Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Nissan 370Z Roadster

[Autos_Editor]

Mike Schlee calls the 370Z Roadster a "performance bargain," and the closest thing there is to a Japanese muscle car.

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[Fobroader]

The new 370Z is easily one of the prettiest cars on sale available today, IMHO. I have yet to see a car thats as well proportioned and muscular as it is......saying that, cutting the roof off has done nothing for it. Another case where the convertible is an ugly version of the coupe.

[CanuckS2K]

Yes please, I'll take one. 

[Fobroader]

The new 370Z is easily one of the prettiest cars on sale available today, IMHO. I have yet to see a car thats as well proportioned and muscular as it is......saying that, cutting the roof off has done nothing for it. Another case where the convertible is an ugly version of the coupe.

As much as I like the exterior styling of the 370Z, the convertible version is not as nice looking as the coupe. But having said that, if I could have one, I would be hard pressed not to opt for the convertible, as I just like top down motoring.

IMHO, the weakest link in this vehicle are the pods on the dash. They could have done a better job of intgrateing them into the dash. These pods remind me of the pods on the Smart Car and thats not a good thing. The original dash on the 240Z when it was first introduced is still the best looking, the gauges were intergrated into the center dash, great design back then.

The only convertibles Ive been in and have truly enjoyed are Jeeps with the roof and doors off and a buddies dads SL320 way back when......otherwise, I dont know, not a huge convertible guy.

[sacrat]

Package–equipped models, like my test vehicle, add new 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and Euro-tuned shock absorbers for 2013.

Is that a term from the press kit or does  it actually mean something ? Just curious...

[Snowman]

I like the performance aspect of the 370 Z Roadster but I'm not a fan of the three too many shots of botox appearance. The styling looks bloated and it needs to pass some gas.

[Fobroader]

Package–equipped models, like my test vehicle, add new 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and Euro-tuned shock absorbers for 2013.

Is that a term from the press kit or does  it actually mean something ? Just curious...

Adding Euro-XXXX to anything means they can charge more dontcha know. Euro styling, euro feel, euro tuned......its all cash money and better somehow.

[sacrat]

Package–equipped models, like my test vehicle, add new 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and Euro-tuned shock absorbers for 2013.

Is that a term from the press kit or does  it actually mean something ? Just curious...

If they keep doing this sort of thing, I'm going to have to bring up "fine Corinthian leather" again 
But I do like the finely jeweled headlights...

[Mike]

Package–equipped models, like my test vehicle, add new 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and Euro-tuned shock absorbers for 2013.

Is that a term from the press kit or does  it actually mean something ? Just curious...

If they keep doing this sort of thing, I'm going to have to bring up "fine Corinthian leather" again 
But I do like the finely jeweled headlights...

It's what Nissan is calling it.  I would garner just some damping revisions.

[Fobroader]

Package–equipped models, like my test vehicle, add new 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and Euro-tuned shock absorbers for 2013.

Is that a term from the press kit or does  it actually mean something ? Just curious...

If they keep doing this sort of thing, I'm going to have to bring up "fine Corinthian leather" again 
But I do like the finely jeweled headlights...

  Like some sort of chandelier....

[Jaeger]

Love this ride.  One of the best looking roadsters on the market, to my eyes.

[sacrat]

**Spoiler alert - D70 SHOULDN'T read this post**

My buddy has an 07 version of this car which he loves. He would still have his 92 Miata if the 7 ton city gravel truck driver could have seen that low when the light turned green 

 

[Northernridge]

Good car, good value. Good looking too although I agree with the 'slightly bloated looking' comments. Certainly one of Nissan's hits.

[CanuckS2K]

The new 370Z is easily one of the prettiest cars on sale available today, IMHO. I have yet to see a car thats as well proportioned and muscular as it is......saying that, cutting the roof off has done nothing for it. Another case where the convertible is an ugly version of the coupe.

To each their own.  While I love both the roadster and coupe, I actually find the roadster to be much better looking.  Then again, I'm a roadster kind of guy so I guess that's not so surprising. 

[dbw]

I've had one for about a year and half and 22000 km and love it. A Japanese muscle car is the way I think of this thing......had an early 70's Z28 as a kid. My car before this was a Boxster and this is more fun, for me. It's less refined and this makes it a hoot. In the winter I put aggressive snow tires with studs on and gets around good especially with the limited slip diff and it is fun! I did a 6300 km road trip in August and its comfortable....in addition to the trunk there is a lot of extra storage room behind the seats.....surprised me. Highway range on a tank of gas was 450-500 miles with a little left. I've found it likes 94 octane better than 91 if you can find it. I'm happy with my purchase.

[Jaeger]

The new 370Z is easily one of the prettiest cars on sale available today, IMHO. I have yet to see a car thats as well proportioned and muscular as it is......saying that, cutting the roof off has done nothing for it. Another case where the convertible is an ugly version of the coupe.

To each their own.  While I love both the roadster and coupe, I actually find the roadster to be much better looking.  Then again, I'm a roadster kind of guy so I guess that's not so surprising.

I'm not a roadster guy.  I almost always prefer the hardtop option when there is a choice.  Not  here.  The Z coupe is a very good looking ride, but in roadster form it is freakin' gorgeous.  There's one in a deeeep blackcherry pearl in my neighborhood - droool.

[5 Wheel Drive]

I agree with Canuck on the looks.  I like the coupe.  I love the convertible.  Oh and that sound...

[RayT]

I'm certainly biased but I think the (my) coupe is still much better looking. The roofline helps balance out the flared flanks and gives it a more "Japanese rendition of a 911" feel to it.

I used to think the pre 2013 shark teeth in the grill area was too cartoonish looking, but now that the 2013 got defanged, I'm not so sure.