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You do realize that most of the things you listed about the Z32 are reasons it was NOT like the other Zs and why it was the "black sheep" of the entire line? So toss that whole argument out about it not being "like the other Zs and breaking the lineage". Now back to differences outright, you're right about some of them and I'll address them one by one: : 350Z:
- budget-oriented performance for the masses This is what sells cars and what revolutionized the sports car industry back in the day. This is also what the 240Z and subsequent models were all about. Nissan has FINALLY come back to this after the Z31 started to get a bit off track and the Z32 went way off track. - limited technology available on demand (traction control, nav, etc.) It was the abundance of these items in the Z that A) made it heavier B) pushed it into the GT catergory and C) shot the cost through the roof and ultimately was one of a few causes to pull the car from the market. Now we have the CHOICE of spendint that money instead of being forced to. - copycat styling (audi TT, lexus sc430, toyota celica) Let me guess, you haven't walked around an actual 350Z yet in person? 95% of people change their tune INSTANTLY once they see the car and how it sits. Honestly, I can say that yes I've seen an SC430 out of the corner of my eye and thought "350Z!"...however, you can't escape look-alikes anymore and that is THAT. Hell, most people mistake the front of a Saturn for a Z at distance in the very same way. And just because the headlights have an angle to them doesn't = Celica. Have you noticed there are 8 new models that look similar to that? Celica was daring enough to try it though. As for an Audi...that's the best of all. ANYTIME someone sees a silver car with a low slung rear slope to it they think AudiTT. It's funny that this only started after the Silver cars started showing up in pics. Ever see the pic of them side by side? Amazing how different they are. - trying to be a flagship car, using the same engine as a half-dozen other nissan cars with limited modifications, an attainable car for most people It doesn't have to try, it is their flagship. The most power, best technology, etc all in this car. The sharing of the platform is something that is highly praised among those with business sense as it's very profitable and allows costs to go down (allowing superior parts/technology without passing the cost to US the consumer). I often wonder how we get this much for that little...and then I realize the smart things Nissan did. - a challenger for the audi TT, celica and perhaps porsche boxster, the 350Z is a downmarket car relative to the Z32 You MUST be joking. Have you even been over to [ www.350zforum.com? ] Even read a magazine about the car? Hell, I'll try to get you a free subscription to SportZ if I can. This car will blow away all of those cars listed. The only thing close would be the Boxster S and that's a 54K+ car. The AudiTT/Celica are mid 15-second cars and the 350Z will be a high 13 second/low 14 second car with superior braking, skidpad numbers, 0-60, etc etc. On paper it SHOULD actually be faster than a stock TT in the 1/4 mile and has already been confirmed to be a MUCH faster track/roadrace car with it's new suspension. : My conclusion is that although the Z lineage lives on, a lot of valuable brand equity has been lost and though the 350Z could prove to be a popular car, it's unlikely that it could live up to flagship potential. Clearly, the 350z has far more favorable economics, but at the high end of it's price scale it will be fighting (and likely losing) a battle with the G35 coupe. Given the cost differences between the 2 cars, I see NO problem with the G35 existing. You're right, the 350Z is an economical car...but that was the point. I love my Z32 and this 350Z will not even be close to a replacement for it...it's almost a different beast altogether to me. I'm also not running out to get a 350Z as soon as it comes out or anything either. But rest assured, Nissan has been smart about this car and how to sell it...it may not match what we, as enthusiasts, want...but it should do wonders like the 240Z did over 30 years ago. : I'd suggest that Nissan consider an NSX-type idea and bring innovative design (as evidenced in the maxima and altima) to the Z as the 350Z feels more like a 240sx that wandered uptown than a 300ZX that went downmarket. Any thoughts? Just what we need, another 300hp+ car wearing a Nissan badge that costs way too much for this economy and fades out after a few years. =)
Visit www.350zforum.com for all the latest information on the new Nissan 350Z! Zheaven.com Latest update includes full writeup on the Private Nissan/Toyota Museum Tour 09/08/01 -- Click my Z below to enter. 
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