Thread: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

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.

Full Story: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster - Auto Shows/Production Debuts/2009 New York Auto Show / NYIAS - Auto Shows/Auto Shows/News/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

Pretty sexy looking car.

That thing is damn sexy. And I wanted to get the 350z at some point. Change of plans lol!

I have the 350 coupe but I could just never get myself to like the roadsters. When you take away the hard top the cars butt just looks way too big. Nice tail lights tho? lol

For 40k, that looks like a solid car. If this model is only available as a convertible, it will drive some customers away. Personally, if I were to spend 40k, i would prefer having a hard top... and not just a hardtop you clip on, a REAL hard top. Judging it's 0-60 time it looks pretty quick. I'm surprised that i don't see more 350Z on the street since they are pretty cheap for the specs you get. Other than the slow opening rag top (lol) i don't see much of a change from the 350Z. Maybe they just wanted to change the name hehe.

It's available in hardtop too, and it's cheaper to get the hard top, they were just showing off the roadster which I really really like the lines of. its one of those cars that looks totally different in a ragtop vs. hardtop. I'd personally take a G37 any day.

I love all nissans, but this is a very nice car.

Not manly enough.

Great car for the mrs though :)

This car is so damn hot!