news

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster And 2009 NISMO 370Z Revealed

While the official unveilling is due to later this morning, we’ve got all the details, images, and videos of the 370Z Roadster and Nismo 370Z S-Tune right here, right now.
We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the NISMO variant and it appears the wa


While the official unveilling is due to later this morning, we've got all the details, images, and videos of the 370Z Roadster and Nismo 370Z S-Tune right here, right now.

We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the NISMO variant and it appears the wait was worth it. Boasting more power, superior handling, better braking and more menacing aesthetics; what's not to like?

The first thing that hits you is the look: it's low, wide, and aggressive thanks to a larger rear wing, new side skirts, and new front and rear bumpers.

The 370Z's big 19-inch RAYS ultra-light alloy wheels complete the look and come wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport tyres measuring 245/40 up front and 285/35 in the rear.

Thanks to a NISMO exhaust and revisions to the ECU, the S-Tune comes packing 261kW (350hp) at 7400rpm, up from 247kW (332hp), and 378Nm (276 lb-ft) of torque at 5200rpm.

Power is then sent to the rear wheels via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission - the only gearbox on offer - via a carbon-fibre tailshaft.

Suspension has been revised to improve handling, with Nismo increasing spring rates, stabiliser bar rates, roll stiffness, and damping rates by a minimum of 15 percent in most cases, depending on the component.

Going fast is great, but slowing down rapidly is often times more important. To that end, NISMO has fitted 355mm ventilated rotors up front with four-piston aluminium calipers, while the rear makes do with 350mm rotors and two-piston calipers. ABS and EBD also come as standard.

For those more interested in a relaxing Sunday drive than time-attack at the local circuit, the 370Z Roadster will be right up your ally.

It is more or less identical to its hardtop sibling in features and specifications, so you still get the same 247kW (332hp) V6 engine and your choice of a seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The most important feature, the automatic folding soft-top, opens or closes in twenty seconds and only marginally impacts on storage space.

The roof also automatically connects to the windshield, so there's no latch work required. Nissan has also fitted a transparent wind deflector between the seat headrests to reduce the effect of buffeting with the top down.

For more information on either car, hit the press releases below and check out the gallery images and videos. We should have more information on pricing and availability shortly so stay tuned.  And, of course, look out for TMR's drive of the 370Z when it officially hits Aussie shores.


Press Release

All-New 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster Adds Open-Air Excitement; Features Power Auto-Lock Top Design

Nissan Z® Roadster Joins 370Z Coupe in Nissan Showrooms In Late Summer 2009

Less than a year after the introduction of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe – a vehicle that reset the bar for affordable sports car design and performance – comes its dramatic new stablemate, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The seductively styled Z® Roadster offers everything the hardtop Z® Coupe does – and more. As in more classic open-air sports car driving excitement. More sun, moon and stars. And more refinement than any Z® convertible that has ever come before – including a standard automatic latching power top and Nissan Intelligent Key™. Also offered are an array of technology and convenience features, including the first-ever Z® Roadster-available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, satellite radio and advanced Nissan Navigation System. The 2010 370Z Roadster is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide in late summer.

"As expected, the 370Z Roadster delivers an exhilarating connection to the air, wind and environment on top of the new Z® Coupe's exceptional levels of performance," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "But perhaps unexpected for a car this sporty is its greatly enhanced refinement and quality – as seen in features such as its one-touch, auto-locking convertible top and beautifully crafted interior."

A Truly Authentic Roadster

The 370Z Roadster's most obvious departure from the 370Z Coupe is its convertible top. The soft-top roof was designed with an emphasis on three key areas: to provide a sleek silhouette matching the new Z®'s stunning styling with the top up or down, to offer easy single-action open-close operation, and to provide an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.

With convertible top in the closed position, the design provides a sophisticated sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z® body design. The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck enhance the Z®'s kinetic and dynamic character lines. 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 cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with an enlarged (versus the previous generation Z® Roadster) glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster. The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds start-to-finish and is controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors. 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.

Like the new 370Z Coupe, the Z® Roadster's new exterior is more aggressive in appearance and lighter and tighter in structure than the previous generation. 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.

The Z® Roadster's exterior design incorporates the look and feel of the new Z® Coupe, including its signature long nose/short cockpit proportions, vertical door handles and distinctive new headlight/taillight treatment, which features a fierce "boomerang" shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off feature are standard.

The 370Z Roadster is offered in seven exterior colors: Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pearl White, Monterey Blue and a special premium color, Black Cherry.

Inside the stunning exterior, true to its sports car heritage, the Z® Roadster's interior is completely driver-centric, with its three-layer design grouping items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place – so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive, top up or down.

The Z® Roadster features high back black woven "Carbon" cloth seats with 8-way manual driver's/4-way manual passenger's seat adjustments. Touring models include unique leather-appointed "net" seats with 4-way power/4-way manual operation on the driver's seat (4-way power on the passenger's seat). These second-generation net seats are exclusive to the Z® Roadster and have integrated heating and cooling functions – ideal for open air driving no matter what the outside temperature. Adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints are also standard.

The Z® Roadster's 2-seat layout includes a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The instrument panel retains the traditional Z® 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer now include an "initial sweep" function, coming alive when the car is first started.

The sporty steering wheel is a new "oval" 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching, improved 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 specially padded to improve the accuracy of diagonal shifts and to feel softer in the hand for forward and backward motions.

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design.

Other features include automatic climate control, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders (two in door panels, one in center console) and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 4speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Touring model adds a 6CD Bose® audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofer) and MP3/WMA playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and aluminum-trimmed pedals. This is the first time Bluetooth® and satellite radio have been available on a Z® convertible.

The optional Navigation Package includes the touch-screen Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® real-time traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and a USB fort for iPod® connectivity. The new navigation system offers a number of enhancements (versus previous Nissan Navigation System designs), including four times higher screen resolution, wireless music player audio streaming capability (via Bluetooth®), on-board Zagat restaurant ratings database, an in-dash DVD player and XM NavWeather® weather information display (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

The 370Z Roadster interior is available in Black cloth or for 370Z Touring Roadster models, a choice of Gray, Black or Wine leather-appointed net seating.

Open Air, Open Roads – An Unbeatable Combination

Roadster or Coupe, the new Z®s share one of the most advanced drivetrains available for affordable sports cars today. The Z® Roadster's long list of cutting edge performance-focused technologies includes a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with available "SynchroRev Match" (the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel vented disc brakes (with available Nissan Sport Brakes).

"The new 370Z Roadster lives in the same sweet spot of performance, style and value that the Z® Coupe does," said Castignetti. "Open air driving just begs for open roads and the new 370Z Convertible is the perfect companion."

Compared to the previous generation 350Z Roadster, the new Z® convertible picks up 26 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque (332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6's 306 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of toque @ 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, creating an entirely new driving experience. Key to the enhanced performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.

The 2010 Z® Roadster is offered with a choice of two new advanced 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 professional-like gear shift performance. 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. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves vehicle balance and smoothness by reducing the typical "shock" when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer less vehicle intervention.

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.

Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. The 7-speed's wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency, while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver's driving style.

Estimated fuel economy for the 370Z Roadster is 18 mpg City/25 mpg Highway for both the 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions – increases of 1 mpg City/2 mpg Highway for the automatic and 1 mpg City/1 mpg Highway for the manual transmission versus the 2009 350Z Roadster.

The Z® Roadster also utilizes the Z® Coupe's advanced 4-wheel independent suspension. The double-wishbone front suspension (which replaces the lower multi-link setup in the 350Z) uses lighter forged aluminum arms and a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, along with a lighter stabilizer bar with a 35 percent improved lever ratio. The 4-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter, with the rear cradle entirely integrated into a single part. "High response" shock absorbers are utilized on each corner for improved ride comfort.

The standard 370Z Roadster wheel and tire package features 18x8.0-inch front/18x9.0-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/50R18 front/P245/45R18 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires. Available as part of the optional Sport Package are 19-inch RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A P245/40R19 front/P275/35R19 tires.

The Z®'s standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The optional Sport Package includes Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers.

Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the addition of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster's list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; door-mounted curtain air bags; and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Other standard equipment includes Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Two Well-Equipped Models

The new Z® Roaster is offered in two well-equipped models – 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. The Touring model includes the heated and cooling leather-appointed power net seats, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose® audio system, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription, sold separately) and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Only two option packages are offered (Touring model only): the Sport Package, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity.

Latest NISMO Z® Hits the Streets in June With 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, NISMO-tuned Suspension, Aerodynamic Body and Unique Interior Treatments

The all-new, second generation NISMO 370Z, which is set to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide in June 2009, continues the tradition of the original by offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for – straight from the factory. Like the limited production NISMO 350Z introduced two years earlier, the new NISMO 370Z is a tuner-Z® enthusiast's dream, featuring a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and special super-lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels.

The 2009 NISMO 370Z was developed by NNA's Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan's longstanding conversion partner.

"The NISMO name is known throughout the world as the leading supplier of race-bred, factory-tuned, extreme performance Nissan parts, accessories and vehicles," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "The new, second-generation NISMO Z® proudly – and deservedly – wears the NISMO badge, carrying on the tradition of bringing racing-inspired performance and engineering to the street."

The all-new NISMO 370Z is offered in one completely equipped model (no options) with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission only.

Dynamic Performance And Handling Comes Standard

The new NISMO 370Z starts with the unmatched foundation of an advanced Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). The VVEL system helps optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. For its use in the NISMO 370Z, the 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 produces 350 hp @ 7,400 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The NISMO Z®'s enhanced engine power and acceleration is provided through use of an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design and muffler tuning, along with optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control.

The NISMO 370Z is offered only with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with Nissan's new "SynchroRev Match" function, the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission system. The "SynchroRev Match" function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves vehicle balance and smoothness by reducing the typical "shock" when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer less vehicle intervention.

The NISMO 370Z features a tight, rigid body structure with a strut tower bar brace and a pair of performance dampers, which quickly and efficiently react to and control body vibrations from road input via the tires, contributing to the NISMO 370Z's outstanding stability and performance feel.

The NISMO Z®'s double-wishbone front/4-link rear suspension design suspension is specially tuned for exceptional stability and handling. Compared to a standard Nissan 370Z Coupe, front spring rates have been dialed up 15%, rear spring rates 10%, front stabilizer bar rate upped 15% and the rear stabilizer bar is 50% stiffer. The roll stiffness rate has been increased by 15% and front and rear damping factors have been increased by 40% and 140% respectively.

The NISMO 370Z rides on unique 5-spoke Nissan-branded 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels (19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear) mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires (P245/40ZR19 front, P285/35ZR19 rear).

Bringing the NISMO 370Z to a stop are standard NISMO Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented rotors with 4-piston front and 2piston rear aluminum calipers. The braking system also includes a variable ratio brake pedal for a more direct pedal stroke feel, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). A Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) is standard on all NISMO 370Zs, along with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design that has been reworked (versus the NISMO 350Z design) with redesigned mounting bushings and a column insulator to provide improved response. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the use of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load.

Unique NISMO 370Z Exterior and Interior

Along with its standout performance, the new NISMO Z® offers a standout appearance inside and out. The functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces include an extended front nose design with a canard design at each corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler. The NISMO 370Z has an overall length of 174.3 inches.

Special side sills and a unique rear bumper help control airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler increases downforce. The NISMO 370Z exterior also includes a wide stance, sculptural fenders, upswept quarter windows, bold "boomerang" shaped headlights and taillights, vertical door handles and aluminum hood, door panels and hatchback. The headlights are a High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon design with an auto on/off feature.

"One look at the dramatic NISMO 370Z body and you know that this isn't your everyday sports car," said Castignetti. "The styling is highly emotional yet totally functional – expressing dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance."

The NISMO 370Z is offered in five exterior colors: Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red and Platinum Graphite.

The NISMO 370Z's driver-centric interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, steering wheel with smooth leather and red parallel stitching, smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. A special serialized plaque of authenticity, located on the vertical panel above the floor-mounted console, is matched to each NISMO Z®, identifying its unique serial and model year designation.

The NISMO 370Z's 2-seat interior layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. In the rear is an open cargo area with enhanced storage and accessibility. The instrument panel includes a 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an "initial sweep" function, coming alive when the NISMO Z® is first started.

Both the driver and passenger's seats are structured with an anti-slip material in the main seating surface. The sporty woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver's/4-way passenger manual adjustments. Adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints are standard.

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a center console box with a new non-intrusive cover design, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with timer, two 12volt power outlets, four cupholders (two in door panels, two in center console), dual overhead map lights and a AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

"The NISMO logo is prominent throughout the cabin, reinforcing the mission and special capability of the vehicle," said Castignetti. "The NISMO Z® is the complete package – inside, outside and under the skin."

The NISMO Z's long list of standard safety and security features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted side-impact air bags; seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

MORE:Nissan Showroom
MORE:Nissan News
MORE:Nissan Reviews
MORE:Nissan 370Z Showroom
MORE:Nissan 370Z News
MORE:Nissan 370Z Reviews
MORE:Search Used Nissan 370Z Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Nissan Cars for Sale
MORE:Nissan Showroom
MORE:Nissan News
MORE:Nissan Reviews
MORE:Nissan 370Z Showroom
MORE:Nissan 370Z News
MORE:Nissan 370Z Reviews
MORE:Search Used Nissan 370Z Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Nissan Cars for Sale
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent