2013 Nissan 370Z Roadster

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The 370Z Roadster is the drop-top version of the well-rounded 370Z sports coupe. Along with the allure of open-air motoring, the Roadster also offers a rewarding drive thanks to a potent V6, a well-tuned suspension and a unique SynchroRev Match system that ensures smooth manual transmission shifts.

The Roadster received a mild refresh for the latest model year that includes a number of aesthetic tweaks to the exterior and interior. Outside, the Roadster's fascia gains vertical LED daytime running lamps, while a red reflector has been added to the rear end in place of a black covering. The standard Roadster gains new 18-inch alloy wheels, while Sport Package-equipped Zs ride on revised 19-inchers with new red brake calipers.

Otherwise, the Roadster's athletic proportions, "boomerang" headlight treatment and fishhook taillight design remain unchanged.

The Roadster 's cabin benefits from new dark-finish trim for its gauges and an uprated Bose package that comes with two additional speakers and two subwoofers for those who want to hear more than just the powertrain.

The Roadster continues to use the same 3.7-liter V6 found in the Infiniti G37. This powerplant delivers 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque and can be paired with either a close-ratio six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. The six-speed manual is available with an optional SynchroRev Match system (included in the optional Sport Package), which automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position - essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts.

Similarly, the available seven-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode.

Fuel economy checks in at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for the manual, while the automatic ekes out a single extra mpg in both cycles.

Suspension duties for the car are handled by a double wishbone setup up front with a multi-link setup out back. Brembo brakes and 18 and 19 inch wheels are also part of the 370Z package.

Unique features to the Roadster model include added structural reinforcements in the A-pillars and side sills to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof .

Standard and Optional Features
The entry-level Roadster comes standard with automatic climate control, a four-speaker stereo with an auxiliary input jack, power adjustable front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The better-equipped Touring model adds heated leather seats, HomeLink, Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, eight-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio, cargo cover and aluminum pedals.

An optional Sport Package can be spec'd, adding 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match, and a Viscous Limited Slip Differential. The self-explanatory Navigation Package offers a hard drive-based navigation interface with a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and iPod connectivity.

There are many optional features for the 370Z, including an aerodynamics kit, premium paint colors like Chicane Yellow, an Illuminated Kick Plate, painted splash guards, and the usuals such as carpeted floor and trunk mats.

Key Competitors
The 370Z Roadster faces competition from the heavier but more powerful muscle cars like the Ford Mustang GT Convertible and the Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible, in addition to the nimble BMW 1-Series Convertible.

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