"Wall Poster Classics" 1990 Nissan 300ZX

The early 1990's was an odd time for the Automotive industry. Technology was finally starting to catch up with restrictive U.S. emissions. New engine development had made it possible for cars to reach horsepower levels similar to the power crazed muscle car era without destroying a rain forest with every tank of gas.

It was time for a Car company to take a leap of faith to show the U.S. and the world what was possible in new car design. Just as they had done in 1970 with the original 240Z, Nissan kicked off another decade with the amazing 1990 Nissan 300ZX.

This particular 300ZX is a 1990 2+2 model with leather, Bose, automatic and pretty much all the options available when new. It belonged to my parents and unfortunately this old girl was sold a while back. Affectionately named "Ruby," I have many fond memories of this amazing car.

The naturally aspirated 300ZX's 3.0 liter V6 produced 222hp and 200 lbs. ft. torque. Which was quite a lot of power for it's day. When the 300ZX turbo was introduced it produced an astonishing 300hp and 283 lbs ft torque! 100HP per liter was an amazing accomplishment. At the time it was the most powerful Japanese production car ever to be introduced to the United States. The 300ZX Turbo ran the infamous Nurburgring in 8 minutes 40 seconds, 6 seconds faster than the legendary Porsche 928GT! Putting all this in perspective, its easy to see just how fast this car was at the time. The Nissan 300ZX was in a league all it's own.

Soon after the 1990 300ZX hit the U.S. market. Other car makers were scrambling to play catch up with Nissan. It Took Mazda and Toyota several years to compete with their redesigned versions of the RX-7 and Supra. It even took Chevrolet 2 years to bump the mighty Corvette up to the 300hp mark.

I have driven both the N/A and Turbo 300ZX. The 2+2 model featured in the pictures wasn't really a rocket ship off the line (weight had become an issue). On the highway was a different story. It's mid range power was fantastic and I remember leaving many cars in its dust. Driving one today is still a blast. It takes big swooping curves with ease. It makes even the most timid driver feel comfortable at high speeds. The 300ZX Turbo's performance is still impressive even by today's standards, but the 300ZX did have it's flaws. I remember the breaks feeling very weak and maintenance can be quite expensive.

Many complained that the 300ZX had become big and heavy. Some even argued it had gone so far from the original 240Z, it shouldn't even be called a sports car anymore. Well, I agree actually. It wasn't.. It was a new generation GT car and a technological showcase for the time. It was the beginning of great things to come.

Towards the end of its run, 300ZX sales had dropped drastically. Pricing was high with very little changes until it's demise in 1996. I think Nissan never made any drastic changes because they didn't have to. They took all the risk and did everything so well, it was everyone else that had to play catch up. I still love seeing these cars on the road and although many have been butchered with aftermarket tuning, there are still nice original 300ZX's around. No doubt in my mind this car will become a classic.. and it remains one of my all time favorites.

Random Rants: Does anyone want to sell a car nowadays?

Many of my last posts have been about the hunt for my next car. I am probably going to end up leasing again because aside from the lower payments, I like the idea of a new car every couple years.

When I leased my last car (2004 Audi A4) I priced shopped around until I found the best quote. My local dealer did beat the lowest quote from other dealers and I felt very happy with my overall sales experience.

Car sales in my area (especially high end cars) are very slow right now. Our local economy is heavily driven by real estate and times are tough. Taking this into consideration along with the fact that 2008 models are starting to show up with 2007 models still on the lot, I figured this would be a good time to shop for a new car... Boy was I wrong!

Not ONE dealership I have dealt with thus far has given me a reasonable quote. In fact the Mazda Dealership gave me such a ridicules lease quote on a Mazdaspeed 3 (which I stated how much I loved from an earlier post) I basically walked out of the dealership. Not one follow up phone call, nothing. In fact the car is still sitting on the lot. And it wasn't just Mazda. Every dealership I've been to seems to be holding inventory close at hand. The kicker was when I called a BMW dealership on the East coast of Florida. I told the salesman exactly what I was looking for and that I would like a quote. I even told him if the numbers were right, I'd gladly make the 3 hour drive from where I am located. He told me he would run some numbers and call me back as soon as he could. Hours went by and no call. The next day I called the dealership again asking for the same salesman and was transferred to his voicemail. Left a message.. and guess what. No call back. Nothing! Nadda.. Zip!!!

I really am baffled why none of my local dealers want to sell a car right now? I know its not because they are busy. Sales are slower than molasses. Interest rates are down. So why on earth wouldn't they be trying to move inventory?

Although I really am itching to suck in that new car smell... I'll be patient and keep looking. There has to be a dealership somewhere that actually wants to sell a car!

Sydney 2007: Aussie-only 281 HP Mazda3 MPS Extreme - Autoblog

Sydney 2007: Aussie-only 281 HP Mazda3 MPS Extreme - Autoblog

Some of you may have read my earlier review on the MAZDASPEED 3. I really loved that little rocket and it is still one of my top choices for my next car. Well check out this article on what is brewing down under at the Sydney Motor Show. The Mazda3 MPS Extreme.. Wow!! 281hp! 313 lbs ft. torque!!! Not only does it have engine tweaks, it also has some wild body enhancements as well. More power can only be better right!! Unfortunately, I don't think this car will be hitting U.S. shores anytime soon.. or ever for that matter.. Hey.. one can dream though!!!

A pretty Cool MAZDASPEED 3 video

As a follow up to my review of the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3. Here is a pretty cool youtube video of a slightly modified MAZDASPEED 3....

The Search for my next car.. MAZDASPEED 3 test ride review

As my second post for Car Test Ride blog... I am going to talk a bit about the quest for my next car. The lease on my 2004 Audi A4 is up in January, so I started doing a bit of new car shopping a little early. Although I must say the build quality of a German car has spoiled me, and I swore I'd only own German cars from now on, there was one car I just had to check out in person... And that car was the 2007 MAZDASPEED 3 .. When I arrived at my local Mazda dealer.. as I pulled into the customer parking area.. of course sitting right up front was a beautiful Black over Black Speed3. A quick walk around of the car and immediately I was drawn and the subtle details that makes this car stand out from the Standard Mazda 3 sport.. I loved the stance of the 18 inch alloys.. bold but not ridicules.. I loved all the little curves and bulges that make this car look like a 800 lbs gorilla bulging out of a undersized crate with a small caution sticker "BEWARE... WILD BEAST INSIDE."

After a short chat with the salesman.. I sat in the car as he ran inside to get the keys. My first thought was, although it does have some very typical Japanese build touches (the econo box orange/red gauges)... The fit and finish was quite good. Driver room was above average (Being 6'3) I found the driving position very comfortable (even though the seat was pretty much all the way back). Trunk space was very good.. and gives an added practicality bonus when considering purchasing this car.

The Salesman soon returned and we began our test ride. First impression was the exhaust was throaty.. but not the annoying coffee can rattle of some Japanese aftermarket exhausts. I will say the clutch was a bit touchy at first... and may take a bit getting used to. As we pulled onto a main road.. I immediately pushed the car to around 70% throttle shifting at about 5500rpm. Power was almost instant from the 2.3L Direct injected I4 churning out 263hp and 280 lb ft of torque.. and I noticed very little turbo lag at all. The gearbox was short and notchy.. and seemed very easy to snap the right gear. Although Mazda has put a quite complex torque steer management system in this car, it definitely hasn't alleviated all of it. It wasn't unbearable, but made me a bit more cautious on hard acceleration. Soon after testing the cars impressive power, we then got to a more twisty area of road and I think this is where this little car really comes to life! The Handling was fantastic! It's as if this car had been set up for the track, but yet they found that perfect balance of handling without a total back breaking ride. The car pulls hard out of corners with what seems just endless amounts of grip.. and aside from the torque steer.. This car definitely can handle on par with cars 3 times its price!

And speaking of price.. The "Sport" model I tested has an MSRP of just over 22K!! A giant of a car for little costs! Some dealers do have a premium mark up on these cars.. but I'm hoping the 2008 models will be more available and help keep that price point down.

In summary.. this is a great car! I would buy one in a second! I do have some more research to do such as Car Insurance rates, and resale, but there is really nothing bad I can say about it.. Although I am a die hard German car guy.. This car is definitely on my top 5 list! (well.. of cars I can actually afford)

For more info check out http://www.mazdausa.com/