Nissan 370Z flips it lid

The new Nissan 370Z Roadster has officially arrived Down Under. Powered by the same 3.7-litre V6 that provides the Coupe with motive force, the new Roadster features a cloth folding roof that takes a button push and 20 seconds to fold up or down.

Priced at $74,990 (not including government or delivery charges) for the six-speed manual model and $77,990 for seven-speed automatic model, Nissan is offering a single high-spec variant for the two-seater drop top.

"Nissan's pricing for the 370Z Roadster, as with the 370Z Coupe, positions it as the best value high performance two-seater sportscar available," said Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Motor Company Australia.

Standard equipment includes Nissan's Intelligent Key with push-button engine start, automatic climate control, two 12-volt power outlets, three cup holders, a six-disc BOSE audio system with eight speakers (complete with subwoofer) and MP3/WMA playback, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks and a Bluetooth hands free phone system is also standard. Other standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, aluminium-faced pedals, a Nissan Premium Braking System backed up with ABS, EBD, BA and a stability control system (vehicle dynamic control in Nissan speak).

Six airbags are also standard, but the touch screen sat nav system will be an option, which also brings with it USB and iPod connectivity.

Nissan says that by retaining the soft-top (rather than a folding hardtop) there is more room in the boot. It claims the 370Z Roadster delivers enough space to fit a full-size golf bag and weekend luggage.

The rear glass window of the new Nissan 370Z Roadster is larger than its predecessor, the 350Z Roadster, and there's also a fixed glass wind deflector located in between the rear headrests.

The Roadster's 3.7-litre V6 engine pumps out 245kW/363Nm, and fuel consumption has been reduced by an impressive 1.2L/100km for the automatic and 0.8L/100km less for the manual, to 10.9L and 11.2L/100km respectively.

"It will be no surprise for customers to discover the new 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster delivers an exhilarating open air driving on top of the new 370Z Coupe's exceptional levels of performance," said Thompson.

"But perhaps unexpected for a car this sporty is its greatly enhanced refinement and quality -- as seen in features such as its one-touch, fully-automatic convertible top and beautifully crafted interior. The Roadster retains the Z's unique characteristics of burly performance and sensory reward," added the Nissan Australia boss.

Stay tuned to the Carsales Network for our hands-on launch drive of the new Nissan 370Z Roadster from New Zealand.

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