Joined
·
6,205 Posts
Hey, gang;
Spent 4 hours at the local Mitsu/Nissan dealer today, doing warranty work on my Spyder. Took the time to look for the new Spec-V. I just so happened to be there when they unloaded their first one off the truck, a nice red one.
After cleanup and a check of the fluids, we were off on a 30 minute test drive. I never drove past about 7/10ths, as the car was brand-spanking new and wasn't mine.
General Impressions: The QR25 engine is a totally different beast than the SR20. It takes getting used to a 6,200rpm rev limiter (I have that in my Spyder, too). I hit the rev limiter about 20 times.
It appears the Spec-V runs out of fun at the very same point a Classic is just starting to have fun. However, this car squirts from corner to corner better than any 4-cylinder I have ever driven. The 180ft/lb of torque is very impressive, and is apparent from as low as 2,000rpm.
This will be an excellent autocrossing engine, IMHO.
The car is over-rimmed with 17s on it. 16s would be more than adequate. The ContiSport tires are pretty good for stockers.
Initial turn-in could use some help. Couldn't drive hard enough to get understeer out of it.
6-speed: Doesn't need it. 5 speeds would be more than adequate. The shifter is pretty nice, and I'd like one in my Classic.
Rockford-Fosgate Audio Package: Worth every penny.
Interior The red cloth woven in with the black won't look good on every car, but it worked on this red car, for sure. The new gauges are okay, take some time to get used to. The old Maxima white-faced/black-faced ones would be much better, IMHO.
Exterior: I like the new shape. The rear spoiler isn't as ricey as it appears in the photos, as it curves into the rear quarters nicely. Again, the 17-inch wheels are a bit out of place, but will sell the 18-25 year olds nicely.
Engine: It is a torque-monster. The thing won't be a dragstrip queen, but will be an autocross king, IMHO, because of this engine. The throttle-by-wire takes a lot of getting used to. Pedal travel is less than conventional cable-actuated throttles.
Overall: I'd give it a solid 9 out of 10. The price ($17,8xx for the one I drove, with sunroof and audio package) is damn-near impossible to beat for the performance you get. Aftermarket support will determine how hot this car becomes in the coming 12 months. As is, it's light years beyond the Mitsu 'Lancer' that was next to it. All 120hp of it.
With 4 doors, this is truly a practical zippy car. With very minor suspension tweaks, it'll be an autocrosser's delight. It's pretty damn good, right out of the box.
Just my impressions. Hope they are of some use.
Spent 4 hours at the local Mitsu/Nissan dealer today, doing warranty work on my Spyder. Took the time to look for the new Spec-V. I just so happened to be there when they unloaded their first one off the truck, a nice red one.
After cleanup and a check of the fluids, we were off on a 30 minute test drive. I never drove past about 7/10ths, as the car was brand-spanking new and wasn't mine.
General Impressions: The QR25 engine is a totally different beast than the SR20. It takes getting used to a 6,200rpm rev limiter (I have that in my Spyder, too). I hit the rev limiter about 20 times.
It appears the Spec-V runs out of fun at the very same point a Classic is just starting to have fun. However, this car squirts from corner to corner better than any 4-cylinder I have ever driven. The 180ft/lb of torque is very impressive, and is apparent from as low as 2,000rpm.
This will be an excellent autocrossing engine, IMHO.
The car is over-rimmed with 17s on it. 16s would be more than adequate. The ContiSport tires are pretty good for stockers.
Initial turn-in could use some help. Couldn't drive hard enough to get understeer out of it.
6-speed: Doesn't need it. 5 speeds would be more than adequate. The shifter is pretty nice, and I'd like one in my Classic.
Rockford-Fosgate Audio Package: Worth every penny.
Interior The red cloth woven in with the black won't look good on every car, but it worked on this red car, for sure. The new gauges are okay, take some time to get used to. The old Maxima white-faced/black-faced ones would be much better, IMHO.
Exterior: I like the new shape. The rear spoiler isn't as ricey as it appears in the photos, as it curves into the rear quarters nicely. Again, the 17-inch wheels are a bit out of place, but will sell the 18-25 year olds nicely.
Engine: It is a torque-monster. The thing won't be a dragstrip queen, but will be an autocross king, IMHO, because of this engine. The throttle-by-wire takes a lot of getting used to. Pedal travel is less than conventional cable-actuated throttles.
Overall: I'd give it a solid 9 out of 10. The price ($17,8xx for the one I drove, with sunroof and audio package) is damn-near impossible to beat for the performance you get. Aftermarket support will determine how hot this car becomes in the coming 12 months. As is, it's light years beyond the Mitsu 'Lancer' that was next to it. All 120hp of it.
With 4 doors, this is truly a practical zippy car. With very minor suspension tweaks, it'll be an autocrosser's delight. It's pretty damn good, right out of the box.
Just my impressions. Hope they are of some use.