SeattleLion

It looks like Nissan has been listening after all! Yes, it has taken them 3 model years, but the 2012 Z's have published options that improve both safety and performance.

On the safety side Nissan has added a no-extra-cost "cold weather" package. This package includes all-season tires. I think that a great deal of the 350 and 2009, 2010, 2011 370Z safety issues with younger owners has been caused by tires that are designed for over-50-degree climates. The summer tires lose traction at lower temps and contribute to the high injury rates for the 350's. I replaced my factory summer tires with all season Michelin Pilot Sports. Others here have done the same. But this isn't an option for people who can barely afford the payments and can easily contribute to accidents.

On the performance side the new Z's have a standard oil cooler (mentioned in other threads). The factory is now offering dealer-installed mods to turn a touring sport (or standard sport) into a near Nismo. You can order dealer installed cat back, front and rear sways, shocks and springs, aerodynamic body parts, and much more. This is very good news for those of us who just didn't want the 6-speed manual and also wanted the nav package. I would have bought the Nismo if those options were available. Now the dealer can install factory tuned parts. I know lots of people here have other aftermarket suspension and exhaust options, but there is something to be said for factory standard performance improvements.

What I like best is that Nissan has finally reacted to the negative press about oil overheating and has also apparently recognized that many of us like to track our cars. Great news!