Nissan 350Z Roadster - Open for business
By adding a folding roof to the iconic 350Z, Nissan has added a new dimension to its successful sportscar
At a glance
- Automatic power hood
- Rear wheel drive chassis
- Unique ventilated seats
- Exhilarating performance
- Driver oriented cockpit
- Tuned exhaust note
- Colours and options
"One word describes the 350Z Roadster: passion. It has been designed with passion and should be driven with passion, too. The combination of an exhilarating driving experience and the thrill of wind in the hair motoring is something to be savoured."
Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co Ltd.
Adrenalin rush
Now enthusiasts wanting to enjoy the heady mix of performance and the adrenalin rush only available from a soft top have the answer: the 350Z Roadster. It's a car that promises all the appeal of the 350Z Coupé with the added bonus of fresh air fun: truly the best of both worlds.
The 350Z Roadster has been designed without compromise. Propelled by the same award-winning 3.5-litre V6 engine as the Coupé and with the same chassis, the Roadster adds another chapter to the Z story.
Automatic soft top
The 350Z Roadster has an automatic soft top, which takes 20 seconds to raise or lower. When lowered, the roof stows away under a lightweight tonneau cover made from thermo-plastic resin – also electrically powered – in front of the boot lid, and reveals a pair of sculpted domes behind the seats. A small glass wind deflector is fitted between the seats to reduce the levels of turbulent air entering the cockpit. When raised, it is held firmly in place by a triple lock/single latch system, which secures the roof to the windscreen header rail in three places following a pull of the central latch. A heated glass rear window helps ensure good visibility in all weathers.
Sense of purpose
But whether the roof is up or down, the Roadster's design remains faithful to the strength, athleticism and clear sense of purpose of the 350Z. Extra strengthening has been incorporated into the platform to ensure the Roadster provides enjoyable handling, as well as eradicating body shake over poor surfaces. Features such as the 350Z's signature bracing cross strut situated in the luggage area can also be found on the Roadster, albeit hidden between the roof storage area and the boot.
Ventilated seats
The ventilated leather-trimmed seats are unique to the Roadster, and feature a woven knitted centre section which allows fresh air to circulate around the occupants' bodies, further enhancing the fresh air experience. The Roadster's cockpit is driver oriented. The tachometer dominates the dials and is flanked by the speedometer and a combination gauge for fuel and engine temperature. Further performance information is supplied by three hooded gauges on top of the dashboard: they are deliberately angled away from the passenger and directed towards the driver – just as they were in the original 240Z.
Storage space
Sporty convertible cars might not be renowned for their luggage carrying capacity, but the 350Z Roadster provides more storage space than most. As on the Coupé, there is a large lockable storage box behind the passenger's seat, while the boot
is surprisingly large for a car of this type. Virtually square, it holds 130 litres of luggage and is practical enough to accommodate a set of golf clubs or full size suitcase.
Tuned exhaust
The Roadster's engine is the same as that in the Coupé – a 206 kW 3.5-litre V6 driving the rear wheels via a short throw six-speed manual gearbox. It is mounted at the front of the car but as far back in the chassis as possible, for the best possible weight distribution. With a tuned exhaust note, the all-alloy 24-valve twin cam motor has Nissan's Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) to help it deliver optimum performance and torque. The propshaft follows motor racing principles and is made from lightweight carbon fibre. The result is an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h while 0-100km/h takes 6.4 seconds.
Racing suspension
A low centre of gravity and 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution coupled with a wide track and lightweight forged aluminium multi-link independent suspension ensure good handling balance while high levels of grip are provided by the Bridgestone RE040 tyres mounted on handsome alloy wheels. Following racing principles, both front and rear suspension assemblies are mounted on separate sub-frames. Stopping power is enhanced by Brembo brakes featuring the company's signature gold coloured callipers.
Standard equipment
The Roadster has a comprehensive array of standard equipment, including power-operated soft top, wind deflector, premium quality BOSE sound system, climate control, cruise control and heated power seats. Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) are complemented by the Brembo-developed ABS braking system, while standard safety features include front and side airbags. Also standard: stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, and charcoal leather-covered heated seats.
Body colours
Six vivid exterior body colours are available, two solids – Red and Black – and four metallic finishes – Orange, Gun Grey, Blue and Silver.
Options
Ventilated seats with Burnt-Orange leather and dark net (with Orange leather covering for the gear shift knob and handbrake) is available on Silver, Gun Grey, Sunset Orange and Black roadsters. The hood is available in two colours: Black, which is available on all body colours, or Blue, which is available on Silver, Gun Grey or Blue cars.
"Years after the original 240Z stole the hearts of the motoring enthusiast, Nissan is still a sportscar leader. The 350Z Roadster will enhance the legendary status of the Z badge still further", said Carlos Ghosn.
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