What's not to like? The near-horizontal rear window, the stylish quarter windows, and the tall seat backs annihilate the view to the sides and rear. First gear in the manual transmission sounds like it came from a garbage truck and there's a subtle but annoying whine from under the hood proportional to rpm that sounds like an unruly fan or drive belt. The engine and transmission team are discordant when thrashed. And the button that unlatches the center-dash storage box (where the optional navigation screen lives) is awkward to operate.
The most loveable detail is the new 370Z's price. With a base tab of $30,625, this is the screaming sports car deal for tough times. You'll certainly want the Sport Package, which will probably add another three grand but the base equipment is so generous you'll be able to bypass the Touring edition's creature comforts (mainly Bose audio, power seats, and leather trim). Adding navigation, which includes Ipod connectivity and a 9.3gigabyte Music Box hard drive, is possible only after you step up to life in the Touring lane.
So keep the faith. With the world economy in a funk, at least we can find solace in nifty sports cars like the 370Z when our spirits need a lift.