2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster

The 350Z Roadster is the second Nissan "Z" car to be offered with a convertible roof, following the 300ZX ragtop produced between 1993 and 1999. Introduced as a 2004 model, the 350Z Roadster sports an electrically retractable canvas roof. Like its hardtop counterpart, the Roadster was styled at Nissan Design America located in San Diego, California.

The 350Z underwent a modest update for the 2007 model year, which includes both mechanical and visual improvements. The biggest change comes in the form of a new, more powerful, 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque with both the close-ratio 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions. The new VQ engine is built with 80 percent redesigned major parts. The new engine is slightly larger, as evidenced by a distinctive hood bulge on the new models.

A total of three trim levels are available -- 350Z Enthusiast, 350Z Touring and 350Z Grand Touring.

Starting MSRP for the 350Z Roadster with the Enthusiast package is $35,550 for the six-speed manual edition and $36,550 with a five-speed automatic. The package includes cruise control, Traction Control, Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD), aluminum pedals and more.

The 350Z Touring model is available with a 6-speed manual starting at $37,900 and with a 5-speed auto starting at $38,900. Touring models add a 7-speaker Bose audio system and heated power leather seats.

Nissan 350Z Grand Touring models start at $40,250 for the six-speed auto and $41,250 for the manual gearbox version. The package adds lightweight alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo brakes and VDC for both the manual and automatic transmissions. The roadster has an automatic top that retracts in 20 seconds and has a heated rear window. The trunk holds 4.1 cubic feet of cargo and there's a floor box for storage (no glovebox).

Customers can't specify the blue cloth top anymore, but the roof is available in gray and black.