Nismo = cheese-mo
 

I can't get over this so I figured I'd post my opinion and see what you guys think. Four months ago when I bought my 370Z, I was an excited 'convert' from having owned a number of Audis.

With my old Audis, I was truly an Audi enthusiast. I drooled over the S and RS variations of the cars, attended Audi driving schools, etc etc. I was loyal and loved the sportier versions offered by the S and RS models. Audi had and still has something special in their 'sporty racing' versions that is sexy and desirable.

Now I'm a Nissan owner and I love my new Z. However, out comes the Nismo 370Z and all I do is find myself cringing at everything Nismo represents. First, the 'sportier' model looks arguably ridiculous from some or many angles. Even something as simple as more aggressive styling is done with numerous stepoffs and contours that don't compliment each other. To make matters worse, the bumpers look like plastic rather than smooth, sleek and hi-tech. Second, the Nismo really offers nothing that's more desirable. If Audi put out a Nismo 370Z, it would sport a twin-turbo or V8 upgrade. Why isn't our Nismo sporting 400+hp? BMW and Mercedes also know the recipe with their M and AMG versions. People would laugh at Audi if the RS4 just had new front and rear bumpers, some RS4 stitching and a new exhaust.

In short, I'm sorry to say that anything Nismo makes my stomach crawl. The last thing I'd want on my car is anything that actually says "Nismo". For me, Nismo is just Cheese-mo. What do you guys think?

Being a Z person since the last Z (350), I have had a little more time to become accustomed to this. The 350 nismo was even worse than the 370 version. In american cars, where I came from, the sportier models actually came with some real goodies.
So, in short, totally agree.

it's just the way it is with nismo. it's just the name and looks to have bragging rights of having a genuine nismo model Z.

Cant wait for a certain person to answer to this.

I completely agree. Although the front end on the 350 was cool.

+1

I agree. Flame SHield On.......................

He he he...I was thinking the same thing. However, I'm 5 for 5 with people agreeing so far :tup:.

Jealousy.......

Yeah, that's it :rolleyes:

It's not that the parts look boy-racer, or that the exhaust nets you a whoppin 5 hp while others net you in the teens, or that it's way overpriced for what you get, or that you cant get nav with it.

Very much agree, as I currently own an Audi S4 and keep trying to rationalize NOT having a 370z (losing battle). The lack of a gap in performance between the base and the Nismo given the price disparity is shameful.

S.

Exactly. I mean if I wanted that type of look I would go for a civy SI or speed3. No offense to anyone who has those, I just dont like that look.

I look at it this way, Nissan is trying to create an exclusive item which the general public can afford but they really have no clue what they are doing.

Nissan already has a twin turbo 6 cylinder - it's called a GT-R; Nissan doesn't need to put out a Z that would be putting down near GT-R HP/Tq and likely, be dangerously close to a GT-R price.

More importantly; who would buy it??? How big do you think the $60-$70K+ sports car market is?

Audi/Merc/BMW all have a lineup of high performance models that must be selling pretty darn well. Putting a GT-R motor in the 370Z, perhaps somewhat de-tuned to drop the HP into the lower 400s to keep it slower than a GT-R. I'd imagine a twin-turbo kit (GT-R detuned motor) would still keep the car's price around $55k-65k. Throw in some sportier springs, a vented hood, CF side mirrors, and a more aggressive grille and you have yourself a sweet upgraded Nismo package.

Would I be able to afford it right now? No. Would I drool when I saw someone drive it by, lust for it, and probably buy it in a few years when I'm not a surgical resident any longer? Absolutely.

I think the $60-70k sportscar market is pretty huge actually. Porsche has two models in that bracket and they're still in business :).

I think it could be done for under 60