Test the newest Nissan 350Z

But when the speed is high, the on-board computer seems to duplicate the speedometer readings in numbers, as if warning the driver once again about the danger. Nevertheless, I slightly let go of the accelerator pedal – I don’t like it when electronics really interferes, “cutting off the march”. And under foot, in sixth gear, there was still a reserve for a more rapid “flight.” Yes, the Nissan 350Z is a fast and uncompromising sports car.

It all started with the fact that Lufthansa “stole” half of the first day of tests from us, having discovered some kind of malfunction in the liner (well, that time, we are not offended). So we did not arrive in Nuremberg for dinner, as planned, but around six in the evening, saying goodbye to the hope of trying out the 350Z on the autobahn. But the organizers of the test drive acted wisely, suggesting that we drive at least fifty kilometers from the airport to the hotel. The calculation was simple: at 19.00 we arrive at the site, accommodate and clean up, at 20.00 the press conference starts, at 21.00 – dinner. I say this because time and speed had a special meaning that evening.

We are approaching with a colleague to a bright yellow coupe and agree that “alive” it makes a much larger impression than in photographs. Personally, I would not call its appearance super-original or outstanding. But in good style you can not refuse him. Every detail – from narrow and sharp, like a blade blade, turn signal indicators, to “smeared” like a strong wind triangular taillights – everything is organic. Perhaps even the “deliberately conceptual” door handles look appropriate. Most importantly, the exterior fully conveys the power of the car, its ability to make rapid rolls. And it is worth looking at the profile, as the slightest doubt in the amazing streamlining, which gives the body not only elegance, but provides quite a decent sports car drag coefficient (Cd = 0.29), disappear.

Opening the trunk, I unconsciously rejoiced that the airline did not deliver my suitcase with the delayed flight (it was at the door of the hotel room the next morning) – there was very little space for luggage. But enough to accommodate one bag and two trunks with photographic equipment. A small amount of luggage compartment I, however, rather pleased than disappointed. Because inside we saw a strut that came from the world of racing and rarely installed on production models. She promised special body rigidity, and, consequently, better steering obedience and confidence in turns.

It cost me to sit in the driver’s seat, as … You know, this happens infrequently: you get into a new unfamiliar car, and you immediately feel – it is tailored as if it were for you. This low fit, when the window line is just a little lower than the shoulders, tangible lateral support to the best of a hard seat, a round knob of a 6-speed manual gearbox on hand, a three-spoke steering wheel of small diameter – everything is in your liking. But adjusting the steering column caused both enthusiasm and grief at the same time. Awake – because the column rises or falls together with the instrument panel, so that the rim of the steering wheel can not overlap the scale in any circumstances. Chagrin – because throughout the test drive, I really wanted to give the wheel to myself, and there were no longitudinal adjustments. In general, the ergonomics of the driver’s place deserve praise: the readings of any of the six dials (three – right before your eyes, three – on the right and turned towards the driver) are easy to catch with a passing glance, not too distracted from the road. And there is no such lever or switch to which you would have to reach. Nissan 350Z – a car for the driver.

It was enough to start the engine and drive the first meters, as the true Japanese friendliness of the “Mr. Z” became apparent. The point here is this. Say, my favorite Chevrolet Corvette with a slow start or slow movement shows some nervousness, it literally shakes from the anticipation of this race. This tremor gets, although it disappears instantly, it is worth pressing down the accelerator pedal. That has its own charm, but Nissan is different. For the time being, he behaves quite restrainedly, giving nothing away also to the considerable potential of the 3.5-liter V6 – no vibrations, not the slightest “displeasure” under any driving conditions. What is not embodied in the metal Japanese character? Here we are at a speed of 50 km / h at the near-airport junction – in single file, behind the escort car from the company. They made a climate control unit – good! Over thirty, in the cabin in a couple of minutes +19. Involved more than a decent audio system with a CD player – it was a little more fun. We paid attention to the stylish aluminum finish, to the lid-protected empty niche in the middle of the center console, where, apparently, should be located display of the navigation system, or TV. And yet – inexpressible longing. 350Z naturally able to move not only in second gear …