San Jose, California – The best place in the world to drive a convertible is definitely California. And when you’re talking about a top-class convertible like the all-new 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster, with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, driving a few hundreds of kilometres on the Pacific Coast roads is a grin-inducing experience.
The Nissan Z Roadster is almost an icon. From the first-generation 300ZX Cabriolet to the latest model (third generation), this car has been a smash hit wherever it goes, even outselling the coupe variant in Canada.
Nissan designers and engineers had their work cut out for them. They were asked to create a new roadster that’s just as sporty and handles as wonderfully as the more traditional Z we so much enjoyed during Auto123.com’s sports coupe comparison test.
Sexier than ever
Admittedly, the design team has written a fantastic new chapter in the model’s history. The revamped silhouette is sexy and striking with most of the new coupe’s flowing lines and aerodynamic profile kept intact.
However, for 2010, Nissan managed to pull off something they previously failed at: integrating a soft top that does not compromise styling. The old model rather gave the impression that some amateur tuner had hastily put a retractable roof on top of the Z.
This time around, the canvas top (relatively heavier than vinyl) has been extended a few centimetere for a sleeker, more seamless roofline and overall design. In fact, for the first time ever, the Z looks just as gorgeous with the top up or down!
Said top folds away at the push of a button in less than 20 seconds. Moreover, you can put the roof back on while the car is moving at 5 km/h or under. That’s really not fast, especially when considering that some rivals allow you to close the roof at up to 50 km/h, but you will nevertheless appreciate it at red lights.
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| The best place in the world to drive a convertible is definitely California. |
The Nissan Z Roadster is almost an icon. From the first-generation 300ZX Cabriolet to the latest model (third generation), this car has been a smash hit wherever it goes, even outselling the coupe variant in Canada.
Nissan designers and engineers had their work cut out for them. They were asked to create a new roadster that’s just as sporty and handles as wonderfully as the more traditional Z we so much enjoyed during Auto123.com’s sports coupe comparison test.
Sexier than ever
Admittedly, the design team has written a fantastic new chapter in the model’s history. The revamped silhouette is sexy and striking with most of the new coupe’s flowing lines and aerodynamic profile kept intact.
However, for 2010, Nissan managed to pull off something they previously failed at: integrating a soft top that does not compromise styling. The old model rather gave the impression that some amateur tuner had hastily put a retractable roof on top of the Z.
This time around, the canvas top (relatively heavier than vinyl) has been extended a few centimetere for a sleeker, more seamless roofline and overall design. In fact, for the first time ever, the Z looks just as gorgeous with the top up or down!
Said top folds away at the push of a button in less than 20 seconds. Moreover, you can put the roof back on while the car is moving at 5 km/h or under. That’s really not fast, especially when considering that some rivals allow you to close the roof at up to 50 km/h, but you will nevertheless appreciate it at red lights.
 |
| The canvas top (relatively heavier than vinyl) has been extended a few centimetere for a sleeker, more seamless roofline and overall design. |