Just saw the Top Gear, think it couple of months old now. Any way, Jeremy Clarkson slammed the 350Z so badly, he gave it a C- and 3 out of 10.

I didn't read up much about the 350Z as it never really interest me, so found out quite abit about it in this programme. These all could be old news to you guys, but it's for those who don't know. Apparently the Z was design in the US and by an Indian bloke, American of course. The V6 engine was from France, well either it's the Renault or Peugoet. And he was totally disgusted with the 'noise' that the engine produces. Yeap, NOISE, that's what he called it.

But, what he tested was not a UK spec 350Z, so that could be either a US spec car or a JDM model. It didn't even make it to the circuit.

I've heard and read pretty ok reviews about the 350Z so far, it was quite an unexpected comments to get from Top Gear.

I'm pretty sure the 350Z is a world-released model for Nissan, and just about everywhere I've seen it it has a Japanese factory-made engine... the 3.5 VQ which I've heard has won several awards and is probably the better half of the 350Z. Of all the criticisms of the Z, those for the engine are probably the least valid.

And as funny as I find Clarkson to be, he can be a real royal jackass at times so I'll wait for Needell to review it too(can someone rip and host if its available? )

Whatever, Clarkston is a douchebag... I mean I'd never pay $30k for a 350z, but 3/10 and a C-?? Maybe he was just pissed because the seat wasn't big enough for his fat ass...

I've driven the new Z, and while I don't have quite the credientials that Clarkson has, I would hardly refer the the engine sound as 'NOISE'. In fact, I've told everyone I've spoken to about it that it's absolutely the BEST sounding V6 i've ever heard. The only 6 cylinder engine I've heard that sounds better is the straight 6 in my Dad's 4.2 litre E-Type ;)

Originally posted by ProtoConVert
so I'll wait for Needell to review it too

He did so last year and loved it.
The UK 350Z IS different to the US model. It has a better interior, a different suspension set up, bigger radiator and fuel tank and some other things.

I test drove the 350Z and RX-8 within minutes of each other with the expectation of buying the 350Z based on magazine reviews. In comparison to the RX-8, the 350Z sounded like it had rocks banging around the engine compartment when under acceleration. I guess that's the "noise" the reviewer was writing about. And this applies only from the inside of the car. As an outside observer, the 350Z exhaust has a powerful sound.

However I don't consider the "noise" a show stopper. Had the engine noise been the only drawback to the 350Z, I'd have the hood and fire wall Dynomated to kill most of the rough engine noise.

The VQ engine (in smaller forms) has been around LONG before Renault partnered with Nissan (you do know that Ghosn of Renault runs Nissan and is hailed as the best automotive CEO around). In this case Clakson is very wrong, and I think the sound it makes is good for a V6 (but does not compare to a rotary).

from the outside, i find the engine sound of the z very appealing, true, its no rotary, but it does have a very nice sound, imho
________
Essential Vaaapp (http://essentialvaaappvaporizer.com)

Critisize Nissan all you will, but one thing they know how to do is make great V6 engines. A few years back the 3.0 Litre V6 was hailed as one of the 10 best engines of all time by Car and Driver I believe. I have a car sitting in my driveway with that very engine that I will be very sad to see go.


Ike

Originally posted by m477
Whatever, Clarkston is a douchebag... I mean I'd never pay $30k for a 350z, but 3/10 and a C-?? Maybe he was just pissed because the seat wasn't big enough for his fat ass...

Heh.. you should have seen him review the Elise 2 then :)

Originally posted by ProtoConVert

And as funny as I find Clarkson to be, he can be a real royal jackass at times so I'll wait for Needell to review it too(can someone rip and host if its available? )

I can host as usual... but don't have a rip of this... infact I've not seen it, although I did see the review by Tiff, who DID like the car... (other than the plasticy interior)... mind you he had the window open all the time so probably got the benefit ot the exhaust note and didn't notice any transmitted noise which may have been present.

I've owned the G35Coupe, 350Z, and the RX8. WHile I'am extremely satisfied with the 8, the 350z and the G35C are awesome cars! Build quality is fairly good, the motor is smooth as silk and the purr...OMG. The 3.5 is the best V6 on the planet IMO. I prefered the G35c over the 350z, but now I'am driving the 8 I'am more than happy. The 8 is more of a drivable car. I need something than rode better than the Z, but had more, I guess you could say, usuable space than the G. My wife and I are expecting our first baby in the next couple of weeks and I wanted something I could put the little fella in without much effort. Thank goodness for the unique back doors on the 8!

Originally posted by AfroCreame
The 8 is more of a drivable car. I need something than rode better than the Z, but had more, I guess you could say, usuable space than the G. My wife and I are expecting our first baby in the next couple of weeks and I wanted something I could put the little fella in without much effort.

:D You've made the 8 sounds like a family car:D

Originally posted by M-ster


:D You've made the 8 sounds like a family car:D

Hahah...No I don't mean that..just that it has more room. With the G35Coupe, you head would bang against the back glass unless you were Mini Me from Austin Powers. With the 8, you have more space..

Originally posted by M-ster


:D You've made the 8 sounds like a family car:D

The beauty of the car is that it can be.

I drove by my local dealer today and saw that they now have a 350Z displayed right next to their show car RX-8 so that people can compare the 2 cars head to head.

I sincerely doubt there is gonna be a Nissan dealer with an 8 next to their Z.

That's priceless, man!

good point puppy1

Originally posted by m477
Whatever, Clarkston is a douchebag... I mean I'd never pay $30k for a 350z, but 3/10 and a C-?? Maybe he was just pissed because the seat wasn't big enough for his fat ass...


3/10, C-


They don't go together.

Wouldn't 3/10 be more like a "D".

can't remember where i read it but one of the magazines mentioned that the nissan UK engineers had radically tweaked the supension settings on the UK model, with such a great improvement that these settings are going to be copied to other countries

Originally posted by KEF
can't remember where i read it but one of the magazines mentioned that the nissan UK engineers had radically tweaked the supension settings on the UK model, with such a great improvement that these settings are going to be copied to other countries

Not just the suspension, that includes the aerodynamics as well. I think it's one of the artical in EVO.

Originally posted by rotarymagic



3/10, C-


They don't go together.

Wouldn't 3/10 be more like a "D".

Well, definately not a pass!

rx late
your sig is great