I have updated a few things that you might want to know about:

New Email Address!!  ZCarBlog@gmail.com

I just added this so that you could email me directly without going through Rob if you so wish.  Feel free to send me any of your thoughts or harassing emails.  I appreciate them all.

I have updated the “For Sale” page a little bit as well.

• The ZCG G35 Twin Turbo now has a new price of $26,000 (practically a steal for what was invested)

It has also received new Michelin PS2 tires in the rear, new brakes on all four corners, undergone the full 60K mile service, and been upgraded with an iPhone/iPod integration system in anticipation of a new owner.

• The White 1973 240z has gone on to a new home.  Congrats to the new owner.

• The Wide-body G35 Twin Turbo has been taken off the market, the owner was just too attached to let it go.

That’s all for now.  More updates later today and over the weekend.

Taken from Nissan Press Release:

Following the total redesign of the iconic Z® for the 2009 model year, changes for 2010 are minimal – an enhanced Nissan Navigation Package with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and automatic phonebook download (select phones), 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.  The 2010 370Z Coupe also receives standard heated mirrors and in-cabin microfilter, along with one new exterior color.

Revisions for 2010 include:

• Standard heated outside mirrors
• Standard in-cabin microfilter
• Navigation Package adds Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and automatic phonebook download (select phones)
• iPod® connectivity is changed to USB connectivity
• Black Cherry exterior color replaces Chicane Yellow

The most interesting part of this for some of you is the color change.  The Chicane Yellow was never a very popular color for most of the people that I have spoken to since the car was released.  It seems that now Nissan agrees.  Even better is that they have replaced it with Black Cherry.  Everyone loves the look of the Anniversary 350Zs with a similar color.  Now is your chance to get the 370z in the color of your dreams!!

On to the Roaster info and pricing.

Nissan Press Release:

The 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is offered in four models.  The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) start at $36,970 USD for the 370Z Roadster 6MT and $38,270 USD for the 370Z Roadster 7AT.  Also offered are two Touring models, which add a 6CD Bose^® audio system, XM^® Satellite Radio (XM^®Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink^® Universal Transceiver, aluminum-trimmed pedals and power leather-appointed heated and cooled ventilated net seats.  The 370Z Touring Roadster 6MT is priced at $40,520 USD and the $370Z Touring Roadster 7AT is $41,820 USD.

Two option packages are offered (Touring model only): the Sport Package, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity. subscription required, sold separately),

So it looks like a Touring Roaster is going to cost just about the price of a NISMO?!?  is that crazy to anyone else?  Do you remember why the Z went away in 1996 for the USDM?  Outrageous pricing.  I know the new Z is a HUGE improvement over just about anything else on the market today but I would hate to see such a great car disappear again because no one can afford it.

What do you think?   Am I overly critical of the pricing?  We’ll have to wait and see how many they sell I guess.  (Let me know if you want to see the sales numbers, I have access to them)

Source: NissanNews

Here is the next set of photos from last year’s Historics weekend.  These are most of the ’50s and newer cars.  I have two more sets coming of Trans-Am/Can-Am cars as well as some really cool vintage open-wheel cars.  I hope that a few more of you have signed up through the ZONC website.  We really want to represent the Z as much as possible so please get your tickets and meet us here!

We will also be planning some sort or cruise down to the track on Saturday for the corral.  I’ll have some more info on this soon.  Have a great weekend and make sure you see all of the photos after the ‘read more’.

Link:  Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC)

…[read more]

Here are a few photos taken by one of our friends who attended the show with us.  Thanks Jim.  Enjoy

Back in March Infiniti released the Essence concept to the public.  The update in this story comes by way of a press release from Infiniti a few days ago saying that the car will be making an appearance at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.  It will be making the trip to Goodwood to celebrate the release of the European Infiniti G37 Convertible.  The most amazing part of the story though is that the Essence concept will be using all of it’s 600 hybrid-horsepower to muscle it’s way around the fabled Goodwood hillclimb course!!

What a sight it is going to be seeing this beautiful, sleek coupe make it’s way around the course.  If MotoGP wasn’t in town (and I had recently won the lottery!) I would have loved to make the trip over-seas for this event.  If you ever have the chance to go to the Festival, do it.  It is the best of the best in Motorsports’ past and present right before your eyes.  Visit the site below.

Here is the full Infiniti press release about the Essence:

NFINITI: ESSENTIAL VIEWING AT GOODWOOD

ROLLE, Switzerland (June 25, 2009) – The Infiniti Essence concept car, shown for the first time four months ago in Geneva, will conclude its pan-European tour at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed. But Essence isn’t the only Infiniti to be making its UK debut. The luxury automotive brand from Japan will also be giving visitors to the Festival a sneak preview of the new G37 Convertible which goes on sale in the UK this September. Unlike Essence, unfortunately.

The Essence concept was created as a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future … one that includes launching in the UK. The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 600PS petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. It will be on display in Goodwood’s FoS-TECH pavilion and also on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb where it will perform in public for the first time.

Joining Essence on the Hillclimb – and later in the Sunday Times Supercar paddock – will be the V6 powered G37 Convertible in right-hand drive form, the first example ever produced. The car’s appearance at Goodwood will be particularly momentous for the two British Infiniti engineers who will drive it as they have worked on the Infiniti Europe project since it started. Offered in a choice of two comprehensively equipped models, both featuring a metal three-piece folding roof, the 320PS G37 Convertible has been designed without compromise to look as beautiful with the top up as it does down. Which is hopefully the position where it will stay for the entirety of the weekend…

Link:  Original INFINITI Essence post on ZCarBlog

Link: Official Goodwood Festival of Speed Homepage