When it comes to understanding the success of the popular Nissan 370Z Roadster, the story is simple: seductive styling, legendary Z performance, the most refinement of any Z convertible ever offered and one other thing - an exhilarating connection to the air, wind and environment.
Its list of cutting edge technology includes the standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with available SynchroRev Match (the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), refined 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel vented disc brakes (with available Nissan Sport Brakes) and lightweight yet rigid body structure.
The changes to the Nissan 370Z Roadster for the 2011 model year are limited to the addition of RearView Monitor to the optional Navigation Package and one new exterior color, Gun Metallic.
370Z Roadster's Authentic Design
The Nissan 370Z Roadster's most obvious departure from the 370Z Coupe, which serves as the foundation platform, is its convertible top. The soft-top roof was designed with an emphasis on three key areas: to provide a sleek silhouette matching the new Z's stunning styling with the top up or down, to offer easy single-action open-close operation, and to provide an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.
With convertible top in the closed position, the design provides a sophisticated sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z body design.
The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck enhance the 370Z's kinetic and dynamic character lines. When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-color hard tonneau cover, which extends forward to help create the Z Roadster's classic "double cockpit" style interior.
The standard black (a Bordeaux color top is available with the Wine colored interior) cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with a large glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster. The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds and is controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors (top lowering only). The automatic latch system secures the top to - or releases it from - the windshield header without driver intervention. The shape and position of the glass wind deflector, located between the fixed headrest bars, has been optimized to reduce turbulence into the cabin.
Like the 370Z Coupe, the Z Roadster's exterior is more aggressive in appearance and lighter and tighter in structure than the previous generation. The Z Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. It includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), including in the A-pillars and side sills.
The Z Roadster's exterior design incorporates the look and feel of the Z Coupe, including its signature long nose/short cockpit proportions, vertical door handles and distinctive headlight/taillight treatment, which features a fierce "boomerang" shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off feature are standard.
The 2011 370Z Roadster is offered in seven exterior colors: Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, Monterey Blue and Black Cherry.
| Specifications | |
| Key: AT - automatic transmission, MT - manual transmission, F/R/AWD - front/rear/all wheel drive | |
| Powertrain | |
| Type | V6 |
| Displacement | 226 cu in (3699 cc) |
| Power | 332 hp @ 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft @ 5200 RPM |
| Redline | 7500 RPM |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual (Std.) |
| 7 Speed Automatic (Opt.) | |
| Brakes & Tires | |
| Brakes Front - Rear | Ventilated Discs - Ventilated Discs |
| Tire Size Front - Rear | 225/50 R18 - 245/45 R18 (Std.) |
| 245/40 R19 - 275/35 R19 (Opt.) | |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 167.2 in |
| Width | 72.6 in |
| Height | 52.2 in |
| Curb Weight | MT: 3426 lbs |
| AT: 3449 lbs | |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 | n/a |
| 1/4 Mile | n/a |
| 60-0 Braking | n/a |
| Top Speed | n/a |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA Fuel Mileage - City/Highway | 18/25 mpg |
| Origin & Price | |
| Origin | Japan |
| Base Retail Price (MSRP) | MT: $37,520 |
| AT: $38,820 | |
