SHIFT_next toy

When the Honda S2000 first came out in late 1999 as a 2000 model, I thought "Hmmmm nothing more than a supped up Miata on roids." Then the S2000 made the coverart for the JDM version of Gran Turismo 2 and my ignorance left me as my eyes opened...



WOW. In May 2001, I went for a test drive and I was sold. It stirred my soul, like no car ever has. 4 years and 2 S2000's later, I'm still sold and seeing the tach light up all the way to 9,000 RPM's is just special.

Now I'm looking for another toy, my next toy. At first I was convinced it would be the M3... power and luxury, the perfect GT car, what more can you ask for? However its been plaqued with problems and it lacks that special something, soul.

I briefly thought about the Nissan 350Z in 2003 but the interior, especially that cheap navigation/storage door, killed it. I kept looking... RX-8, the psuedo sports car/funny 4 door sedan, nope. E90 M3, but for $75K I rather drive a Porsche Boxster or Cayman. G35 Coupe, maybe.

Recently while visiting Powerhouse Amuse, I encountered this photo...



WOW. So last Saturday, while my friend and I were car shopping for his new ride, we saw a 350Z Track in Pikes Peak White and Carbon Black interior. Stunning! I asked for a test drive and a few minutes later I was sitting in this 300HP beauty adjusting the driver's seat and mirrors. The exhaust note is amazing, third only to Ferrari and Porsche. Power is plentiful at almost any RPM. Handling is very good, not S2000-like awesomeness but with a set of coilovers and braces, it will be tight. The salesgirl warned me about the "sensitive" clutch but after a few shifts I was used to it already. I felt comfortable, it fit me like a glove.

So I went for a test drive and I am sold. Yeah it still has the navigation/storage door that screams hi I'm made of cheap ass plastic but then again no car is 100% perfect. It has stirred my soul, like the S2000 has. The 350Z Track will be my next toy soon, very soon. Put on some 19" bronze Volks, Amuse body kit and exhaust, ah its another money pit in the making...