A few thoughts. They should have brought out this $30k model to begin with. What it is missing versus higher trims I can live without.
I can happily do without the rev-matching.
The viscous coupling LSD is weak sauce and I would rather pay less and spend money on either a 1.5 way Torsen or a 2-way clutch-type LSD.
The power delivery spoken of is not what I have experienced in a 370Z. Looking at dyno charts of stockish models reveals a fairly flat torque curve resulting in a linear power delivery.
Exhaust - I would not pay that kind of money for a Nismo exhaust. Fast Intentions makes a decent true dual catback for the 370Z. However, with even mild bolt-ons such as exhaust and intake, there are decent gains to be had. However, to fully realize them on all VQs you really need to have it tuned as they run quite lean and will have timing significantly retarded. A tune cleans that up and delivers a healthy power bump, especially mid range. That said, the VQ37VHR just doesn't sound as nice as the VQ35DE.
The big Akebono brakes that the higher trims including the Nismo model have a ton of unsprung weight. Most serious track people end up changing out the rotors for lighter 2-piece units. Also something I could do without in the enthusiast trim as I would go with an AP-racing BBK.
The vagueness in the steering is easily fixed with changing some suspension components and the geometry, dialing in more negative camber.
Want more power? The Boosted Performance twin scroll turbo kit offers a good bang for the buck. It's developed and manufactured here in Edmonton by an acquaintance of mine who is a very good fabricator. Want more? The new AAM Competition twin turbo kit is pretty awesome. I am helping a friend install one on his 350Z. Very high quality kit using cast stainless manifolds, Borg Warner EFR turbos, etc.
The price difference between the enthusiast and Nismo trim leaves a lot of coin for upgrades that would enhance the performance beyond the Nismo level.
