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Nissan 350Z Roadster
By Peter Bleakney
 When Nissan pulled the wraps off its striking 350Z Coupe in 2002, you just knew it was a matter of time before a roadster version was to hit the streets.
Right on cue, the 350Z Roadster arrived in the summer of 2003 to keep the buzz alive. After spending a week in a silver 2004 model, it's fair to say the torch of Z-ness is burning brighter than ever. As with the coupe, the Z Roadster's calling card is its looks. I'm not the only who thinks this car is drop-dead gorgeous. With the top down, that is. It ellicited the most oohs and aahs of any drop top I've driven lately, (the BMW Z4, Audi TT and Porsche 911 included), which says alot for its visual wallop. With the roof up, well, it's not quite as fetching. The powered top (with heated glass backlight) looks more like an after-thought, but all is forgiven when witnessing its 20 second mechanical ballet as it cleverly folds up and disappears under the sculpted tonneau cover. Very slick. You sit low in this car, with the door sills at shoulder level, but the driving position is perfect. Has Nissan been quietly upgrading its interior plastics and build quality? It sure looks that way.  The "burnt orange" leather seats with clever fabric mesh inserts (to keep you as cool as you look) are supremely comfortable and supportive. All the controls fall easily to hand. The pedals are perfectly set up for heel and toe shifting, the gauge pod tilts in concert with the chunky leather wheel, and the stubby shifter connects to the six speed with a satisfiingly firm mechanical precision.
In fact, said shift linkage telegraphs the essential character of this car. If there is a feminine side to the Nissan 350Z Roadster, I couldn't find it. And therein lies its charm. The clutch requires a firm shove, the steering is similarly heavy (but not at all artificial), the ride is choppy, and the distinctive baritone howl of the 287 hp 3.5 litre V6 send a clear message - "I ain't no fou-fou European roadster. Let's play rough." Actually, the Z Roadster is very happy to putter around town, but it does turn into a lively rear-drive plaything when provoked. The engine in Nissan's FM (front mid-engine) platform sits behind the front wheels, giving the car a better front/rear weight distribution. Turn in is instantaneous, and this roadster seemed better balanced than the last Z (and Infinity G35 Coupe) I drove. Perhaps it was the extra weight of the structural reinforcements (100 kg over the coupe) that made it feel more planted. Whatever the case, the back end was less twitchy, and the car cornered in a beautiful, neutral fashion. It took quite a bit of right foot provocation before the tail stepped out and the TCS (traction control sytem) stepped in. And yes, at 1571 kg, the Z Roadster is no Callista Flockhart. Which could explain why it didn't feel as quick as the coupe. Still a fast car though, and deceptively so as the linear torque delivery is devoid of any peaks or valleys.
For a roadster, the structural rigidity is good. Not as stiff as the BMW Z4 but better than the Audi TT. Under that long hood resides Nissan's 3.5 litre DOHC V6, which in this application churns out 287 ponies at 6200 rpm and 274 ft-lbs at 4800 rpm. It's super quick to rev. A blip of the throttle sends the tach needle swinging, offering up a wonderful soundtrack as you snick through the gears. At each corner resides an aluminum independent multi-link suspension and 18" Bridgestone tires (225/45 front, 245/45 rear). The front and rear vented discs feature anti-lock control, BA (brake assist) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution).
The trunk is wide but shallow. Good for a couple of overnight bags, but no good for my iMac which needed service. It had to ride shotgun. There are a few nits to pick with the Z Roadster. The passenger air bag can't be shut off, which means no youngsters can come along. The pale orange numerals are hard to read in bright light (luckily there's a digital speedo readout) and the detent for the twisting headlight switch at the end of the turn signal stalk should be firmer - it's too easy to accidently turn on the lights.  And what's with the switch on the driver's door that shuts off the power to the passenger window? I can see no reason for its existence, other than to make me look like a total dork when I call Nissan Canada and tell them that their car is busted, Doh!
Small gripes aside, there's alot to like about the 350Z Roadster. It's a blast to drive, a real looker, and has a unique personality that's part muscle car and part sophisticate. On top of this, it's a bargain. At $52,900, it undercuts the TT, Z4 and Boxster crowd by at least ten grand.
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