Gio
Well-Known Forum User
OK guys and gals, here's a Friday evening thought. I did look at the 350Z specific forum but this q didn't seem to quite fit.
Apologies in advance but at least I won't annoy any 350Z owners.
At the time of their sales as new cars, the 240Z and 260Z were "real" sports cars. They were evaluated up against E-types and similar focused machinery. They blew the "standard" sports cars like MGs and Spits into the weeds (sorry - as an ex MGOC member).
The 280ZX and 300ZX (Z31) were aimed at US heartland and were mentioned in the same breath as Corvettes and so on.
(I paraphrase as I am no expert and bow, in advance, to club experts)
When the Z32 came along, it was a European supercar showing that the Japanese, too, could make high-performance, high-tech grand tourers in the grand manner. But reliable, fast, excellent handling etc etc (yes I'm biased, yes I've got one.)
So what's the 350Z for? To challenge the Audi TT? If so, who cares? (taking extreme position to encourage debate)
The high-tech showcase is, surely, the Skyline now? (Not my cuppa char but respect where due.)
My point for discussion is that in the past, the Zs and ZXs were marque-defining and class-defining or class-leading bits of automotive design. The 350Z just seems a bit "me-too" in a "me-too" ordinary sports coupe class.
I'm sure it will be a jolly good car and give loads of fun to load of people but is it as special as all the Zs up til now?
Discuss. Use ink on one side of the paper only. Via a pen, if possible.
Apologies in advance but at least I won't annoy any 350Z owners.
At the time of their sales as new cars, the 240Z and 260Z were "real" sports cars. They were evaluated up against E-types and similar focused machinery. They blew the "standard" sports cars like MGs and Spits into the weeds (sorry - as an ex MGOC member).
The 280ZX and 300ZX (Z31) were aimed at US heartland and were mentioned in the same breath as Corvettes and so on.
(I paraphrase as I am no expert and bow, in advance, to club experts)
When the Z32 came along, it was a European supercar showing that the Japanese, too, could make high-performance, high-tech grand tourers in the grand manner. But reliable, fast, excellent handling etc etc (yes I'm biased, yes I've got one.)
So what's the 350Z for? To challenge the Audi TT? If so, who cares? (taking extreme position to encourage debate)
The high-tech showcase is, surely, the Skyline now? (Not my cuppa char but respect where due.)
My point for discussion is that in the past, the Zs and ZXs were marque-defining and class-defining or class-leading bits of automotive design. The 350Z just seems a bit "me-too" in a "me-too" ordinary sports coupe class.
I'm sure it will be a jolly good car and give loads of fun to load of people but is it as special as all the Zs up til now?
Discuss. Use ink on one side of the paper only. Via a pen, if possible.