The wait is over, the Roadster is here and the 370Z line-up is even more exciting than ever. While the quality, performance and thrills of Nissan’s much loved Coupe have already made it a hit with sports car fans, the 370Z range is now complete following the arrival of the stunning Roadster version.
Anyone wanting the ultimate wind-in-the-hair performance will have a choice of two trim levels – the standard 370Z Roadster or the GT Pack. Crucially, all models come with the same 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which is at the heart of every 370Z. Now compliant with the latest Euro 5 emissions regulations, the V6 packs a 328 PS punch to go with its glorious engine note.
Even standard Roadster models come equipped with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable seats, an engine start/stop button, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls and Bi Xenon headlamps.
Upgrade to the GT Pack and the list of standard kit grows to include black suede and leather seats, an 8 speaker BOSE audio system, 19-inch forged alloy wheels and cruise control.
Every inch the understudy to the mighty GT-R supercar, the 370Z’s performance is far from diluted in Roadster form. The 370Z was designed from the start to be a thoroughbred Roadster from the ground up as well a thrilling Coupe. As a result, minimal weight has been required for strengthening and driving dynamics are everything Z fans would expect.
Not previously available on the Roadster in Europe, an advanced 7-speed automatic gearbox is offered alongside the conventional 6-speed manual transmission. GT Pack models also benefit as standard from SynchroRev Match – the world’s first synchronised downshift rev matching manual transmission – while buyers of all variants can enjoy the Nissan’s acclaimed rear-wheel drive chassis.
Best of all, this can all be experienced with the roof down. The Roadster’s black hood not only gives an authentic convertible look and feel, but its shape has been styled to look great up or down. The one motion closed-to-open movement takes around 20 seconds and a specially developed full body-colour hard tonneau cover helps to eliminate wind turbulence at speed.
And anyone who thinks sitting in a convertible in the summer sun can get a bit hot and sweaty can think again. Standard on GT Pack models, the 370Z’s newly developed seats are air conditioned, allowing chilled ventilation through their netted material so that both the driver and passenger can keep cool with the roof down no matter what the weather. What’s more the seats also make winter top-down driving a pleasure as they can also push out hot air to keep you warm.
Prices start at £29,900 for the 370Z Roadster and rise to £36,150 for the Roadster GT Pack with Sat Nav. A full price list can be found below.
Nissan’s UK MD, Paul Willcox comments: “The UK might not be experiencing perfect convertible weather right now, but having the 370Z Roadster on sale in Britain in time for spring is great news for performance car fans. There’s nothing like hearing the Z’s roar up close with the hood down!”
The launch of the 370Z Roadster also marks the arrival of the 2010 model year Coupe. In addition to the engine tweaks bringing its V6 powerplant in line with the latest environmental regulations, the Z is now available with Uphill Start Support to make getting the best out of the sporty Nissan even more stress-free (not fitted on the standard model).
A number of tweaks have also been made to the luxurious two-seat cabin including the addition of Connect Premium. Priced at £1,500, the system is borrowed from the GT-R and comes equipped with a 40GB HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and advanced Satellite Navigation. The dashboard mounted screen has a resolution now four times higher, while the new unit features a touch screen display, DVD functionality, iPod USB connectivity and coverage of more European countries than ever. The system also offers 10GB storage for music files which can be imported direct from your CD collection.
