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Wow! The body is still in motion from driving a sports car that would be more aptly described as a Zupreme car. Its nearly impossible to hide the unrelenting passion to drive the 350Z. For those who like fast cars, the Z moves. Powered by a 287 horsepower, 274 pounds-feet of peak torque, 3.5-liter V6 engine, 350Z leaves a wake that ripples on both sides of the highway. (And its a blast to track the odometer via the orange hue gauge pod beyond the steering wheel or via the driver angled digital number counter on the upper dash.) The electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with manual downshift/upshift at first glance seems like a definite second choice to the 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, but this car is not for conventional thinkers.
The rear wheel drive, two-seat 350Z is sold in seven versions, including the 500-plus mile tested 350Z Touring. Standard fare on the Touring version includes a traction control system, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, Bose AM/FM/6-disc CD audio system with seven speakers, 3 cup holders, cross-drilled aluminum foot pedals, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. The option list includes a $1,999 DVD navigation system, which should be redesigned to have better interface mechanisms. For instance, a relatively small toggle requires just the right top of toggle touch to enter a command, and there needs to an easier and quicker method for entering points of interest and other destinations. MSRP of the 350Z Touring is $31,589.
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