This may or may not come as a shock…

I’ve decided that I really don’t like the 370Z.

I have long been a fan of the Z cars and when they first started talking about the new Z concept in the late 90s I was very happy. They managed to capture the spirit of Zs gone by yet create a modern, well proportioned and stylish car.

By 2001, the concept had evolved to this:

Which turned out to be very close to the 350Z that was launched.

I really love this car and have been close to owning several. I was thwarted in 2005 by the last minute decision to buy a (slightly more practical) car with 4 seats (RX-8) and again in 2010 when my M3 needed trading in and I was seduced by the need for a car with more than 300 horsepower (Jaguar XKR). I still long for a 350Z when I see them on the road. They feel kind of small over here in California, but still rugged enough to hold their own amongst the muscle cars and that shape, that sinewy elegant shape…. it’s strong V6, it’s deep throated roar and most importantly it’s tail happy rear wheel drive handling.

But the 370Z that replaced it…. just doesn’t work. I’m sure it’s a technically better car (progress tends to do that) but the styling is so wrong, and made worse by new cars such as the Hyundai Veloster:

sorry – it’s not an elegant design and not worthy of the Z badge!

so today – I’m thinking about buying a 350Z 😉