NISSAN 370 Z ROADSTER UNCOVERED

With the Nissan 370 Z Coupe already confirmed for Mzansi, we may well see the new Roadster also making it to these shores. I wouldn’t put my money on that though; the current economic situation is forcing many Mzansi-based automakers to either completely shelf or postpone certain models deemed likely to be slow sellers in the market. Which would be a pity for the 370 Z Roadster, a car preceded by the highly-successful 350 Z Roadster of 2006.

Casting aside recent moves by the likes of BMW Z4 to go hard top, the 370 Z has remained true to the traditional roadster theme of working with a soft canvass roof, which is electrically-adjustable. Nissan says it will open or close in about 20 seconds. It runs on P225/50R18 front and P245/45R18 rear wheels supplied by Bridgestone.

The 370 Z Roadster features a 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 with power of 244kW (332hp) and 366Nm of torque. The standard gearbox is a 6-speed manual which is said to be even better than that of the 350 Z. A 7-speed auto will be sold in the US but this one is doubtful for the Mzansi market.

I estimate the car will be priced at between R600 000 and R630 000 if it’s launched here within the next 18 months.