The new 370Z Roadster lost its top a bit earlier than expected as Nissan dropped the first official photographs and details ahead of the New York Auto Show. The conversion from coupe to roadster looks quite successful with the new drop-top Z sporting a rather curvy rear-end design as well as a shortened windshield and the classic roll bars behind the headrests. Nissan claims that the 370Z Roadster's top operation takes approximately 20 seconds start-to-finish and is controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors.
Aesthetics aside, the new Z Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight while Nissan's engineers revised the body structure to improve rigidity and stability.
There are no mechanical changes compared with the coupe as the 370Z Roadster retains the same 3.7-liter V6 engine that delivers 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. The V6 can be hooked up to either a 7-speed automatic transmission or a close-ratio 6-speed manual.
When the rag-topped Z goes on sale in the U.S. this summer, it will be offered in two trims, the basic 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. The Touring model adds several goodies such as the heated and cooling leather-appointed power net seats, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription, sold separately) and aluminum-trimmed pedals.
Optionally, the Touring model can be equipped with the Sport Package that upgrades the Z Roadster with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential. There's also a Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity.
Via: Autoblog.com & Nissan
