Just got back from the states and they are all over the place.

Apologies cos it's from a capture at 16:9 so it's squished

Or even win one on the slots :D

hmmph, looks better squished lol

In it's base form, it's a lot of performance for the money. And the VQ series engines are very good. Limited utility though with only 2 seats and a HUGE strut tower brace in the cargo area. Stylistically, and this is subjective, I think it looks rather portly. It seems to lumber down the road and through the corners. Athletic like a middle linebacker - great speed and moderate agility. I prefer the more graceful lines of the 8.

Z fans are very loyal, just like RX fans. Most of the vehicles sold to date have been to a very rabid fan base, but sales will fall off soon. We will see the same phenomenon with the RX-8. Hopefully, sales for the 8 will be sustained by overall package of performance and utility offered.

Originally posted by zoom44
hmmph, looks better squished lol The rear looks squished in the proper aspect ratio too!:p

It looks a bit better unsquished

Originally posted by jimbobjoe
It looks a bit better unsquished Refer to my prior post.

The rear of the car does seem to have an excessive overhang. Doesn't look as lean and mean as it could. But not as girly as a TT though :p

I saw one today in Croydon. Almost didn't notice it tho. Was a Jap-import i think (square rear plate recess).

Looked too much like a TT for my liking...


-andy-

There's a 350Z (import?) kicking around Guildford. I think it belongs to someone at the local Nissan dealership. Haven't had chance for a good look at it yet.

I might have a wander over and have a gander at it.

Well I've got one on order (in case the RX-8 is a lemon - which it won't be) and I think its a great looking car. Bear in mind that I know two people who disliked the look of the car in pictures but absolutely craved it in real life. One moved to the USA and seeing his first 'Z' (after having seen countless of my images) said "Wow! What's THAT?!!!". He's since test driven the car and intends to purchase. The other person sat in one in a New Zealand dealership and I quote: 'Very nice car!". The 350Z only works in 3-dimensions because of all the styling cues but I'll admit that if you don't like TTs or Porsches then it won't appeal.

Last weekend I was at a Jap car meet in Bolney, there was an import company with a 350Z on display in red.
It was getting very little attention and on inspection I could see why, it was suprisingly dull.
Lets hope the 8 causes a bit more of a stir than the Z will!

Originally posted by ROTORIST
Last weekend I was at a Jap car meet in Bolney, there was an import company with a 350Z on display in red.
It was getting very little attention and on inspection I could see why, it was suprisingly dull.
Lets hope the 8 causes a bit more of a stir than the Z will!

I was at the same meet last week. Got to have a good look around the 350Z, including sitting inside it. It looked alright, the engine was very smooth, but was disappointed by the interior which did feel a little flimsy and used cheap plastics.

By the way, ROTORIST, did you have a car on display there?

Originally posted by shahpor
but was disappointed by the interior which did feel a little flimsy and used cheap plastics.

Unless this was a genuine UK specification car then this will improve. Nissan are redesigning the interior and upping the quality after exactly the kind of criticism you expressed. The notorious sat/nav flap is either being removed or sorted out. As there IS no sat/nav on the UK car (grrrrr...) then it ceases to have a purpose.

shahpor, yes I was down the hill (late arrival) on the right hand side in a row of RX-7's, mine being a red M reg. UK spec. Were you displaying a vehicle?

Ah yes, I remember those cars. Nice.

Did you see the RX-7's in the car park? There was a nice dark red one with NOS, tv screens in the sun visors, hugh intercooler, and nice wheels.

The were a couple of nice yellow ones as well.

However, I think the Skyline's parked next to the pub were the best cars.

I didn't bring my own car as it isn't japanese. I came with my friend in his Civic Type R and the Civic Type R owners club.

It was a good day though and there were lots of nice cars.

Still my mates with the Civic's got bored after a while, so we headed to boxhill for another gathering. :)

I think the next major gathering is in July, which I will probably be at. ROTORIST, if you are going, then let me know and I will look out for you.

I think some of you guys have rose tinted specs on regarding the 8 ! The 8's great and everything else is rubbish - the 350 is a great looking car and has received v good reviews from the motoring press (I have an rx8 pre-order btw)...

Originally posted by hairyfrog
I think some of you guys have rose tinted specs on regarding the 8 ! The 8's great and everything else is rubbish - the 350 is a great looking car and has received v good reviews from the motoring press (I have an rx8 pre-order btw)...

Well some people might, but I certainly don't. I think the 350Z is a great car, which is what makes it all the more annoying that I don't like the interior. Also, every magazine review I have read about the 350Z has stated something negative about the interior, so I don't think I am alone in this opinion.

Secondly, when everyone states how brilliant the RX-8 is, it has to be taken into context. For example, if someone asked me if I wanted the RX-8 or a BMW M3, then it would be the M3 everytime. There is just the issue of the M3 costing twice as much..... So that is why the RX-8 is so good in that example, because it gives you so much for so little money.

Anyway this post is already longer than I expected, so I am going to stop talking now.

Ranting over :)

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
...which is what makes it all the more annoying that I don't like the interior.


I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave some moments ago: Nissan are redesigning the interior for the UK (and European) market)...

shahpor

Yes, the Civic Type R Owners Club, I saw you guys leaving in a huge convoy, exhausts roaring, tyres screaching and dump valves hissing - most amusing!

Do you know details of the next meet yet? If not give us a shout nearer the time. With a bit of luck we could be there in our 8,s (or a miracle more like!)

Hey, it wasn't me driving! :D

Don't know the exact date of the next meet but I know a man who does. I will ask him and let you know.

However, the north London group of Type R owners meet about once a week to talk and go for high speed runs.

If you are around then I am sure they would be happy to meet another japanese car owner.

They are pretty easy about who they let come along. For example, I am going to a meet tomorrow and am taking my Alfa with me!

They are just a bunch of guys who like talking about cars and going fast.

Still I will let you know the details of the next jap car meet as soon as I find out.

Shahpor

PS I will be amazed if the 8's turn up this year at this rate! :D

i saw a brand spanking new 350Z just off the A40 this morning. The driver was heading towards Ealing. It looked great, had alot of road presence. I certainly hope that our RX8's have the same road presence and cause the same amount of head turning from other drivers...

I have to say that it did look like it had great road presence.

Maybe if the RX-8 is rare enough when it comes out it will draw the same attention.

By the way, are you from around the Ealing area Ed? If so, then you are not that far from me. Maybe if these RX-8 ever arrive we can organise a meet :)

Still I think it is far too soon to start thinking like that :(

Shahpor

There's a Jap Car show this Saturday at Castle Coombe? I'm going along with a few mates. Doubt I'll see an RX there (but you never know, eh?) but expect there'll be a few 350Zs....


-andy-

Yeah some of the guys from the Civic forum are going to castle coombe. I don't think I will be able to make it as I am probably going to another meet on Sunday and two meets in one weekend is probably a bit too much :D

Are you taking a car or just going to watch?

Shahpor

Well I admit defeat. I saw my first 350Z today and whilst it can't be described as ugly I was left feeling very negative about it. The rear end is all wrong, the door height is too high, the interior is cheap and the door handles are flimsy. Even the Ray's alloys that I would be paying £1000 for are nothing special to look at. I also saw the RX-8 and fell instantly in love :D

Originally posted by Lensman
Well I admit defeat. I saw my first 350Z today and whilst it can't be described as ugly I was left feeling very negative about it. The rear end is all wrong, the door height is too high, the interior is cheap and the door handles are flimsy. Even the Ray's alloys that I would be paying £1000 for are nothing special to look at. I also saw the RX-8 and fell instantly in love :D

Quite cool, Herr Lensman. I think I told you so..... :D