the Z.

When I ordered my '13 I was geared up to purchase a bunch of sound deadening materials, but once it arrived I was shocked at how civilized it was inside and held off.

My daily driver is a Mazda3, which isn't exactly quiet inside and was actually awful with the factory Goodyear Eagles - Continental DWS tires transformed that car, too.

Taking measurements with my cheapo SPL meter, my Z and Mazda3 are on par with each other (with the Mazda on Contis) except for on the worst pavement surfaces.

I am curious to see what Continentals do when the stock tires need replacing. If you do decide to use sound deadeners at some point, make sure to use the correct materials beyond just a dampening layer like dynamat - all it does its dampen vibrations but lacks the mass to actually knock down sound waves.

Agree - also, maybe you could try to meet up with some local owners (who have mods) and see what their cars sound like to give you an idea of what to expect in terms of noise levels.

Trip's post reminded me
 

There are people that want their car loud as hell, others driving with their ears close to the dash listening for noise.

After driving my 08 Z with test pipes & performance tires, my new 370 feels like I'm driving a luxury Infinity.

The only time the noise is too much is when I'm revving hard and someone else is on the phone, or having a conversation with my passenger. While alone I tend to enjoy it so much I do not notice any problem.

I did change the tires for the biggest improvement.

one of the main issues with the road noise is our tires are thinner than the 350's. You can expect more road noise and sensitivity to the road with our tires being a 30/35 compared to a 40. just my 2cents.

60k and love it more than the day I bought it...true story!

A quiet sports car?:icon14: I don't get it. A set of Michelins will help a bit but really, a quiet sports car?:shakes head:

just get a loud exhaust. you wont hear stupid road noise.