MotorTrend First Test: 2009 Nissan 370Z test drive 4.7 sec 0 to 60 11.25.08

sbsmoov

4.7 secs not very good for the car???? What does that mean? Should it be quicker? And then you say 5 secs more likely. I have no idea what you're trying to say.

sbsmoov

I thought the purpose of these tests is to assess the maximum performance of a vehicle--to push it to the limits. Whether or not we are able to achieve the same results is irrelevant because most of us are not professional drivers.

Would you prefer that the car be driven and tested by a layperson or your grandma? Would that provide an accurate assessment of the car's maximum performance? Of course not! It would be more of an assessment of the driver's lack of skill.

For example, do you think most of us can achieve the same results as those of a professional race car driver? Of course not. The reason professional drivers are used is to get the best possible assessment of a vehicle's performance when driven skillfully or as close to perfect as possible.

To be skeptical of MotorTrend's test results based on a belief that "an average Joe like you and me, would never push their car to that limit" is missing the point completely. The point is this: what's the maximum level of performance that's achievable from a vehicle when it's driven at the limits or as close to perfect as possible.

RCZ

First of all, sbsmoov, Motortrend has a history of posting lower times than just about any other "reputable" source. Haha, I literally chuckled when I saw these responses. Guys, the car is awesome, specially for the price. Also, I've already said I'm buying the car as soon as it comes out. I'm not a naysayer, I'm just being realistic. Edmunds reported very different numbers for just about every benchmark test than did MT. So if you're going to take one review as the absolute truth, then why not the other one? Because its less convenient? You should take these reviews with a grain of salt, not just believe everything they tell you as fact. As far as it being plausible, I thought that was exactly what I said on my previous posts...

You should check out this intake in the engine section of the forum, its dyno proven to give you 25HP to the wheels!!!! I hear it makes a ton of noise too. That should get you into the 4.6s range.

Don't even get me started on that 13.3 quarter mile.


LOL professional drivers???? Of course..all these fat old guys who review the cars are all professional drivers...

sbsmoov

You have faith in Edmunds? They have both the GTR and the ZR1 doing 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Ridiculous at best! That's why I don't respect their reviews.

As far as my comment about professional drivers...I was simply making a point and was not suggesting that reviews by MotorTrend, Edmunds, etc are all done by professional drivers. I simply stated the reason why professional drivers are sometimes used.

RCZ

Once again, I in fact said exactly the opposite; man take a second to read my posts before you answer them. I said you should take the reviews with a grain of salt because they are often not the be-all and end-all definitive sources for performance figures. NOT that I have any more faith in edmunds than I do in MT. In fact I dont trust either. The only reasons I read those reviews are 1) because they give you a better feel for the driving experience from people who have driven a lot of cars and 2) because there is no other real information to read.

And sorry about the second part, it just really really sounded like you were saying professional drivers were used to get the maximum possible performance as close to perfect as possible. I misunderstood.

Finally, All I'm saying is that 4.7s to 60 would be fantastic, but in my personal opinion it seems a little too optimistic for a 300rwhp (probably under that with the 19s) 3350lbs + driver car. Thats all. We will know better as more tests are done. Hopefully its closer to 4.7 than to 5, time will tell.

Endgame

RCZ... Look at the G37!!!! 0-60 5.0 SECONDS!!!

The Z weighs 300 pounds less!!!!!!! It WILL be lower!!! Use the G37 as you benchmark.

Although, I see what you are doing. You are looking at the glass half full, that way when REAL times come back better than Edmunds is reporting, you are overjoyed!!!

RCZ

Something like that...Should we believe it can do .99g on the skidpad too?
May I point out that an F430 can only manage .95g, that a Pagani Zonda could only muster .96g? Hey at least the Enzo was able to beat it by .06g's...

Hey, maybe they had GT-R tires on it for the test.

Anyway, I'm not talking smack about the car, I'm just keeping you humble because next thing you know this forum is filled with fanboys spreading all sorts of crazy fabricated facts. I can't wait to see it, much less drive it, just like everyone else on here. I think its going to be a great car, but lets not get ahead of ourselves here because we may look a little silly later on when we can't walk the walk...

Endgame

The old speak softly and carry a big stick game plan. I'm game...

sbsmoov

RCZ, what performance numbers do you have for the Cayman S? And from which publication?

RCZ

Cayman S?? Which one? the new one with the 320hp motor or the old one with the 295hp motor? Because for the new one, which weighs under 3000lbs and has 320hp gets a 0-60 of 4.9 and a skidpad of .96g

I don't take any single publication, I look at at least 5 different publications and estimate the average. The new Cayman is going to be a very tight competitor to the Z, I think people who can afford both are going to start leaning towards the Porsche now.

sbsmoov

Didn't the old one do 4.9 secs to 60 too? The new one is under 3000 lbs? Incredible! How did they pull that off.

Endgame

That's odd... I also thought the old one did 0-60 in 4.9. I can see why you were leaning towards the Z doing 0-60 in 5.1 if the Cayman is 4.9 (weight difference). However, the Z4M coupe did 0-60 in 4.8 I think which is faster than the Cayman and it has similar stats to the 370Z.

If the new Cayman is doing 4.9 only, maybe the new Z WILL be a match for it!! This should be interesting....

M.Bonanni

You guys are forgetting probably the most important thing in regards to 0-60 times....gearing. What is the first gear ratio on the 370Z compared to the 350Z and all of the other cars you are comparing it to. Manufacturers play all kinds of games to get good 0-60 times, in fact I have heard that Corvettes are geared to go up to 60mph in first gear so they don't have to shift in 0-60 tests.

To me, the only reviews that I trust and hold any value to are lap times around road courses.

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Function > Form

Minicobra1

What's up everyone, this is my first post so don't beat me up too bad I was in the Market for a BMW 135i, but after seeing the 370z at the Edmonds event and reading the road test, I've been converted.

First off, I believe that the 4.7 to 60 Motortrend result is true and factual as well as the Edmonds test. I've done work for both these magazines and they are not going to post up false times. Weather or not they can get consitent 4.7 is questionable though.

Everyone here is talking about weight vs. HP, but knowone has mentioned, gear ratios,(except DD) drag coefecient, tire pressure, weight transfer, track temperature, etc. All of these things play a factor in 0-60 times.
When they do these test, they heat up the tires with many burn-outs, experiment with tire pressure, launch RPM's, and make sure that they are not going into a head wind. In the real world you won't be able to do that at a traffic light, but nevertheless, this cars magazine road test is no different then any other cars road test, so it's safe to say this is an accurate bench mark of the vehicles maximum performance in it's stock guise, when pushed to the limit.

Knowing that the 370z has lower drag, shorter wheelbase, stronger drive shaft, better traction, I have no doubt that with the right driver, car, and perfect road conditions that this time is acheivable. Either way, this is one quick great handling car and you can count me in at the dealership when they go on sale.

Braden

Endgame

Nice first post! So, another 135i convert! I was looking at the 1 until more information and spy pics leaked of this mini Godzilla.