Customer Reviews

Nissan 350Z: Behind the Resurrection of a Legend (Launch book)

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I received this book as a gift after purchasing a new 350Z. As a fan of the Z cars, it is great to have a look at some of the action that went on behind the scenes of the development of the new Z. The book goes into great detail on the concept to production cycle of the car, including pictures of various design concepts that were turned out by Nissan's design studios in California and Japan. There are also plenty of concept renderings and interviews with the designers that played a role in the design process.

I am however extremely disappointed in the lack of info on the actual production vehicle. The book starts with a quick, and probably too short, blurb on the history of the Z and then jumps into the re-design. At the end, there is a basic overview of the 350Z but it ends abruptly. Missing are chapters detailing how the sister car, the Infinity G35, was designed alongside and on the public/press reaction. Tests and comparisons against similar competing cars should have also been included.

Another area that is sub-par is the visuals. I'm not sure if there was a problem with the printer or if the author supplied poor photos, but many of the pictures printed are grainy, pixilated, and bordering on the edge of being amateur. For a book about the design of a car, high-quality photos are not only expected, but demanded. All in all, fans of the new 350Z will enjoy the book, but there is definitely room for improvement.

I ordered this book in early 2003,several months after buying my new 350Z.
The book was illustrated with dozens of photos of the car in the rare LeMans Sunset (orange) color,the same color as my car,making it very personal to me.The text,by ex-"Road & Track" editor John Lamm was bright and informative,delving into the Z-car history and the intensive development of the new Z.
I traded my 350 in Sept of 2007 and I still miss it.It will always be my favorite car ever.
I intend to be buried with the book...