Here is the picture that proves the Nissan 370Z is taking the fight to the Porsche Boxster!
This is the much anticipated open-top Roadster version of the Japanese firm’s all-new Coupé, which boasts a folding fabric roof. With muscular performance from its 327bhp 3.7-litre V6, rear-wheel-drive handling and stand-out styling, it should offer real wind-in-the-hair thrills.
After making its debut at the New York Motor Show, the Roadster will go on sale in the UK this autumn. It will follow a similar pricing strategy to the outgoing 350Z Roadster, with a starting price tag of around £28,500 – only £1,500 more than the Coupé.
That makes the newcomer good value alongside the Boxster, BMW Z4 Roadster and Mercedes SLK, all of which are less powerful in entry-level trim, but more expensive.
As with its predecessor, the 370Z Roadster gets a soft-top roof that automatically stows into the boot just behind the two-seater cabin. Nissan has stuck with the fabric hood as a folding metal set-up would have been too complex and heavy for the sports car.
The compact arrangement doesn’t upset the lines of the 370Z, and designers have been able to give the Roadster a simple yet muscular tail with the same fin-shaped lights as the hard-top. There are neat roll-hoops behind the seats, too. When raised, the roof is equally elegant – just take a look at the images below, which were submitted by Nissan to the European patent office. And as the topis constructed from a thick multi-layered fabric, refinement when the roof is up should be nearly as good as in the Coupé.
Chassis strengthening, particularly around the A-pillars and side sills, means that the 370Z Roadster will be stiffer than its predecessor, resulting in a more comfortable ride with less scuttle shake. The handling will benefit most from that additional stiffness, as greater rigidity in corners will lead to more precise steering, agility and grip.
Although the Roadster will be slightly heavier than the Coupé, it’s likely to cover 0-60mph in less than six seconds and hit a top speed of 155mph. Buyers will get two transmissions to choose from: a six-speed manual with Nissan’s clever throttle-blipping Synchro Rev Control technology to smooth out downchanges and a seven-ratio Tiptronic automatic with steering wheel paddleshifters.
Three trim levels will be available. There’s an entry model, a GT and a top-spec Ultimate. The latter gets leather, DVD sat-nav and a mighty eight-speaker Bose sound system.
As well as the Roadster, Nissan will be producing a 370Z Nismo, which packs a host of styling modifications including a bodykit and alloy wheel upgrades. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express