2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster Review

First Impressions

Just 20 seconds stand between you and the open horizon in the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster (view photos). This is how long it takes for the one-touch automatic soft top to peel away and reveal a fierce and sassy 2-seater convertible.

Nissan boasts the reworked roadster now has more refinement than any Z convertible ever made. First-ever heated and cooled ventilated net seats, “next-generation” Nissan entertainment and navigation systems plus refined handling technology for both the 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmissions position this convertible above what the now-replaced 350Z convertible ever reached.

The Z Roadster’s dramatically scooped nose and aerodynamic round rear underwent a careful nip-and-tuck redesign. Head and taillights in the silhouette of boomerangs further accentuate front and end construction. Vertical chrome door handles sleekly elongate the two side doors. The deep Bordeaux-colored drop-top (that matches the bolstered seats) complimented the Platinum Graphite exterior shade of my test drive.

Undoubtedly a head turner, the Z is still subtle enough on style to avoid an over-the-top sports car or mid-life crisis riff. Prepare for thrills and personal stock to shoot up the moment you rev the retuned 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine on this zippy last letter of the alphabet.

Pricing, Trims and Options

The base Z Roadster offers two transmissions: a 6-speed manual ($36,970) available with SynchroRev Match or a 7-speed automatic ($38,270) with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC).

All base Z Roadsters feature a push-button start, woven cloth seats and steering-wheel mounted controls. The convertible top has a standard black fabric inner liner to increase quality appearance when closed and help reduce noise intrusion into the cabin.

The Touring trim requires deep consideration and up to an extra $10k. Equipped with the same manual ($40,520) or automatic ($41,820) transmissions, the Touring adds Bluetooth, aluminum-trimmed pedals and the very cool (or hot) leather-appointed ventilated net seats. This feature is ideal for keeping seatbacks and bottom cushions at desirable temperatures when the top is down.

Nissan ups the ante by adding two hard-to-ignore optional packages to the Touring. The Sport Package ($2,800) offers 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes and the SynchroRev Match enhancement to the 6-speed manual transmission. The Nissan Navigation Package ($1,850) brings a 7-inch display monitor with a 9.3GB hard-drive system for streaming audio via Bluetooth connectivity and real-time traffic reports.

The Z Roadster comes in seven exterior colors including a premium Black Cherry ($500). Tack all mentioned features plus floor mats ($200) and the Z Roadster’s price can skyrocket to $47,170.

Interior Features

The Z Roadster delivers a very driver-centric interior experience. The Z’s traditional 3-pod speedometer cluster is embedded into the steering column and moves up or down with wheel configuration. The center console commands are simple to understand and the speedometer and tachometer adjust in concert with steering wheel adjustments for easy viewing.

Between the bolstered seating and console that stretches to divide the driver and passenger, the roadster offers a secure fit for two. Yet climbing in or out of the car is not like lifting yourself from grandpa’s love-worn recliner. Knees are never locked under the steering wheel for the driver.

Additional basic interior amenities were three cup holders and a lockable glove compartment for valuable personal electronics. The trunk is a large enough to stow a couple weekend get-away bags. The available synthetic suede panel inserts were the only interior item my various passengers didn’t find attractive.

I found the option-less 370Z coupe interior satisfying but didn’t fully realize what I was missing until I experienced the Touring trim. The Touring has an upgraded 8-speaker Bose audio system with a 6-disc CD changer, XM Radio and speed-sensitive volume control. The Touring also allows for those two optional packages to really step up Z performance and interior technology.

Safety, Quality and Reliability

Safety is an important consideration with a 2-door convertible. The Z Roadster is equipped with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) featuring dual-stage inflation and seat belt sensors. There are also driver and front passenger side-impact and door-mounted curtain airbags. Active head restraints are included in every model. The frame features Zone Body Construction with crumple zones. The roadster gets “zero lift aerodynamics” instead of rollover protection in the form of a built-in roll bar or an activating single-piece roll bar set to move up in case of a flip. Neither NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the 2010 model.

Additional safety features standard on the 370Z Roadster:

• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

In a comparison of seven other 2-passenger or smaller convertibles, Consumer Reports found the 2010 370Z Roadster Touring ranked third in overall road-test scores, just below the Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring but above the Mercedes-Benz SLK350.