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Originally Posted by I want a Z
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That is a neat presentation. It's pretty fun messing with all the camera angles on the track video, and listening to the driver's feedback. The dramatic classical music in the background while the car does donuts... I'm not sure if that was meant to be taken seriously or if they're poking fun at themselves.
Hyundai's main website, though, leaves much to be desired. I have a hard time finding exactly what I'm looking for---specs, comparing trim lines, etc. And you can't search local inventory on the site. You have to go to individual dealer websites to check their inventory.
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The other day test drove a 3.8 R-Spec and a 370Z sport pkg. The GenCoupe was a fun drive, with plenty of power, sporty handling, and a relatively upscale interior. It felt like it needed some more sophisticated shock absorbers to keep up with the track-tuned springs, though. The ride was at times even worse than my MS3 (w/ RSB, worn out shocks & tires). I also wasn't keen on the bright blue dash backlighting. And I felt like I was breaking something trying to shift into reverse. There's no "push in" or "pull collar" to unlock the reverse gear. You just pull it hard to the left until it pops in. It's a huge step for Hyundai into sporty car relevance, and a great value, but the only improvement I see in it over my MS3 is RWD vs FWD---not enough to give up the full package the MS3 offers.
The 370z, by comparison, feels like a real sports car---a better performance machine in every respect. I know I said the Lambda 3.8 has plenty of power, but more is always better, right? And the low-effort clutch pedal, direct-action shifter, and synchro-rev-matching made it the best manual transmission experience I've ever had. I was a little worried when the salesman was driving---I guess he was trying to impress me by short-shifting every gear. But behind the wheel it was child's play getting smooth upshifts and downshifts every time. I didn't realize the S-R-M system works on upshifts, too. And perhaps because of it's lighter weight, better chassis stiffness, and weight balance, it felt more planted in the turns and yet rode more comfortably than the Coupe.
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I had a similar experience when I was about to buy a Mazda3 5-door. Before I sat down at the negotiating table, I figured I should test drive the Mazdaspeed model. The Speed3 was unequivocally better or equal in every way. And I knew I had to have it. I had to save up several more months to afford it, but it was worth the wait.