The Japanese automaker Nissan->ke62 has announced that the new Fairlady Z Roadster is already on sale in the sports car’s home market. Intended to be a convertible from day one, Nissan’s engineers designed the 370Z->ke3043 in a way that the loss of structural rigidity and added weight of a retractable canvas roof would have no effect whatsoever on the drop top Z car’s performance. Their goal was to blend the pure exhilaration and sporting appeal of the Z34 and seamlessly combine it with the excitement of open air driving by offering the same high performance power plant and curvaceous bodylines that make the fixed roof Nissan 370Z such a desirable sports car.

Just like the Fairlady Z Coupe, the new Z Roadster features a shorter wheelbase and an increased track to make the sports car more nimble while at the same time keeping the weight down. The same 3.7 Liter V6 engine that propels the standard vehicle to the tune of 330 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque also powers the Nissan 370Z Roadster. By combining the high performance VQ37VHR with the Z34’s dynamic chassis, Nissan has instilled the 370Z Roadster with remarkably high levels of acceleration and handling, while providing a quiet and comfortable interior even with the top down.

It is a tall order for a design team to build a convertible that looks just as nice with the top up as it does down. In most cases it looks like a vehicle’s designers decided to focus on only one of the drop head’s personalities; either by leaving the car with a bulky looking roofline or like there is just too much junk in the trunk when it is retracted. However thanks to careful planning and some very intuitive foresight, the hamburger logo has been able to once again avoid turning one of their premier sports cars into a cow of a convertible with the Nissan 370Z Roadster.

Press release after the jump.

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2010 Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster

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Press release

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the new Fairlady Z Roadster, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. In addition, the Fairlady Z Coupe receives minor new model enhancements and a new "Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary" model, which marks the first four decades of the popular Nissan sports car, joins the lineup.

Fairlady Z Roadster


Based on the latest generation Fairlady Z Coupe, the all-new Fairlady Z Roadster is a two-seat convertible with a fully , automatic power-operated, soft top. Along with providing the exhilaration of open-air driving, Fairlady Z Roadster offers high performance, dynamic design and excellent value.

Like the Fairlady Z Coupe, the new Roadster model features significant improvements in performance, style and technology versus the previous Fairlady Z Roadster design. With its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and advanced VQ37VHR 3.7-liter engine, it gives remarkably high levels of acceleration and handling, while also providing a comfortable interior with minimum wind buffeting - even with the top open.

Key highlights of the new Fairlady Z Roadster include:

 

  • Optimal balance of sports car performance and open-top convertible exhilaration
  • Signature Fairlady Z styling with an advanced, fully automatic canvas top
  • Air conditionined seats for added occupant comfort, even on hot days
  • Available advanced technology, including HDD CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment features and premium Bose® audio system
  • Uncompromised Fairlady Z performance

 

Eye-catching Beauty With the Top Open or Closed


With its dramatic style and flowing design, the Fairlady Z Roadster achieves a rare feat for most convertibles – looking equally attractive with the top open or closed. With the roof open, the fully lined canvas top stows completely out of sight beneath a metal storage lid. When the top is in the up position, the roofline accentuates the Fairlady Z's classic long nose/short cockpit proportions.

Like the Coupe, the Roadster's aggressive exterior design features a dynamic arch-shaped character line that runs from the headlights to the waistline and continues back to the iconic Fairlady Z LED brake lights.

The convertible top itself features an improved texture and rich appearance (versus the previous generation design) by using fabric instead of canvas. The top is available in a choice of two colors – Black or Bordeaux.

Also offered are sculpture-like 18-inch cast aluminum wheels (chrome color coating) designed specifically for the Fairlady Z Roadster, which optimally balance sportiness and elegance. Larger 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels are offered as an option with the Version ST.

The Fairlady Z Roadster is available in a choice of eight body colors, including a new, elegant Premium Deep Maroon. All colors are protected with Nissan's Scratch Shield.

An Interior That Optimizes Open-Air Comfort


The high-quality interior is designed to enhance both driving enjoyment and passenger comfort. Airflow around the cabin is optimized by the front window moldings, while a rear deflector helps minimize wind buffeting when the top is open. With the top closed, a full fabric inner lining helps provide a quality look and feel, while also helping reduce the transmission of outside noise into the roomy cabin.

A choice of four seat upholsteries is available, including special Bordeaux genuine leather-appointed seating that creates a premium and rich interior atmosphere. Also a unique air-conditioning function is installed in seats made of leather and netted fabric offering enjoyable all-season open-air driving. Suede-like kneepads are offered on all models.

A user-friendly switch located in the center console controls the easy operation of the soft top. The automatic roof function locks and releases the top from the windshield header without driver intervention. The soft top can also be opened and closed without getting in the vehicle by pressing the request switch located on the driver and passenger door handles (when carrying the Intelligent Key).

The interior also features a luggage area that can hold a 45-inch golf driver set bag and a space behind the seats suitable for storing items.

Unmatched Driving Performance


The Fairlady Z Roadster's driving performance is considerably improved, compared to the previous model, through use of a shortened wheelbase, wider track and lighter vehicle weight.

The standard 3.7-liter engine, equipped with Nissan's innovative Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system, provides quick acceleration response, high power, high torque, improved fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions.

A 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and wide gear ratios offers seamless acceleration, along with improved fuel efficiency (versus the previous 5-speed automatic design) and quiet operation during high-speed driving.

The Fairlady Z Roadster is also available with an advanced 6-speed manual transmission with synchronized rev control that regulates the engine speed to the optimum level, matching the driver's shifting action when changing gears.

A tight body structure, appropriate for use as a convertible, with both high rigidity and greater collision safety is provided through efficiently strengthening the door and the trunk openings. Driving stability is enhanced by considerably improved torsional rigidity (compared to the previous model).

Advanced Safety, Navigation and Entertainment Systems