One car, one driver
It’s more than obvious this time that Nissan wanted to offer Z owners a true driver-oriented cockpit that’s beyond reproach. For starters, the dashboard and instrument panel are clearly centered around the driver for optimum readability.
That being said, the redesigned steering wheel may look cool but its beefier structure makes it harder to find those instruments. I had to perform a couple of daring manoeuvres in order to be able to read the daily trip meter while driving.
As far as interior fit and finish goes, however, I have nothing but good words for Nissan. There’s a superb combination of leather and suede. Plus, the high-quality seats are snug and generously supportive, complete with a rather effective heating/ventilating system built in the cushions.
In Canada, only the leather-appointed Touring model will be available. And it’s pretty loaded, too. The list of options is basically limited to a Sport Package (19-inch wheels and Nissan’s SynchroRev technology which makes heel-and-toe driving with the manual gearbox a fun, easy game) and a Navigation Package (Sport Package plus navigation and a few other electronic gadgets).
Great powertrain
Under the hood of the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is the same 3.7-litre V6 that motivates the new coupe as well as the Infiniti G37. Total output is rated at 336 horsepower and is unleashed in smooth, flexible fashion. It’s all met with a sweet exhaust note that could sometimes use a bit more punch.
In fact, with the top over your head, the cockpit becomes eerily quiet. Road noise, unfortunately, is still very much present, but that’s only because the powerplant keeps a low profile.
Engineers paired it with a precise-shifting 6-speed manual transmission that offers a nice grip. The aforementioned SynchroRev technology performs throttle blips and rev matching when downshifting, thereby producing a subtle rumble that’s more associated with race cars than my typical driving habits. Sure enough, it allows you to reaccelerate at the perfect time without losing any power or momentum. Now that’s brilliant mechanical execution! Gear changes are nicely felt through the shift knob, giving drivers an extra sense of control.
It’s more than obvious this time that Nissan wanted to offer Z owners a true driver-oriented cockpit that’s beyond reproach. For starters, the dashboard and instrument panel are clearly centered around the driver for optimum readability.
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| Nissan wanted to offer Z owners a true driver-oriented cockpit that’s beyond reproach. |
That being said, the redesigned steering wheel may look cool but its beefier structure makes it harder to find those instruments. I had to perform a couple of daring manoeuvres in order to be able to read the daily trip meter while driving.
As far as interior fit and finish goes, however, I have nothing but good words for Nissan. There’s a superb combination of leather and suede. Plus, the high-quality seats are snug and generously supportive, complete with a rather effective heating/ventilating system built in the cushions.
In Canada, only the leather-appointed Touring model will be available. And it’s pretty loaded, too. The list of options is basically limited to a Sport Package (19-inch wheels and Nissan’s SynchroRev technology which makes heel-and-toe driving with the manual gearbox a fun, easy game) and a Navigation Package (Sport Package plus navigation and a few other electronic gadgets).
Great powertrain
Under the hood of the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is the same 3.7-litre V6 that motivates the new coupe as well as the Infiniti G37. Total output is rated at 336 horsepower and is unleashed in smooth, flexible fashion. It’s all met with a sweet exhaust note that could sometimes use a bit more punch.
In fact, with the top over your head, the cockpit becomes eerily quiet. Road noise, unfortunately, is still very much present, but that’s only because the powerplant keeps a low profile.
Engineers paired it with a precise-shifting 6-speed manual transmission that offers a nice grip. The aforementioned SynchroRev technology performs throttle blips and rev matching when downshifting, thereby producing a subtle rumble that’s more associated with race cars than my typical driving habits. Sure enough, it allows you to reaccelerate at the perfect time without losing any power or momentum. Now that’s brilliant mechanical execution! Gear changes are nicely felt through the shift knob, giving drivers an extra sense of control.
 |
| Under the hood of the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is the same 3.7-litre V6 that motivates the new coupe as well as the Infiniti G37. |