6MT

Finally picked up the Z today after a 90 day wait for the factory order. The weather wasn't cooperating though. It was windy and rainy when I pulled it out of the service bay at the dealership. (Now it's very dirty.)

The car is very tight. Very little body roll with the Stillen sway bar upgrade. The exhaust note is very noticable with the Stillen HFC's and CBE. We compared it to a sport model that was also being delivered today. Quite a difference. Sexy is the only way I can describe it. (If you do the upgrade or have done it, you'll know what I mean )

Although I kept the shift points at around 3K, the car has quite a bit of pull and loads of torque (even though it's at the low end of the scale until break-in is over). Because of the rain and very wet conditions, the 75 kilometer drive home was uneventful and rather boring. I did have a police vehicle come up behind me, then move to my left to pass and then slow down to come around the passenger side. My only guess is that he was having a good look. Also, lots of young males staring at it as they past me. (Believe me, with the attention that this car garnishes, no speed limits were broken.)

The car is very easy to get comfortable in. The gearbox and clutch were tight and responsive. The gas pedal felt a bit "splashy", but more on that in a few weeks after some serious kilometers and terrain. The seats are wonderful. My previous car was a 2008 Honda Accord coupe (V6). It took me months to feel comfortable with the seats and feel of the shifter and clutch. With the Z, it was almost immediate. After one seat adjustment and the mirrors, I felt really good behind the wheel of the Z. (Nice change.) Fit and finish are supurb and the interior is a nice change from the "cheap" look and feel of the 350z.

The tires really need scuffing though. They are very soft and "grab" every piece of road debri (rocks et al) and throw them about. I'm sure this will not be an issue once the tires begin to wear.

One thing that really surprised me was the road and engine/exhaust noise. It is LOUD! This is not a car that you should take any hard-of-hearing passenger into and try to have a conversation. The Bose does a nice job, albeit with gobs of volume, to drown out the harshness. I'm not sure why, but with the windows open, it seemed a wee bit better (?).

Now, a few more kilometers to get rid of that "burning metal" smell, and I'll be really happy.

So my first impression was .... WOW!! Cool car!! I can't wait to thrash it about in a few weeks after engine break-in. In fact, in two weeks, I'll be taking it on a road trip to the Canadian Rockies for a three day excursion. After that, and an oil change, we'll see what she can really do .

Sorry folks.... no pics yet. The weather really was bad today, and the ones that were taken are very poor. Just a few of me picking it up in the dealership service bay. When the sun shines again, and I can detail it again, I'll post a few.

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Andrew

2009 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT sold
2013 Honda Civic Si coupe D/D