Test Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

I was able to really test this car’s dynamic capabilities during the annual Car of the Year testing period organized by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) Testfest event in late October. I quickly discovered that when asked to take a corner in an aggressive manner, the car’s combo of electronic safety nets (Traction Control/Vehicle Dynamic Control) interfered slightly, even when manually overridden, but I had to remind myself that this car is meant to perform the function of daily transportation, not make me a drift master. The suspension reacted quickly to my often erratic steering inputs as I terrorized the cone-lined course set up on the well-worn tarmac surface of Niagara District Airport.

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. Click image to enlarge

Acceleration is brisk and the car is exceptionally nimble and forgiving. The Sport Package brings along larger Nissan “sport” vented disc brakes (four-piston front callipers, two-piston rears) that proved durable and fade-free despite repeated torture at the AJAC test track. Handling and grip benefit from super-lightweight 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels and sticky Bridgestone Potenza high-performance rubber, both part of the Sport option.

While at first glance the price may seem a little high, once you consider the long list of improvements hidden beneath the car’s shapely bodywork, you will realize that the car is priced very well when compared to its rivals. In fact, I should point out that the car’s MSRP is actually less than that of the previous model by several thousand dollars, making it an excellent value in this category.

Apart from its stunning performance, every 370Z comes equipped with traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, 18-inch five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, an under-body V-brace, xenon headlights, leather-appointed sport seats with synthetic suede inserts, automatic climate control, and a Bose audio system with AM/FM/in-dash six-CD changer and illuminated steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. There are also active head restraints and a full complement of six airbags on board.

Fit-and-finish is much improved over the outgoing car, and the look, feel, and function of every switch, panel and surface is decidedly upmarket. Despite its new level of luxury Nissan is marketing the 370Z Roadster as a sports car, not a luxury convertible, as that position has been assigned to the Infiniti G37 Convertible. The enthusiast buyer will no doubt sample both vehicles, but I am quite certain that this latest Z will captivate the interest of those individuals looking to maximize their driving enjoyment.