The *REAL* official 370Z test drive thread
Well we finally got the first 370Z in on island over the weekend and I of course went to check it out:
370Z w/Sport Package, Platinum Graphite, 6MT
First impression: WOW.
Second impression: OMFG.
Third impression: FAP.
I almost backed up over the curb of the parking space when I pulled into the dealership. My eyes were locked on the car that bad.
After entering the showroom I was immediately impressed by the looks of the car. Everything you see in pictures that you're not sure of is immediately put to rest... it all just works. Even the Sport wheels, which I vehemently detested, actually looked very good on the car. My wife, who hated the 240Z-esque roofline, instantly changed her mind about it. Also, I immediatly noticed how much smaller it was compared to the 350Z (there was a NISMO in the showroom right next to it).
I walked up to the front of the car to check out the lights and bumper. Very impressive how well the front end flows. Looks like a pissed-off fish, for sure, but I like it. Piranhas are pissed-off fish, after all. I did noticed (something I didn't believe at first) that the two side vents in the bumper really are blocked off (and I'd immediatly punch them out if I bought one). I love the front splitter that comes on the Sport package... very old-school look to go along with the 240Z styling. The hood is bad-*** as well. Nice lines that match up to the roof perfectly.
Took a trip around back to see how offensive the non-fog light is. Doesn't seem as bad as people make it out to be, but I'm sure it looks different when you're standing more than 5 feet away. The tails look great. I'm surprised by this. In the pictures it seems like they bubble out from the car too much. It's still a little more than I'd like, but it really does work with the car. The Sport spoiler really finishes out the rear of the car. I don't think I'd ever change it out for an aftermarket one. Opened up the hatch and was surprised at how much more room there is in the back. I was always a fan of the 350's strut tower bar, and wish the one in the 370 resembled it a bit more.
Last, I hopped in the driver's seat. I was blown away by the interior... leaps and ******* bounds better than any 350Z I've ever been in (including my previous 350). I can't even find words to describe how much better it was. The leather used around the center dash, the stitching running down the cubby hole, the feel of everything... just outstanding. The steering wheel felt awesome, and looks MUCH better than the eyesore in the 350Z. The interior seemed quite a bit smaller than the 350, which doesn't bother me one bit (I'm only 5'5" and ~165) but I could see it bothering taller/larger people. The view out of the front is decreased a little from the 350, along with the rear. The seats feel good, but I'm so used to the Recaros in my Evo that pretty much anything else feels like crap. The knee bolsters are very nice (I didn't have those in my Z) and feel very high quality. I like that there's an actual glove box now, but the space that used to be the "glove box" kinda sucks. The center console was much improved as well. The one thing I really miss from the 350 is the trip computer that had the MPH readout. I know it wasn't exactly accurate when ripping it, but at cruising/daily driving it was in a much better position to read than the actual MPH gauge.
All the while, I was walking over to and making reference with similar items on the NISMO 350Z for comparisons.
Well, now that work interrupted and I lost my train of thought, I'll leave my initial impressions at this:
370Z = epic f*cking win.
Any questions, feel free to ask. I'm sure I can conjur up more thoughts.
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Evo IX GSR - FPBlack, 30psi... 10's on pump? Let's find out...
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