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Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept Launched at 2015 Chicago Auto Show

After pleasing our senses with the NISMO GT-R, Juke, Juke RS and 370Z Coupe models, the hardcore division of Nissan turned its focus on the Convertible 370Z and brought a ‘concept’ to the Chicago Auto Show. Apparently, they’re testing the waters but we’re pretty confident that this thing will make it to production in exactly this guise.
Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept 22 photos
Photo: Nissan
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The drop-top received the usual NISMO tricks and an upgraded engine compared to the stock model but exactly on par with the Coupe. That means there’s more power to be enjoyed while on the road, of course.

The Exterior

On the outside, the car follows the pattern of the much more popular GT-R. It has fully integrated aerodynamic pieces all around along with small details to set it apart from the ‘standard’ model.

Up front, the fascia is decorated with Hyper LED DRLs, black bezels for the headlights, red accent stripes and NISMO badges, of course. Looking from the side you’ll notice more red accents on the mirror covers and the fixed headrest bars that are leather wrapped.

Round the back, a custom carbon-fiber spoiler was created exclusively for this model, to help with downforce at high speeds. Other touches exclusive to the NISMO version include new 19” wheels from RAYS that are supposed to be super-light.

The Interior

Step inside and you’ll find even more changes. Black Recaro leather seats welcome you, combined with red contrasting stitching all around. According to Nissan, the white suede inserts were treated with a special solution that should help them keep cool during hot sunny days when the top is down.

The steering wheel and the instrument cluster follow the same theme with red stripes and NISMO logos all around as well as a red background for the tachometer.

All the optional features from the standard model are also available, including the 7-inch touch-sensitive display, Bose premium audio system and rear-view camera.

The Performance

Right now, the 370Z Roadster is available with a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 332 HP. Well, the NISMO version has the same engine as the hardcore Coupe and takes it up to 350 HP and 276 lb-ft (374 Nm) of torque.

The power increase is due to a new exhaust and a revised ECU map along with care taken towards the variable valve system so that fuel consumption doesn’t go up in an alarming fashion.

As for the transmission, the same 7-speed automatic slush box is in place fitted with paddle shifters and a rev matching feature that should smooth things out.

Since we’re discussing performance, we should also mention the added strut brace under the hood that should help out at times and bigger sport brakes and a limited-slip differential with a shorter final drive ratio for better acceleration feel. That should make a rather big difference.

Want to buy it? Well, Nissan still claims that this is a ‘concept’ and refused to say anything about a possible mass production, let alone a price tag. However, we’re pretty sure that since the Juke got the NISMO treatment, the 370Z Roadster isn’t far off either.
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