2014 NISSAN 370Z Roadster Review

Riding on 19-inch forged RAYS wheels, the NISMO version also gets tweaked dampers and springs. As for the stopping department, this range-topping version borrows the Nissan GT-R’s stiffer brake hoses and brake fluid. However, the NISMO stays clear of the revised front fascia and rear reflector.

Getting back into our tester, we find the same tech setup as before. The 3,696cc V6 unit delivers 332 HP at 7,000 rpm, while the 268 lb-ft (363 Nm) peak torque arrives at 5,200 rpm. Once again we didn’t get to play with the heel and toe robot (read: six-speed manual with a rev matching function). Yes, it’s the seven-speed automatic once again.

In terms of chassis details, the Nissan 370Z Roadster does pretty well, as it ads 200 lbs (90 KG) over the Coupe’s weight. This is the average value for a well engineered modern open-top car. Overall, the vehicle tips the scales at 3,377 lbs (1,532 KG).

Having just exited a long series of bends, we can tell you that you won’t feel the extra mass of the Roadster. What you will notice though, is the body rigidity disadvantage the cloth top setup brings. From somewhere past seven tenths, you’ll notice the body’s tendency to give in to torsion more. This deal is negotiated via a steering with a decent amount of feel for the sport segment.

And it’s not just through the corners - the top removal-generated weakness is also exposed when the road gets bumpier. The difference is not all that bothering, but it is there.

The rest of the driving experience reminds us that the Nissan 370Z Roadster is an old-school sports car. There’s no adaptive suspension, not even a sport mode for the seven-speed automatic.

This simple nature of the car also means that it doesn’t impress in the safety category either. It balances the bonus points brought by the six airbags with the drawbacks coming from the lack of truly advanced safety systems.

Everything in here is linear, starting with the power delivery. There’s no inflection whatsoever in the way Nissan’s V6 delivers its muscle. Alas, we would’ve wished for a crisper throttle response. This is a treat you’ll be left lusting for when you’re coming back on the power after a corner.