Wow...Thanks everyone for the posts. I certainly appreciate the imput and advice.
Anthony,
I don't know if you read minds or just have an INCREDIBLE ability to infer meaning from a post but you are absolutely right as to everything that I am looking for: stylish, pimp, luxurious, functional, reliable, fast and I would like a Sleeper car.
Also, the craziest thing is I absolutely did add in the S4 and the 3 series to make my list more comprehensive (hoping to generate more feedback)...not really because I have ever considered them as an option. I was going to also add WRX on the list but I didn't think I would be taken seriously ;)
There is nothing about me that would ever go Euro...I have driven Honda/Acura all my life...I need RELIABILITY.
What you said about the 350Z cataloged all my concerns about the car. The tranny problems being the worst followed by the insurance costs and the fact that I would have to go with the 2003 (affordability) and that was the first model year.
As I said before in all liklihood I will go with the IS300. It is good to know I can make it faster without compromising engine quality. Bartkat, you said that those that are making it faster end up swapping to a stronger manual...are you talking 200+ horsepower faster or are referring to a more mundane 50-75 horsepower faster. I'm interested in the 70-100 horsepower variety (280-300 at the crank would be nice). Anthony's suggestion of a 3-5 k turbo would probably be the way I would go. Any testimonials about switching transmissions for that type of upgrade. I hope not. I have to have a manual and I don't want to switch trannies.
Thanks guys.
-SH