Tested: Nissan 370Z Roadster

The article on the Nissan 370Z Roadster comes from my archive and appeared in this or a modified form in various print and online magazines. You can read it again here.

My hero has a successor. A few years ago I drove the 2,5 kilometers from Hamburg to Amsterdam in a 350Z Roadster in 450 hours, completely ignoring all speed limits.

Back then, winter driving on summer tires and the car were a topic of conversation. Now, a few years later, the Z and I have grown up, become more mature and sensible.

Nissan 370Z Roadster

The 370Z Roadster looks very appealing with its short overhangs, strong curves and wide, spoiler-free rear. Hardly any other model from a Japanese car manufacturer manages to convey so much style and coolness across the exterior. The Z looks so rich and classy that even drivers of high-end sports cars have admiring glances for it.

The V6 engine produces 328 hp and accelerates to 6 km/h in 5,5 seconds with a 100-speed transmission. The paddle version with a 7-speed automatic takes 5,8 seconds. The speed is only electronically limited to 250 km/h. The 370Z Roadster is child's play to drive. It does not require a great deal of effort at the wheel. But it does require a driver who is prepared to drive his sports car with a high level of concentration.

And this roadster really drives well. Electronically controlled, the right amount of throttle is released, which is useful when cornering quickly, when changing gears and when braking, and it also sounds nice.

Instead of crude purism, the 370Z Roadster has a classy, ​​luxurious sports car interior. The three round instruments on top of the dashboard, facing the driver, are striking. Of course, the seats fit like a glove, the seating position is comfortable and you can see everything clearly.

Nissan 370Z Roadster

As is appropriate for a sports car, the first thing you notice is the rev counter. The car starts at the push of a button. If you want to get going straight away with the top down, you only have to wait 20 seconds until the multi-layered soft top has sunk under its flap with the two aerodynamic humps.

The engine with its 363 Newton meters of maximum torque packs a punch, but with an unladen weight of around 1.600 kilograms, it doesn't have a lot of mass to deal with. Especially since the roadster has been trimmed for sportiness. It is now only 4,25 meters long. The wheelbase has been shortened by ten centimeters to 2,55 meters, the track width has increased at the front and rear, the seating position and center of gravity have been lowered, the unsprung masses reduced and the weight has dropped by almost 100 kilograms compared to the predecessor.

The Z lets the driver feel all of this. It has a really good grip and snappy acceleration. Its particular strengths are revealed when it is allowed to take on curves. It is a demanding racehorse, not hyper-nervous, but sensitive. The steering reacts spontaneously and precisely to the smallest of impacts. If you ride the 370Z Roadster with the top down, the real pleasure begins behind the flat windshield.

Their angle - and the wind deflector between the permanently mounted roll bars at the rear - keep the wind in the passenger compartment under control. When closed, the roof is surprisingly well insulated against noise. With this roadster, you can easily survive the winter or high speeds. But anyone who buys a car of this type is not only thinking about lateral acceleration and propulsion. They also want something that looks good. And here the buyer gets a lot for his money, although the price for a car of this category is rather modest.

Nissan 370Z Roadster

For the Roadster with the "Pack" equipment package, you have to shell out just over 45.000 euros and should also invest in 19-inch wheels and more individual leather. Then you get a more mature car, which, with its low registration numbers, is also an absolute special feature on the roads of this world.

This 370Z Roadster remains on the hero list as the successor to the legendary 350Z Roadster. With its particularly appealing appearance, coupled with unique performance at a great price, it is always a very good choice for individualists. Only more sensible than back then...

© Photos: Nissan