Z Rally Impressions

shizzawha · 12-05-2008, 11:01 AM

Alright guys, I had the pleasure of attending the Z Rally gathering at the Nissan North American Headquarters in Franklin, TN. I, unfortunately, haven't been home to upload the pictures yet, but they are on the way. I thought I'd share some updated info I gathered while I was there. First off the car looks amazing in person. I was told by the group of marketing managers that were there and they assured me the car would be at the dealers by January 2nd. I'm not sure if that is the same for you non Nashville drivers, but it was promised for the dealers around here. Also, the trunk area is noticably bigger. I did not have a tape measurer on hand, but the area is larger. The gas hatch release button is no longer there, you just push in the door and it pops open. I'm not sure if anyone has any experience with the keyless/key fobless entry on vehicles, but there's actually a button below the door handle you push to unlock/lock the vehicle (as long as you have the keyfob in your pocket). My only experience has been with my IS350 and theres actually a sensor on the handle that senses your touch to unlock. The keyfob is the same as the Maximas. I had the pleasure of starting the vehicle up and the push button start works wonderfully. For the 6 speeds you need to have in in neutral and you need to have the clutch pressed. The gauge sweep on startup is nice (i got a video for you guys). The exhaust is a little more tamed than the current, but still sounds good. The interior is solid and very well done. There is an actual Ipod connect in the center console opening for the Ipod interface with the Nav system. On the non nav systems there is a aux in on the face of the player. I unfortunately did not get to mess with the nav system. Apparently the guy who had the keys for the loaded Z was out to lunch. If there is anything anyone would like to know, feel free to ask.

shizzawha · 12-05-2008, 11:59 AM

Here are a few pictures I got after my camera's battery died. These are from my iphone so ignore the bad quality. I got a picture showing the massive blind spot and the image from the rearview mirror. I will say the view from the 370 is much more limited. Also, theres one of the option list on the new info gauge. The rest of the pictures will have to wait until I get back home on saturday.

tacorunner · 12-05-2008, 12:34 PM

Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing! I saw the car at the L.A. Auto Show and I immediately fell in love. I was never a fan of the current model's interior or exterior but this car is beautiful and I am definitely going to go test drive it in January.

Please post more pics!!!

zsport1 · 12-05-2008, 01:13 PM

Sweet!

tranceformer · 12-05-2008, 02:44 PM

Was that the sport model that you drove? I noticed in your pictures that there's no auto-dimming mirror. Small detail but I always liked that feature in my 350z.

Endgame · 12-05-2008, 03:26 PM

LOL! No kidding!! That is a massive blind spot. Oh well, it is about like the RX8's.

I was always torn on the Z33; it took the first Nismo kit for me to love it. I love the Z34 as is which is a great thing!!

shizzawha · 12-05-2008, 04:06 PM

It was a base/sport model. The auto dimming mirror and homelink come with the touring package. Also, I unfortunately was unable to drive it. I guess I'll have to wait till January to enjoy the driving thrills.

cstr_Cali · 12-05-2008, 07:56 PM

Wow. Looking in the rearview is like looking through a mail-slot. Can only be expected with the way this car is designed though.

ZAtLeast · 12-05-2008, 08:07 PM

I drive an Exige S so I don't understand all the complaining about lack of rear vision

cstr_Cali · 12-05-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZAtLeast

I drive an Exige S so I don't understand all the complaining about lack of rear vision

Folks to have the right to an observation of their own.

azn370z · 12-05-2008, 11:37 PM

Anyone that drives a 350z knows that the rearview isn't that great and it has massive blind spots. I don't think the 370 will be that much worse.

o0javi0o · 12-06-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

Anyone that drives a 350z knows that the rearview isn't that great and it has massive blind spots. I don't think the 370 will be that much worse.

T o t a l l y A g r e e !!!

o0javi0o · 12-05-2008, 10:51 PM

Nice men. Very detailed

keep the pictures coming and more detailed impressions.
Can't wait to see it in Orlando... Jan 4.

cstr_Cali · 12-06-2008, 05:23 PM

When it comes to smaller cars and sports cars its to be expected that you'll have to make some compromises, including visibility. Designs for sportscars often dictate an emphasis on aesthetics which in turn compromise visibility in different areas. A small compromise I say when you look at the end sum of what you're getting.

shizzawha · 12-06-2008, 05:30 PM

I had an 02 s2000 and definately have to second that visability issue. God awful.

12-05-2008, 11:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
shizzawha Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nashville Posts: 31 Rep Power: 17	Z Rally Impressions Alright guys, I had the pleasure of attending the Z Rally gathering at the Nissan North American Headquarters in Franklin, TN. I, unfortunately, haven't been home to upload the pictures yet, but they are on the way. I thought I'd share some updated info I gathered while I was there. First off the car looks amazing in person. I was told by the group of marketing managers that were there and they assured me the car would be at the dealers by January 2nd. I'm not sure if that is the same for you non Nashville drivers, but it was promised for the dealers around here. Also, the trunk area is noticably bigger. I did not have a tape measurer on hand, but the area is larger. The gas hatch release button is no longer there, you just push in the door and it pops open. I'm not sure if anyone has any experience with the keyless/key fobless entry on vehicles, but there's actually a button below the door handle you push to unlock/lock the vehicle (as long as you have the keyfob in your pocket). My only experience has been with my IS350 and theres actually a sensor on the handle that senses your touch to unlock. The keyfob is the same as the Maximas. I had the pleasure of starting the vehicle up and the push button start works wonderfully. For the 6 speeds you need to have in in neutral and you need to have the clutch pressed. The gauge sweep on startup is nice (i got a video for you guys). The exhaust is a little more tamed than the current, but still sounds good. The interior is solid and very well done. There is an actual Ipod connect in the center console opening for the Ipod interface with the Nav system. On the non nav systems there is a aux in on the face of the player. I unfortunately did not get to mess with the nav system. Apparently the guy who had the keys for the loaded Z was out to lunch. If there is anything anyone would like to know, feel free to ask.

12-05-2008, 11:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 490	Anyone that drives a 350z knows that the rearview isn't that great and it has massive blind spots. I don't think the 370 will be that much worse. __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

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12-05-2008, 12:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
tacorunner Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: California Posts: 1 Rep Power: 17	Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing! I saw the car at the L.A. Auto Show and I immediately fell in love. I was never a fan of the current model's interior or exterior but this car is beautiful and I am definitely going to go test drive it in January. Please post more pics!!!

12-05-2008, 01:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
zsport1 Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: TEXAS Posts: 224 Drives: 300 Rep Power: 17	Sweet!

12-05-2008, 02:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
tranceformer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palm Beach, FL Posts: 1,213 Drives: 2009 370Z PW 6MT Rep Power: 268	Was that the sport model that you drove? I noticed in your pictures that there's no auto-dimming mirror. Small detail but I always liked that feature in my 350z.

12-05-2008, 03:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
Endgame A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,613 Drives: Nothing Now! Rep Power: 224	LOL! No kidding!! That is a massive blind spot. Oh well, it is about like the RX8's. I was always torn on the Z33; it took the first Nismo kit for me to love it. I love the Z34 as is which is a great thing!!

12-05-2008, 04:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
shizzawha Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nashville Posts: 31 Rep Power: 17	It was a base/sport model. The auto dimming mirror and homelink come with the touring package. Also, I unfortunately was unable to drive it. I guess I'll have to wait till January to enjoy the driving thrills.

12-05-2008, 07:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
cstr_Cali Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 347 Drives: smoke grey Rep Power: 573	Wow. Looking in the rearview is like looking through a mail-slot. Can only be expected with the way this car is designed though.

12-05-2008, 08:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
ZAtLeast Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Basking Ridge, NJ Posts: 34 Drives: 07 Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 17	I drive an Exige S so I don't understand all the complaining about lack of rear vision

12-05-2008, 10:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
o0javi0o Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 458 Drives: '15 ///M3 6MT Rep Power: 17	Nice men. Very detailed keep the pictures coming and more detailed impressions. Can't wait to see it in Orlando... Jan 4.

12-06-2008, 05:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
cstr_Cali Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 347 Drives: smoke grey Rep Power: 573	When it comes to smaller cars and sports cars its to be expected that you'll have to make some compromises, including visibility. Designs for sportscars often dictate an emphasis on aesthetics which in turn compromise visibility in different areas. A small compromise I say when you look at the end sum of what you're getting.

12-06-2008, 05:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
shizzawha Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nashville Posts: 31 Rep Power: 17	I had an 02 s2000 and definately have to second that visability issue. God awful.