The sporty new Z embraces the open air.
BY JON YANCA
Fresh from its recent sports coupe comparison test victory, the Nissan 370Z debuts in roadster form at the New York auto show. In an era dominated by folding-hardtop convertibles, we are pleased to see the new roadster retain a simple fabric top.
New Features
In its transformation, the 370Z droptop gains a shortened windshield and standard automatically latching power top that takes about 20 seconds to fold under a body-colored steel tonneau. The top can be operated via a center-console-mounted toggle or through a button on the outside of either door. A glass wind deflector etched with a small Z logo sits between the fixed roll-bars. Structural enhancements have been added to the A-pillars and side sills to make up for the lack of a roof. Also unique to the roadster are the available leather-and-cloth high-back seats, which also include heating and cooling functionality.
Same Great Powertrain
The Z roadster retains the same 3.7-liter V-6 engine found in the coupe, producing an identical 332 hp at 7000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm. Buyers will have their choice of a seven-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. The manual can be paired with SynchroRev Match, which automatically blips the throttle when downshifting for perfectly smooth gearchanges. Equipped with a manual transmission and Sport package, we have seen the 370Z coupe hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds; as the convertible is heavier by a couple hundred extra pounds, expect it to trail that mark by a few tenths. Either transmission is rated to return the same 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, only 1 fewer highway mpg than the coupe.
Packages and Options
As with the Z coupe, the roadster will be offered in base and Touring models when it goes on sale in late summer. Base cars are not offered with any of the two available optional packages, Sport and Navigation, which can only be selected when you opt for the 370Z Touring. The Sport package includes 19-inch wheels, larger sport brakes, SynchroRev Match (with the manual transmission), and a viscous limited-slip differential. Choosing the Navigation package will obviously get you navigation, as well as an upgraded sound system with a 9.3-gig hard drive and USB connectivity. Nissan has yet to release pricing, but the last Z convertible commanded about a $5K premium, so look for a base roadster to ring in around $35,000 and a Touring to nudge $40,000.
