Muse back!
November 22, 2007 / Thursday
SFIAS 2007
First the R6, and now the Z. Another vehicle off my really really want and would seriously consider buying as my next [insert vehicle type here] list.
I've been drooling over the 350Z for years now. Simply put, I think they look hot. No, not hot, hawt. I finally got to sit in one at the SF International Auto Show tonight. The exterior, still hawt. The interior, well, what's with the ugly swath of plainness on the doors? Honestly, it felt kind of cheap. It made me sad. What a letdown.
Also a surprise, but very differently so: the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky looks awesome and feels great! I'd seriously consider buying one of those (and debadging it, ha!) over a Z.
As always, checked out the BMWs even though I'll probably never get one because they're a dime a dozen here in the Bay Area. Really enjoyed the 335xi interior. Really hated its exterior. Just as well.
Sat in a bunch of Minis. LOVED them. <3 <3 <3. When they build one with a 300 horsepower engine, consider me sold. Call me, Mini, okay? Muah.
Sat in an Audi TT. It felt awesome. Too bad its exterior and teeny engine do nothing for me. Can someone build me a TT-Z? I'll take the Z body and engine with the solid classy feel of a TT interior.
Sat in an IS350. I've actually been eyeing those as a potential next car. Yes, I know, it's a sedan. Makes me feel old. It felt great, though, and retains its spot on the short list.
And now, for some whimsy. Sat in a Corvette Z06. It felt pretty sweet; too bad the car footprint makes my mental car image self feel fat. Sat in some Porsches and hated every moment of it. Sat in an Audi S5, expecting to love it, and came away disappointed. Wanted to sit in the Audi R8, but they wouldn't let me. Just as well; it's nice to have an untarnished car on the unattainable list.
Miscellaneous notes: The Xterra, still on the list. The new GTI, not much new in terms of features; things just look different. Not impressed.
A tip for future SF International Auto Show attendees: If you can go on Thanksgiving night, do it. It's totally empty there, which means you can sit in whatever you want with minimal waiting. Even better, you get to have the Fast all to yourself:
November 22, 2007 09:44 PM | GTI
Comments
Did you check out the Mazdaspeed3? vroom! all in a sleepy exterior (it's the fastest car Mazda makes). I say this cause i got to drive my dad's while visiting them this weekend, and even with the torque steer, it's a blast.
Posted by: claveles at November 24, 2007 08:07 AM
Oh yeah, I did! It's actually on my short list of potential next cars, but I don't know if it'll make the cut 'cause it's FWD. I really want either a RWD (vroom!) or an AWD (hello, Tahoe!) in my next ride. Looks overall sporty enough, and would look even better with some bikes or snowboards on top. :)
Posted by: Viv at November 24, 2007 10:22 AM
My friend has the Saturn Sky, it's not a bad car, but good luck putting your hockey gear in it. It's got absolutely no storage space. No map pockets, not even cup holders if I remember correctly. That said, it was awful fun to ride in :) He's lame though and got the standard engine and automatic (did the same with his last car, WRX - they guy's whacked).
Ironically, I did get to sit in an R8 here in the UK, holy cow that thing wraps you up like a glove. I think it was ~87,000 pounds. Thought about trying to put it on the credit card, but my limit's just a few dollars short. Also found a Rolls dealership, but open 'by appointment only' on the weekends. Bums!
Did you look at the Infinity g35? I'm curious how it relates to the Z (sacrifices too much performance for cush).
Posted by: Chris Weiss at November 26, 2007 02:09 AM
Heh, with the current exchange rate, it doesn't take much to max out the car there, I reckon. The G35 (checked out a G37 coupe, too) is cush, and feels great, but maybe too cush to feel sporty.
Posted by: Viv at November 26, 2007 09:35 AM
I'm still waiting to win the lottery and buy a BMW Z3... love those gills.
Posted by: Jennie at December 14, 2007 02:26 PM