Re: Anybody see the article? (archive)

Although I haven't read the article yet for context, here is my opinions on your questions:
1) I think the seats are really excellent. I am fairly tall (6ft 3inch) and tend to accept car seating that doesn't support my thighs because most cars don't. My 540 does a pretty good job of that. My Z8 seats aren't quite as good at supporting me there, but otherwise I am very happy with them. Have had several long drives (ie. 6 hours without a break) and no discomfort.

2) Yes, there is a bit of a roar from the softtop at high speed, like freeway speeds and above. It's something that I just adjust to. As for when the top's down, well, I just expected to have the "wind in my hair" (see note above about my height) along with the sounds, so I don't find it unusual. In fact, I consider it a part of open top motoring. I haven't had any convertibles that were any quieter.
3) The center instrumentation criticism is a red herring. I not only like it (reminds me of my first car, a '68 Spitfire), and have had no trouble getting used to it at all. In fact I find that glancing to the right is just as quick as glancing straight down, once you are used to it. Either way your eyes leave the road for a split second, unless you like to use your peripheral vision to watch the tach directly ahead of you, but I have never been able to do that. I suppose serious racers learn to do that. Funny though, a couple of times at night I have been driving along and unconsciously glance down to look at the gauges and then panic when I find all the instrument lighting has failed. Then I realize there isn't any instruments there. That's a riot.

This car has personality, and you may need to adapt in small ways. Happily, it will reward you with a superior driving experience.

Harvey2

I just received this month's issue of Car and Driver and in it they compare the Aston Martin, the Z8 and the 360 Spider. What I LOVED to see was that the Z8 tied the 360 to 60 MPH, BEAT it to 100 MPH and brakes in a shorter distance.

It also mentioned a few things that they didn't like about the Z8. I'll be getting mine in about 10 days and wanted to get your opinion on something:

1) They say that the seats are uncomfortable and aren't good for long trips. Any comments from owners?

2) They noted that the wind noise with the top up is very loud and with the top down, it's like being in a wind tunnel even with the windscreen in place. Thoughts?

3) The center instrumentation bothered some of the drivers. Are you used to this setup now that you drive the car a lot?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

jeremy

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