350z Roadster review

[golders]

350z Roadster review:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?news/ae_news_story.php?id=38882


Does it sound like a car you would want? If so, Nissan UK needs your help. As with all the firm's models, the Roadster must pass a strict cost analysis before it can be sold here. How can the accountants be convinced? By hearing that potential buyers want details and dealers have been asked for information. Get on the phone! Joe Lorio

[golders]

Z-blooded Roadster Roars In


The sensational 350Z Coupé has already proved that Nissan is a brand that can hold its own among some very desirable machinery. And here is the car which the Japanese firm hopes will take it a stage further and challenge the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes SLK and BMW Z4 - the 350Z Roadster.

We couldn't wait to get behind the steering wheel to find out whether or not the newcomer packs the Coupé's compelling blend of performance and value in a soft-top package.

Before we set off though, our first task was to get the roof down and see how the Z feels with the wind ruffling our hair. The top is power-operated, although with a manual latch at the top of the windscreen, and it disappears automatically underneath a hard cover. Strangely, however, the front passenger has to lean towards the windscreen and allow the electric seat to tip forward and make way for the mechanism while it completes its 20-second pirouette. The top itself features a glass rear window, and there's an additional glass panel which slots between the roll hoops to reduce wind buffeting. With the roof stowed, the hard tonneau helps give the Roadster a clean appearance, although the design of the Nissan comes across as high-waisted and rather too chunky.

In fact, the car is 225kg heavier than a BMW Z4 or a Porsche Boxster. So it's a good job that Nissan's 3.5-litre V6 packs so much more power and torque than its rivals by developing 276bhp and 363Nm, the same as the Coupé. That's enough to send the 350Z from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, just a fraction behind the Z4 and ahead of the Boxster. Press on to higher speeds and the Nissan pulls away, but the engine note isn't as sweet as its rivals'.

The V6, with continuously variable valve timing, is so flexible that it cares little what gear it's in, and will pull from ludicrously low engine speeds. What's more, the six-speed box offers short, solid throws, while the clutch travel and take-up feel exactly right, too. The body structure has been substantially beefed-up to cope with the loss of roof, and this helps give a comfortable ride, even on poor surfaces.

The car is an effortless motorway cruiser, with plenty of passing power, and feels equally at home on twisting back roads. It's easy to place and has plenty of grip, yet the wide rubber never causes the steering to pull or squirm. Pushed to its ultimate limits, however, the Z reveals itself as a dedicated understeerer - unlike its tail-happy hard-top brother. Also, after repeated hard use, the brakes are more prone to fade than the Boxster's or the Z4's. Unfortunately, the Brembo upgrade offered in the top-spec 350Z Coupé is not available in the Roadster.

Does it sound like a car you would want? If so, Nissan UK needs your help. As with all the firm's models, the Roadster must pass a strict cost analysis before it can be sold here. How can the accountants be convinced? By hearing that potential buyers want details and dealers have been asked for information. Get on the phone! Joe Lorio

[Brogan]

I don't like it and I'm a big fan of open top motoring.
The coupe's lines are much smoother and more flowing.