Are Porsche's Latest Actions Sacrilegious?

Since the late 1990s, Porsche has seen a shift in their vehicles.

First, the iconic 911 (996) Carrera shifted from utilizing an air cooled motor to a water cooled motor.

Then, Porsche introduced the Cayenne sport utility vehicle. Following this were announcements proclaiming a hybrid and diesel were on the way -- this week diesel production commenced.

Most recently, however, is the debut of a four-door saloon, the Panamera, targeted at the Maserati Quattroporte and Aston Martin Rapide.

Source: Press.Porsche.de

Has Porsche sold out?

Feel free to weigh in and check out the full article.

rp

Nissan Viewing: Part II

So, let’s get down to brass tacks. This is the car everyone was here for, the new Nissan 370Z.

Source: rp

Disclaimer: Pictures do not do this car justice. It has to be seen in the flesh to be fully appreciated.

Adorned in a rather loud yellow, the new Z has a rather menacing looking stance. Certainly, this Z is not messing around. While the 350Z remained rather angular and squared off, the 370Z has injected a bit more sexuality and fierceness into its design.

What do I mean?

Looking at the new clamshell roof line, I have fallen in love. Personally, I believe the A-pillar should have remained blacked out, a la GTR and Koenigsegg CCX, to emphasize this new, gorgeous roof line.

Source: Nissan North America

Delving into the side profile and side-view mirrors you will notice that a lot of the sharp edges of the 350 have been smoothed out and gives the car a much more fluid look as opposed to the rigidness of the previous generation. Next, is my favorite aspect of the new 370Z – the C-pillar and how its line retreats upwards. Thank God that Nissan’s designers got rid of that plain, unimaginative beltline, which graced the 350. Whether it is revived from the Datsun 240Z is not important; it just looks good, period.

Walking around towards the rear end of this vehicle reveals a very wide and impressive stance. What is this thing a Testarossa? Christ, it appears that much wider. On top of that, this particular Z was equipped with the optional 19 inch rims, which boasts 10 inch rear tires.

Source: rp

Kudos for imagination.

Now, the most controversial aspect of the design is clearly the headlights and taillights. Nissan public relations claims they are “barbed,” and meant to evoke emotion and blah blah. “Barbed,” or not I am not a huge supporter; however, it is an interesting departure from the Nissan/Infiniti of old, which commonly featured rectangular headlights. For the Z the headlights work; for the Maxima, not so much.

Source: rp

Settling into the cock pit reveals, once again, a smoother and more fluid design. A newly designed steering wheel improves knee room for giants, like myself, and the integration of a navigation unit – pictures show similarities the FX loaner I had – gives the Z a much more Infiniti-like feel.

Source: rp

Source: Nissan North America

Speaking in terms of design, the Z is a major shift. A welcome one, at that. The exterior exudes some characteristics inherited from the Datsun 240Z while the interior has learned a thing or two from its siblings at Infiniti. Well played, Nissan.

Specification wise, the 370 has made improvements in all the right places. The engine has power bump,332-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 revs-per-minute, stemming from a new 3.7 V6.

Most likely the exhaust note will sound very similar to the Nissan/Infiniti’s of late, which have a low-end burble that eventually turns into a shriek.

Optional brakes provide four piston, 14 inch rotors in front while the rear is supplied with two piston, 13.8 inchers in the back.

Source: rp

The new six-speed manual has the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system, which essentially eliminates the need for heel/toe action. Have no fear wannabe rally champions, you too can live vicariously through your 370Z by turning off this system VIA a button on the center console. Or, you can keep things simple with a seven-speed automatic boasting paddle-shifting technology. Your call, really.

Overall, the 370 is a tremendous departure from the bland 350. It is much more exciting and has a much improved side profile due to the refresh.

As with the Cube, hopefully, AT will be able to get behind the wheel of one soon.

rp

Nissan Viewing: Part I

After a long hiatus, with good reason as you will see in the upcoming weeks, AT is back!

This past Thursday night, Nissan hosted a nice, little viewing of the updated 370Z and the soon-to-be imported Cube.

Source: rp

The Nissan Cube is exactly what the name says it is, a cube. Although many will likely say the design is reminiscent of a Scion Xb, it has been on the market since 1998 – in Japan. Personally, it does not matter “who-dun-it,” because it is remains a trendy, hip design.

I will be the first to admit the current generation Cube’s design is a bit more appealing; however, the refresh is not a slacker either. Some aspects of the vehicle caught my eye immediately. For instance, the curves on the B-pillar provide a unique touch and are brilliantly executed in a contemporary fashion. And, upon closer inspection the windshield has a slight curvature towards the top, which is nothing less than beautiful.

The coolest aspect of the exterior has to be the rear door, which is hinged on one side. The sleek design reminds me of a hefty, impenetrable bank vault. Although Nissan concealed the hinge with a bulbous bit of sheet metal, I think it would have looked better with an obscenely chunky, aluminum exposed hinge.

Source: rp

Sliding into the cockpit you are confronted with a curvy, meandering dash and a helluva lot of headroom. It is remarkably airy. The A-pillars are placed extremely far in front of you, thus, providing a lot of length between you and the windshield. Essentially, this is totally the opposite of old-school Porsches where you may have felt as though you were wearing the windshield as glasses.

Source: rp

Something that caught my eye was the interesting control set up on the center stack. A circular array of buttons and controls for the HVAC unit. I am curious if that circular set up becomes irritating and confusing while driving and not paying attention to where you are poking or proding.

The underlying problem with this car: it is not a tremendously groundbreaking design after 10 years overseas and many consumers will observe the car’s silhouette and proclaim “it’s just a box!” It is unfortunate that many will overlook the little details this spiffy little car has to offer.

Source: rp

More than likely, this vehicle will sell big with younger crowds who prefer personalization, which is a major selling point of this particular vehicle. Scion should get their ammo ready accordingly as this car felt more solid than their offerings.

My grievance: why wait so long to get this car here?

Hopefully, this coming spring Automotive Times will be able to get behind the wheel and get some serious driving impressions. Time will tell.

To summarize: the Cube is essentially a gigantic iPod with four wheels targeted at the iPod generation.

rp