Nissan 350Z Roadster

(from Nissan Press Release) Evoking the adrenaline-pumping spirit of the 350Z, the much-anticipated 350Z Roadster continues to offer sports car lovers the Zо CoupeТs high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Zо Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds.

The 2003 350Z, which went on sale in August 2002, has quickly become one of the hottest selling vehicles in the automotive industry and the number one selling sports car Ц outselling Corvette and representing 25% of the segment (based on R.L. Polk registrations). Cumulative Zо sales have reached nearly 40,000 units (August 2002 through August 2003). The Zо Roadster went on sale in the summer of 2003.

The Zо RoadsterТs fully automatic soft top features a heated glass rear window, which helps provide clear visibility in adverse weather conditions.

Activating the top is a simple process. Push the brake pedal and hold the button (located to the left of the steering column) and the top opens or closes.

The top is released from or secured to the windshield header with a unique three-lock, single latch located directly above the middle windshield area. The three-lock, single latch system was created to give a more secure seal, while also making the closing process easier.

The FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, used on the 350Z Coupe, is adopted for use in the Zо Roadster. Structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Zо Roadster unibody, including; a center floor V-shaped cross bar connecting the side sills and a front A-shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end. Additional reinforcement was added at the door openings and a triple-member was added to the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure to provide enhanced rigidity.

Since the heart and soul of the Zо is performance, the design, inside and out, needs to reflect that. Like the Zо Coupe, the instrument panel features three gauge pods consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as modern touches such as an optional navigation system with 7-inch display. The door vents and center console have a solid, chiseled-from-a-block-of-aluminum look.

The driverТs seat of the Zо Roadster is tailored for performance. The base cushion is firm and long for additional support, while bolster cutouts under the thighs optimizes pedal operation. The seatback is sculpted with large Уwings,Ф designed to help secure drivers during acceleration. The upper side bolster is sculpted in the middle for easy shifting and steering, while the lower side bolster is designed wider and deeper to keep the driver squarely behind the wheel.

Also offered on the Zо Roadster are unique, Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net seats. The net-style seats are made with a woven seat cloth center insert and feature an opening in the seatback so that the driver can feel a wind flow during top-down driving. A built-in seat heater is also available for those sundown rides.

Though the Zо Roadster is executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity Ц storage designed for a convertible. A lockable luggage floor box capable of storing a briefcase and other storage places are standard. There is also sufficient luggage space in the trunk even though the top is stored in the trunk area when down. The trunk has up to 4.1 cubic feet of useable room for storage.

The Zо Roadster shares all of the hardtop ZоТs key performance features. Power is provided by the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine used in the Zо Coupe, producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque, a power range that comes as a result of the engineТs intake port design and Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology. This enables the engine to deliver not only outstanding start-off acceleration and high-speed passing performance, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving.

Drivability has been further improved for use in the Zо Coupe and Roadster by adopting an electronically controlled throttle, and the use of a highly rigid cylinder block combines with other measures to produce engine sounds worthy of a sports car.

Suspension for the rear-wheel drive Zо Roadster is a 4-wheel independent design. Both 6-speed close-ratio manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available.

The 2004 350Z Roadster will be offered in two well-equipped models Ц 350Z Roadster Enthusiast Model and 350Z Roadster Touring Model. Standard 350Z Roadster Enthusiast features include power seats, power-operated soft top, rear wind deflector, 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission and more.

The 350Z Roadster Touring Model adds a Boseо audio system with 6-disc CD changer and seven speakers, leather-appointed seats with heater and heated mirrors.

Side-impact supplemental air bags are available on both models, while a DVD-based navigation system and 18-inch alloy wheels are stand-alone options available for the Touring Model.