The Nissan 370Z Roadster offers everything the hardtop Z Coupe does ? and more. As in more classic open-air sports car driving excitement. More sun, moon and stars. And more refinement than any Z convertible that has come before ? including a standard automatic latching power top.

Yes, the 370Z Roadster?s most obvious departure from the 370Z Coupe is its convertible top. With the top in the closed position, the design provides a sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z body design. The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck enhance the Z?s character lines.

When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-colour hard tonneau cover, which extends forward to help create the Z Roadster?s classic ?double cockpit? style interior.

The standard black cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with an enlarged glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster.

The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds start-to-finish and is controlled by either a centre console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors.

Like the new 370Z Coupe, the Z Roadster?s new exterior is more aggressive in appearance and lighter and tighter in structure than the previous generation. The wheelbase is nearly 101.6mm shorter (2550mm versus 2649mm) and overall length is reduced by 66mm (4247mm versus 4313mm). The new Z Roadster features an aluminium bonnet, door panels and boot for reduced weight At the same time, the body structure was extensively revised, improving rigidity and stability. The 370Z Roadster includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), in both the A-pillars and side sills.

Like its Coupe cousin, the two-seater Z Roadster is powered by a 247kW 3.7-litre DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). It's coupled to either a seven-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio six-speed manual available with ?SynchroRev Match? (the world?s first synchronised downshift rev matching manual transmission).

Now bring on the sun and the open roads?