Actually, Rutledge is an avid Honda fan, and is currently working on a project car and posting in some honda forum somewhere.
Top Gear — Rutledge's Project Car — History.com Videos
As far as TG UK and the 350 is concerned, back in 2002 they did a feature of all the previous Z generations and Jezza was full of praise regarding the 240z. He just said that the generations got progressively worse as they migrated to the 300zx (Z31, the Z32 was not included in the feature). He stated they were being built for the "fat" Americans and the car were becoming sofas when compared to the original 240.
Then they panned to the upcoming 350z concept car of 2002, and were very enthusiastic about its release. Unfortunately, after its release, Jezza felt let down by the car, and started making fun of it (it was designed in America, by a Indian man from England, and equipped with a lackluster French engine). He hasn't let up since even when describing the performance increase of the 370 (I think it's the French bit that gets to him).
Z Gens and 350z review:
YouTube - Top Gear - Nissan 350Z
350z vs All previous Gens:
YouTube - 300ZX Twin Turbo: Then And Now-Z Generations Battle
I'll tell you one thing... The z32 turbo's were fast back in the mid 90's, but I assure you, the one in that race was not "stock", and neither was that 260z that tied with the 350.