Stylish Performance: 2015 Nissan 370Z Roadster
The Nissan 370Z Roadster continues to offer unique design, performance and value of the 370Z Coupe – with the added exhilarating sensory experience of an advanced fully automatic convertible design. The Nissan Z roadster is offered in 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster trim levels – which includes a range of features such as Nissan Navigation System with seven-inch touch-sensitive display, Bose® Audio System, cooling and heated ventilated leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor.
For 2015, a new 370Z Touring Sport Roadster trim level is added, offering standard Viscous Limited-Slip Differential, SynchroRev Match® (manual transmission only), 19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels and Nissan Sport Brakes. Other enhancements for 2015 include the addition of Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and USB input on the base 370Z Roadster and revised suspension tuning on all models. New black-finished 18-inch wheels are offered on 370Z Roadster and 370Z Touring Roadster models.
The 370Z Roadster's unique exterior (from the coupe) features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. The body includes additional structural reinforcement including in the A-pillars and side sills.
Power for the 370Z Roadster is generated by the standard VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) and a choice of seven-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio six-speed manual with available SynchroRev Match® (370Z Roadster Touring with Sport Package only).
The 370Z Roadster's standard power automatic latching top was designed with an emphasis on providing a sleek silhouette with the top up or down. With its easy single-action open-close operation, it provides an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.
In the closed position, the top design imparts a sophisticated sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z® body design. When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-color hard tonneau cover, which extends forward to help create the Z® Roadster's classic "double cockpit" style interior.
The standard black (a Bordeaux color top is available with the Wine colored interior) cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with a large glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster. The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds and is controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors (top lowering only). The automatic latch system secures the top to – or releases it from – the windshield header without driver intervention. The shape and position of the glass wind deflector, located between the fixed headrest bars, has been optimized to reduce turbulence into the cabin.
The 370Z Roadster rides on the automaker’s advanced FM platform which provides a refined foundation for the well-proportioned body giving it a classic sports car look and feel.
Inside the passenger cabin, the interior continues the longstanding Z® tradition of enhancing driving pleasure. The traditional two-seat layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The design focus incorporates a "layer concept," with an information layer, an operation layer and a holding layer. The information layer provides good visibility with easy access to all key data. The gauges are attached to the steering column, so the driver doesn't have to choose between their preferred steering wheel position and visibility of the gauges. The large upper steering wheel opening in front of the gauges is designed to provide a good view of the readouts. The instrument panel retains the traditional 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an "initial sweep" function, coming alive when the Z® is first started.
The operation layer includes the steering wheel, shifter and switchgear. The steering wheel is an "oval" 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching and large thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives. The surface of the leather-wrapped wheel is "shaved" to provide a more kidney-like shape to better fit in the hand. The manual transmission shifter is padded in different areas to improve the accuracy of diagonal shifts and to feel softer in the hand for forward and backward motions.
The holding layer includes the seats, knee pads and door trim support. The driver's seat is uniquely different from the passenger's seat, with lower seat cushion cut-outs on the sides where the thighs rest – allowing the driver to push on the pedals without the seat fighting them. The seat frame is constructed to help hold the driver in place during cornering. Both the driver and passenger's seats are structured with an anti-slip material in the main seating surface.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 100.4; overall length: 167.2; width: 72.6; height: 52.2
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.7L V6 – 332 hp at 7,000 rpm and 270 lbs-ft at 5,200 rpm;
Transmission: six-speed manual, seven-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 3.7L V6 – 17 city/24 hwy. (manual), 18 city/25 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 4.2 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, dual seat mounted side-impact airbags, door-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, aluminum side-door guard beams, tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer, automatic power door locks, automatic Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, LED running lamps, aluminum side-door guard beams and Nissan Intelligent Key with push button start. 370Z Touring adds Bluetooth hands free phone system, rearview monitor, and HomeLink universal transceiver.
Optional safety features include: viscous limited slip differential, navigation system, and RearView monitor.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan 370Z Roadster starts from $41,820 for the base model upto $49,400 for the 370Z Roadster Touring Sport. Destination charges add $810.
