Hot on the heels of the giant-killing 370Z coupe, Nissan's new 370Z roadster is a stylish two-seater drop-top that mixes hair-raising performance with hair-raising open-topped driving.
Based on the latest generation 370Z coupe - with its shorter wheel base, reduced weight and lusty 3.7-litre engine - the new convertible Z offers the same deft handling and acceleration as the tin-top but with an alfresco interior.
With its dramatic, flowing lines, the 370Z takes its cue from the Nissan GT, while its fluid curves are reminiscent of the Datsun 260Z of the 1970s. The roadster's exterior design features an arch-shaped character line that runs from the boomerang-shaped headlights via the waistline back to an aerodynamically rounded rear deck.
Available in eight body colours - including a new deep maroon with matching tonneau - the new roadster cuts a dash with large 19-inch forged aluminium alloys designed specifically for the model.
The interior features beautifully trimmed hide, large sport dials, aluminium pedals, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system. The leather seats are unique as they have air conditioning installed internally to cool passengers in the summer - and proved very effective on a drive around the city on a hot spring day.
The convertible's soft top is fully automatic and takes about 20 seconds to put up or retract. With the roof open, the lined canvas top stows out of sight beneath a metal storage lid behind the cabin and when the top is up, the roof-line helps accentuate the 370Z's long nose/short cockpit proportions. The soft top can also be opened outside the vehicle by pressing a switch on the key.
