Nissan replaced its aging 350Z Roadster with the redesign 370Z in 2009. Bucking the trend of incrementally increasing size, the wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches) and overall length is reduced by 2.6 inches (167.2 inches versus 169.8 inches). The new Z Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. At the same time, the body structure was extensively revised, improving rigidity and stability. The 370Z Roadster includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), including in the A-pillars and side sills.

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The base model 370Z Roadster -- complete with six-speed manual transmission -- lists from $37,690 (including destination) with the car's optional seven-speed automatic bumping that price to $38,990. The up-level Touring model carries a price tag of $40,520 with a manual box and $42,540 with the automatic gearbox.

The new Z convertible gains 26 horsepower and 2 pound-feet of torque over the previous model. It delivers 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6's 306 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Along with its larger displacement, the 3.7-liter engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque.

The car is offered with a choice of two new transmissions: a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual is available with SynchroRev Match (included in the optional Sport Package), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience expert-like gear shifts. The SynchroRev Match function 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 7-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.