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2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
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Turboner
11/30/09

In reply to 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
Keep you damn slushboxes out of my "sports" cars, please? What do you want me to do, take up smoking just to give my left foot something to do?
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DoogieFullHouser
11/30/09

@Turboner: Thinks... Yes, yes I do!

-Hands free cigarette-
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günter macbeetle, codename: chrystlubitshi promoted this comment DoogieFullHouser was starred DoogieFullHouser was unstarred

günter macbeetle, codename: chrystlubitshi
11/30/09

@DoogieFullHouser: good for her and all.. but wow.. i don't think i needed to see that...............
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Rust-MyEnemy
11/30/09

In reply to 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
As a fussy bastard, I'm starting to take issue with most reviews of sports cars I ever read, and how they are drivers cars etc. etc. etc.

Yeah, they are, compared to an Infiniti or something, and I've not driven the 370z. But I have driven the 350, and;

The thing is, the limits are too damned high. There's loads of grip. Theres good weight distribution and masses of power. But unless you're really damn good (and I'm probably not) you don't really get involved other than aiming the car and pressing go.

Personally speaking, and I know I'm probably wrong here, a Drivers Car is one where you can feel the limits and know what to do when you reach them. Like an old Capri or Ford Mustang. Primitive suspension. Skinny tyres and too much power for the chassis.

That's where the fun is. Getting a "Whoa" moment at 60 and knowing how to catch it.

In this, I just know any "Whoa" moment would see me doing a Nick Hogan.

Give Nick a TR6 or a '68 Vette and maybe he'll learn something. Stick him in a Lambo with immense grip and power, and the soft tissue behind the helm starts to be a big problem.
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Wes Siler
11/30/09

@Rust-MyEnemy: We've addressed that concern with the Z a couple of times, first in Matt's review:

[jalopnik.com]

Then in mine:

[jalopnik.com]

And I think it's a totally valid criticism. Luckily, there's an affordable, practical solution. Just buy a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, it makes all the same moves as the Z, but its limits are lower so it's more fun to drive in everyday conditions and for a wider range of drivers.
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Wes Siler
11/30/09

@Rust-MyEnemy: Oh, and here's that Gen Coupe story:

[jalopnik.com]
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Rust-MyEnemy
11/30/09

@Wes Siler: Yeah, I read them, i'm totally with you and not hatin' or nuttin.

I just think it's a shame so many people have forgotten what driving is all about.

Keep up the good work by the way!
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tonyola
11/30/09

@Rust-MyEnemy: Oh, how I agree with you. Friends with powerful and capable sports cars or luxosport sedans laugh at me when I tell them how much fun I had with a CRX, but they just don't understand. It was like driving a comfortable and rain-proof go-kart. Every outing was an adventure and a potential test of the car's ability. Light weight and not having scads of reserve power meant I was able to drive at 7/10 or 8/10 in conditions where the 370Z might be at 3/10. I learned all about what the limits of the CRX were. My friends will probably not get the chance to do the same in their ubercars.
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Rust-MyEnemy
11/30/09

@tonyola: Yep, I had an old Rover. Heavy, didn't handle, wasn't fast. And I had so much fun as it was at 8/10 pretty much the whole time.

In fact you needed some skill to keep the damn thing pointing the right way.
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brick-geek
11/30/09

@Rust-MyEnemy: I know what you mean. I love my S60R. It is a wonderfully refined daily driver and can be sporty in advanced mode. However, I am just not comfortable pushing her to the limit. Maybe on a track somewhere, but certainly not on a public road.
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SlowMo (actually, there's no E on my R)
11/30/09

@Rust-MyEnemy: I agree. And I think that is a problem even with entry cars that new drivers are likely to own. A Ford Focus can probably out-handle many a 1980's sports car (that'd be a fun comparison article). So drivers just think they can go as fast as their engines will propel them and they only have to turn the wheel (like a lot of SUV drivers in the snow). Older, slower cars are way more fun because they keep you thinking about what the car is trying to do. Cars with super high limits scare me because I think I won't know I'm in over my head until I'm going much faster. I'll take 'em old and low-adhesion, thanks.

Fantastic car and nice write up though.
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brandegee
11/30/09

With that kind of waist and that kind of price (up to $46K!!!) you'd think they'd splurge on a convertible hardtop.
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Rust-MyEnemy
12/01/09

@SlowMo (actually, there's no E on my R): It's just as well our friendly 'Lopnik scribblers seem to be able to drive a bit, and the write-ups are always worth reading.

I'd love to see a few reviews of older cars, just to get a bit of context. What does a SVO Mustang feel like compared to a Genesis Coupe? That sort of thing.
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Rust-MyEnemy
12/01/09

@brick-geek: Hell of a car, the S60R. Anything that builds on the T5 legend is awesome, and a bit of understeer is fine in the right hands..
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SlowMo (actually, there's no E on my R)
12/01/09

@Rust-MyEnemy: I think that would be great. Like a 2L Alfa GTV vs mid-90's Sentra SE-R vs ... hmmm well, some small-ish fun 2-door sedan from today... maybe a 1-series? I always remember when Grassroots Motorsports put a Honda Odyssey minivan on an autocross course and compared it to a 365 and an E-type. It lost at first but they put some better tires on it and the minivan beat 'em both.
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Edited by SlowMo (actually, there's no E on my R) at 12/01/09 9:38 AM

pauljones
11/30/09

In reply to 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
It's nice to know that it drives and performs well, but I just can't get over the oddball looks it is sporting, and this is coming from a guy who likes the looks of the original 350Z coupes.
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Jeremy
11/30/09

In reply to 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
It looks really nice. Though I liked the last Z Roadster, too.
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bmoreDLJ
11/24/09

In reply to Top Gear's "Car To Save The World" Independently Reviewed
In the episode, I wish they'd shown more of the actual fabrication of the vehicle (the part of it they participated in, if any, that is) than those awful compliance tests. Although I have to say, Clarkson's mood room looked like an amazing place to spend time.
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Edited by bmoreDLJ at 11/24/09 12:02 PM bmoreDLJ was starred bmoreDLJ was unstarred

mechimike
11/24/09

In reply to Top Gear's "Car To Save The World" Independently Reviewed
It looks like a postal van that got sideswiped by a barn.

Bet that wooden door has a nice, low carbon footprint, though!
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OG_
11/24/09

In reply to Top Gear's "Car To Save The World" Independently Reviewed
And no mention of this here on Lutzopnik?!
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beercheck promoted this comment Edited by OG_ at 11/24/09 10:16 AM OG_ was starred OG_ was unstarred

beercheck
11/24/09

@OG_: Tune in yesterday for the exciting conclusion to this program.
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OG_
11/24/09

@beercheck: My fault! Missed yesterday completely.
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Mobius
11/24/09

In reply to Top Gear's "Car To Save The World" Independently Reviewed
But if you read the road test, you will find that is 3rd in the list of all time favourite electric cars, coming in before the golf cart and the G-Wiz.

Probably really does show how empty this market this, as well.
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Paul Y. can't get in the club; gotta parking lot pimp
11/24/09

In reply to Top Gear's "Car To Save The World" Independently Reviewed
I don't think I had ever laughed so hard at Top Gear as I did watching that episode.
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Mr_Biggles
11/24/09

@Paul Y. don't drive too fast.: Agreed. I laughed so hard I think I experienced a fizzing sensation just behind my penis.
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beercheck
11/24/09

In reply to Top Gear's "Car To Save The World" Independently Reviewed
Aaand hat-tip @Battles!
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Rust-MyEnemy
11/24/09

In reply to Top Gear's "Car To Save The World" Independently Reviewed
It would have taken a visionary like Le Corbusier or Loewy to have created a vehicle as forward-thinking as this. From the modular power-plant to the 100% non stressed body, they even had the forsight to use raw aluminium which displays patina from new, before it has even began to collect the usual parking dings and jealous scratches.

Just as Shaped By The Wind styling was a proponent of cutting-edge automotive designs of the past, this body panels of this car will literally be shaped by any gentle breeze it encounters.

If Teslar had badged it, they'd have had a world-beater on their hands.
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Edited by Rust-MyEnemy at 11/24/09 9:27 AM Rust-MyEnemy was starred Rust-MyEnemy was unstarred

Bertone77
11/24/09

In reply to Top Gear's "Car To Save The World" Independently Reviewed
The aerodynamics are obviously what makes it so efficient, the big automakers should take note.
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RachelSklar
11/20/09

In reply to 2010 Shelby GT500
Isn't a live rear axle kind of an Achilles heel for lesser-performance Mustangs?
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Wes Siler
11/20/09

@RachelSklar: It's one of those things that everyone talks about, but it doesn't manifest any physical limitations, it just adds character.
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RachelSklar
11/21/09

@Wes Siler: Oh. I was just saying words there, btw.
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not_a_virus.exe.vbs
11/20/09

In reply to 2010 Shelby GT500
Not to be morbid, but when 'ol Shelby goes to the great racetrack in the sky, what will happen to Shelby cars? I like the GT500 strictly for performance sake, I could care less about it being a collectible or worth money in the future. When you buy a car, your first priority should not be to make money down the line. I really doubt these cars will be worth so much in the future because of the name. The older cars, yes, not the newer ones.
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Earl_of_Gumout
11/19/09

In reply to 2010 Shelby GT500
After driving a new Camaro as a rental, I need to go look at a Mustang. Theres hardly any headroom in a Camaro. It makes me feel, well, like I am ducking my head while driving. And this is from a Corvette owner. Maybe it's because I have a clear roof in the Corvette?
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Wes Siler
11/20/09

@Earl_of_Gumout: Nah, the Camaro's claustrophobic, try the 'stang, it's the better car.
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