New York: Nissan's 370Z Roadster: Stunning drophead an eyecatcher

Seven OnCars features on Nissan's 370Z coupe should tell you we love this back-to-basics sportscar. OnCars copped an exclusive first drive by Sam Moses back in November. More recently, Emile Bouret and Rick Graves got their hands on the very same royal blue coupe and put it through the complete OnCars treatment: Design: words and video; Interior and User Experience words and video; and Performance words and video.

The Roadster made its debut Tuesday night in a live webcast from the New York Auto Show - its most salient feature being the power-operated, fully-lined fabric top with glass rear window. When raised, the leading edge of the top automatically attaches itself to the top of the windshield with no help from the driver required. In addition, one can raise or lower the roof from inside the cockpit with a switch or from outside the car with a button on the door handle. There's a clear glass windblocker between the headrests to minimize buffeting without obstructing rearward vision. Collapsed and stored the top is concealed by a hard tonneau, color matched to one of the car's seven body paints.

This most refined convertible Z model to date, the Roadster has all the accoutrements of the Coupe, plus heated and cooled net seats to accommodate top down touring no matter the ambient temperature. The deeply scooped instruments enhance readability with the top both up and down. In the area of current electronic communications and connectivity options, the Roadster holds up its end of the test bench.

Mechanically, the Roadster matches the Coupe with the 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). The engine’s ample 332 horsepower is delivered through a choice of gearboxes: 7-speed automatic or close-ratio 6-speed manual with optional SynchroRev Match™ - a double-clutchers delight.