Nissan 350Z Roadster GT - I remember, many moons ago, a boyfriend of mine drove the Nissan 240Z a car I came to love probably more than him. I also remember after a heated row, grabbing the keys and storming off home refusing to give the car back until he apologised profusely for his actions. But looking back, the 240Z was the first serious car I came to drawl over. Sadly the relationship came to an end and I moved on.
But holding these thoughts, I have kept a close eye on the Nissan 240Z development over the years watching her evolve to the present 350Z now available in both Coupe and Roadster.
July 2006 saw the introduction of the GT-S concept that is now responsible for the vast majority of sales in Europe’s now being sold in this guise but overall, the Nissan 350Z has quite rightly exceeded all sales expectations to become of the worlds best loved sports cars with the Coupe version slightly ahead in a 60/40 split of customer choice.
May, this year, saw some new revisions that of the new VQ35Hr engine developing 313PS thus increasing torque to 358Nm, along with a re-designed bonnet, new exterior and interior colours, and new tyre for improved refinement. It was time for a trip down memory lane for me as I eagerly waited the arrival of the re-styled 350Z Roadster with the GT Pack.
Well, she turned up and I fell instantly in love or Lust, as the number plate happened to be L66 UST. Her looks were to die for, from the long luscious bonnet, huge 18 inch alloy wheels, body coloured door handles, electric and folding to the drop dead gorgeous roofline sloping back to the sleek rear with beautiful strip like light clusters.
Twenty seconds is all it takes for the automatic roof to open, neatly snuggling under a lightweight cover that incorporates a pair of sculpted domes, while a small glass wind deflector between the seats keeps buffeting away from the cockpit. To avoid de- capitation while operating the roof, the passenger seat is automatically moved forwards by six degrees then reverts back once the action is completed. Phew! For further peace of mind, a steel bar runs across the car behind the seats to protect passengers in a roll over accident.
As you literally fall into the deep bucket heated leather seats, this test car had the optional Alezan orange leathers on the seats, gear knob and handbrake - very cool -you know they have been designed to hold you firmly in place whist driving, but your thoughts wander to ‘how one earth am I going to get out of this car with any dignity left?’
De-flustering me is the climate control air conditioning and calming me down is the Bose 6 CD interchanger as I blast out Top Gears all time favourite driving songs. I came more in tune with this CD as it took my mind off the very un-forgiving ride this car produced with every bump in the road ricocheting into the cabin and left me with serious back aches. Disappointed was not the word. OK, she is quicker than her predecessor sprinting from 0-62mph in just 6.1 seconds, a top speed limited to 155mph, CO2 emissions come in at 288 while she achieves 23.5mpg on a combined cycle for fuel consumption.
Race developed Brembo brakes provide the stopping power needed to rein her in while speed dependent power steering lightens up for low speed manourvers such as the parking bays - be careful she is wider than you think - then tightens up for high speed and the handling is great thanks to excellent torsional rigidity. So why is the ride so utterly uncomfortable despite the large wheels? I don’t’ know but I did know I could not spend any length of time this car and that broke my heart. I tried going faster knowing the cruise control would keep me within the speed limits, thinking the faster I go the less bumps I would feel. Another illusion shattered.
So sadly moving on, keeping me safe is ABS with Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ESP with Traction Control, front, side and curtain airbags, active head restraints, while both front seatbelts come with load limiters and pretensioners. Would be thieves will be deterred by the remote keyless entry and a Thatcham category 1 alarm. My test car had metallic paint as an optional extra but look out for that fantastic Temper Orange, which I should have had judging by my mood at the end of the road test! And a Birdview DVD satellite navigation system, but I was not going to far a field to get lost in this car.
Apart from the standard cup holders, and door pockets, the central console provided extra rooms for small articles but the piece de resistance is the ability to accommodate not one but two sets of golf clubs in the boot that I did prove to be possible. Well, my golf mad neighbour did in a feeble attempt to persuade his wife this is his ideal car. She then pointed to their two children. ‘Do they fit as well? She asked innocently. Dream on.
Her price tag shows £30,795. She falls into insurance group 19, so overall with the low fuel consumption and high emissions, she is high maintenance. Now, if I had the money I would pay that for her stunning looks and street cred factor she eludes, but not for the ride she delivers.
FemaleFirst - Jackie Violet