The Nissan 370Z feels like it’s been around for a good number of years. While it succeeded the 350Z that came before it, it was more of a development upon that chassis of the 350Z using feedback from owners and racers alike. The result was something a little sharper and a little more potent than the car it succeeded, and for the past 7 years or so it has managed to maintain its popularity.
But of course NISMO is always looking to expand on the brand. At the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, the 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept was unveiled, a one-off design study created to gauge market interest in an ultimate factory Z Roadster. Designed to provide the best of two worlds – the open-air driving exhilaration of a standard 370Z Roadster and the racing-inspired style and performance of a 370Z NISMO Coupe – it features unique engine, suspension, exterior and interior features versus standard Nissan 370Z Roadster models, including a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and NISMO-tuned suspension.
This is a rather interesting concept as it asks the roadster market a curious question. In general, roadsters tend to be more lifestyle oriented with top-down driving pleasure, but the emphasis is rarely on power or on outlet knife-edge handling. The MX-5, which is regarded as one of the best roadster series of all time, doesn’t pride itself on high horsepower or immense grip. It focuses on balance and the driving experience- so this high-powered roadster may not be your conventional roadster buyer’s choice.
That being said, the 370Z has always felt more like a GT car than an outright weapon on a B-road. It’s a little bit on the large side, and drivers aren’t exactly treated to a good view of the outside. The engine has more of a lazy, mid range grunt than a high-end shrieking pull- again adding to that GT characteristic. But it does look handsome, and it is quick by any measure. Even if it goes into production, the 370Z NISMO Roadster is unlikely to reach our shores- but it’s still inspiration for aspiring 370Z Roadster owners out there who crave that extra edge.
