Nissan has released its full official photos of the new 370Z Roadster in New York ahead of its debut at the 2009 auto show. As expected, it’s a straightforward decapitation of the thrill-seeking 370Z Coupe, with a good, old-fashioned canvas soft-top in keeping with the Zed’s no-nonsense character.
There’s structural reinforcement in the A-pillars and side sills to counter the lack of roof, but Nissan says numerous body panels are made from aluminium to keep weight in check. The bonnet, door panels and bootlid are all crafted from the lightweight metal and there are individual, fixed roll bars behind each seat.
Providing the fun is the 327bhp/270lb ft 3.7-litre V6 with variable valve lift and the choice of a seven-speed auto or six-speed manual transmission. To find out what we think of the 370Z coupe, read our first drive here.
Are there creature comforts galore on the new 370Z Roadster?
You bet. It’s no coincidence the 370Z Roadster is being launched Stateside, the likely biggest market for the rag-top. Gizmos include heated and cooled seats, and that fabric roof operates with a one-touch button (there’s even a switch on the exterior door handles) and there are no unseemly manual locks. Raising or lowering takes 20 seconds.
If you require further kit, just spec the Touring spec. In the US market at least, it adds the climate-controlled seats, Bluetooth, eight-speaker Bose stereo, alloy-tipped pedals and a digital radio.
US sales start in summer 2009; expect UK sales some time after, priced from the low £30k region – making it a very tempting alternative to the likes of the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4.
What about the Nismo 370Z?
Showgoers at New York also saw the new Nismo-tuned 370. Although not bound for UK showrooms, the hotter Zed has a 3.7 V6 tuned up to 345bhp and 276lb ft with a revised exhaust system and the self-blipping six-speed manual.
The under-bonnet fireworks are matched by a chassis work-out: LSD, stronger brakes and revised suspension settings are standard, while a more menacing body kit adds visual drama. We haven’t got our hands on any photos of the Nismo yet, but will add these in the next few hours.
