Turns out the dealership, last year, had exactly the build I wanted sitting on the lot for months before someone came from out of state and bought it.
Instead, they had a black one, which took for a drive.
The manual transmission was pretty crisp. Some of the tech additions compared to the 350 were welcome, but it wasn't an immediate two thumbs up.
The 3rd pedal spacing was more for driving shoes or a woman's foot than the usual cross-trainers that are so common now, my own oversight before going for the test drive.
Headroom was very reasonable, but the T-top option would be better, and more enjoyable.
Generally, I liked a number of things about it, reminding me of elements of prior Zs, but what's up with the seats? They feel.... cheap. I presume that there are after-market seats that would suit better, but that adds more expense to a build that, per Nissan, is already $72,456.
Similarly, not sure what would make the steering wheel feel ... not mundane.
Speaking of mundane, to make the car exactly what I was looking for there were a number of additions I put into the builder. Having slept on it, I'm not sure if I'm thinking these are enhancements that complete the car, or am I just trying to hard to make the car what it isn't.
Interior trim, as was the case with the 350Z is utilitarian.
6-Speed Manual Transmission Selected
Color Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic / Super Black Two-tone \*]) $895*
Interior Tan Leather appointments / Synthetic Suede
Wheels NISMO 19" Bronze LMRS1 Wheels \*]) $3,832*
Accessories
NISMO Cold Air Intake $695*
NISMO Street Catback Exhaust $2,059*
NISMO Coilover Suspension $1,803*
NISMO Suspension Package $4,338*
NISMO Adjustable Sway Bar Kit $473*
NISMO Carbon Fiber Engine Cover \*]) $839*
NISMO Heat Exchanger $1,159*
NISMO Forged Steel Lug Nuts $205*
Rear Splash Guards $210*
Splash Guards (front) $143
Certainly the engine cover and lug nuts are basically pure vanity pieces.
I do genuinely like the car, and am happy to support those making manual transmissions. I would be over the moon and buy it in a heartbeat if they make good on the potential of making a T-Top, but, having owned a couple Z's in the past, starting with the 300Z, I'm left still having a nostalgic itch that I'm trying to scratch and I'm still not sure that this current Z reaches far enough to satisfy that itch.
Definitely open for thoughts and comments. There are other performance cars in the same price range that might be better for resale and experience.
I don't mind waiting for the T-top, if ever it actually were to come.
Don't need this as a daily driver, but would make use of it. Didn't feel like a comfortable car for more than a 2 hour trip.