2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
by Jim Prueter -05/2010

Drop top Z gets full redo

It’s faster, lighter, stronger and, most importantly, much better looking than its predecessor, the 350Z. Like the car it replaces, the 370Z is derived from the fastback coupe that was redesigned for 2009. For 2010, the 370Z Roadster is some four inches shorter and significantly more refined. This is the first complete redo of the Z since it was launched in 2003.

We’ll start with the attractive new exterior design, with a sleeker look, L-shaped headlamps and boomerang shaped LED taillights and more bulbous rear fenders. The top sits a full six inches farther back, resulting in a much more integrated design that doesn’t look like someone chopped the top of a coupe to make it a convertible.

Some of the previous-generation’s ill-fitting plastic body panels have been replaced with aluminum, with remarkable fit and finish.

The previous-generation ragtop with its slab sides, bubble-like convertible top and rounded snout immediately looks more dated by comparison. Nissan significantly upgraded the top’s material and padded the inside to hide the hardware. It also does a nice job of quieting the cabin at highway speeds.

The top powers up or down in just 20 seconds with the touch of a single button on the center console or by pressing a button on the door handle outside the car. The top automatically fixes itself to the windshield header without the need to unclamp any latches or levers. When completely retracted and stowed, it is finished off with a hard tonneau boot. The Roadster looks best with the top down.

Thanks to a fixed-glass wind deflector between the rear seat rollover bars, air turbulence with the top down is at a minimum so you can better enjoy your time driving with the top down.

Convertibles typically weigh more than their fixed-roof counterparts and the new Roadster is no exception, weighing 200 pounds more; but it still comes in 100 pounds slimmer than last year's Z.

A 3.7-liter 332-horsepower aluminum V-6 engine mated to a six-speed short-throw manual shifter or optional seven-speed automatic powers all Nissan Z models. Nissan says the Roadster will reach 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. That’s a tick slower than the more expensive BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxter.

The manual shifter includes what Nissan calls SyncroRev Match that automatically revs the engine to match the lower gear, eliminating engine braking. If you’re familiar with heel-and-toe shifting, SyncroRev Match is a technology that automatically does it for you. I’ve tried for years to master it, without success. Now Nissan does it for you, without the driver throwing you through the windshield trying to master the technique. Braking is impressive.

The Roadster remains virtually flat when cornering, thanks to its fully independent suspension, 18- or 19-inch (with optional sport package) wheels, and front and rear stabilizer bars. But the stiff suspension means a firm, choppy ride with constant and pronounced road noise, and a tumultuous ride on a macadam road surface.

Inside, the interior has excellent fit and finish and is noticeably more refined than last year’s model. The three-gauge instrument cluster adjusts with the steering column, which tilts but does not telescope. But space is scant and when combined with the firm ride, poor rearward visibility because of the small rear window and wide convertible top,  it gets tiresome over time.

The audio system and climate controls are mounted too low on the center stack and their small labels make operation difficult. We also didn’t like the location of the power seat controls on the inboard side of the seats, rendering them awkward to use.

Storage space is virtually nil, especially with the top in the stowed position utilizing most of the trunk space. But like other two-seat roadsters, this car is made for pleasure driving, not hauling stuff to and from home improvement stores.

With a starting price of $37,320, it’s just $100 more than the outgoing 350Z Roadster, and $10,000 less than the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4 roadsters.

Standard safety gear includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, both stability and traction control, and active head restraints. We do not recommend the 370Z for child passengers and rear-facing child safety seats should never be used. If necessary, a front-facing child seat can be mounted; there’s a top-tether anchor but not a lower LATCH anchor. It has not yet been crash tested.

Overall, the new Z Roadster is much improved and a terrific looking car with serious driving performance. Like most two-seat sports cars, it makes absolutely no sense, but is hard to beat for pure top-down driving enjoyment and fun behind the wheel.