2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring Sport

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Nissan US Media

For 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster continues to offer unique design, performance and value of the 370Z Coupe with the added exhilarating sensory experience of an advanced fully automatic convertible design.

Stylish Easy to Operate Convertible Top
The standard power automatic latching top was designed with an emphasis on providing a sleek silhouette with the top up or down. With its easy single-action open-close operation, it provides an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.

In the closed position, the top design imparts a sophisticated sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z body design. The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck enhance the Z’s kinetic and dynamic character lines. When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-color hard tonneau cover, which extends forward to help create the Z Roadster’s classic double cockpit style interior.

The standard black cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with a large glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster. The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds and is controlled by a center console mounted switch. The automatic latch system secures the top or releases it from the windshield header without driver intervention.

Exterior
Along with careful attention to convertible top operation and design, the 370Z Roadster’s exterior features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. The body includes additional structural reinforcement, including in the A-pillars and side sills.

The exterior design incorporates the signature Z long nose/short cockpit proportions. The distinctive headlight/taillight treatment features an aggressive boomerang shape. The headlights are a High Intensity Discharge bi-functional xenon design with auto on/off feature and integrated LED daytime running lights.

Interior
Inside the interior is completely drivercentric, with its three-layer design grouping items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive, top up or down.

The 2-seat layout includes a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger’s seat. The instrument panel retains the traditional Z 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an initial sweep function, coming alive when the car is first started.

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design. Other features include automatic climate control, two 12-volt power outlets, three cup holders and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

Touring and Touring Sport models add a Bose audio system with eight speakers and MP3/WMA playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming audio via Bluetooth, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, aluminum-trimmed pedals, synthetic suede door panel inserts, auto-dimming inside mirror and glove box damper.

Engine and Transmission
The 370Z Roadster Touring Sport features one of the most advanced drivetrains available for affordable sports cars today. The long list of cutting edge performance focused technologies includes a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control.

The available 7-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching and Adaptive Shift Control and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode. Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. The 7-speed’s wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency, while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver’s driving style.

Summary
Following last year’s extensive number of enhancements including the addition of the 370Z Roadster Touring Sport trim level, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System for all models, revised suspension tuning and new 18-inch black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, the major change for 2016 is the addition of a new Deep Blue Pearl exterior color.

The 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring Sport offers an unmatched balance of dynamic performance, sculptured styling, innovative technology and exceptional value, matched with the exhilaration of pure open-air motoring.

Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the 2016 Nissan Roadster Touring Sport with the 7 speed automatic transmission. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $49,400.00, the one I drove included carpeted floor mats and cargo mat, and it came in at $50,445.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com