Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster

 In the car world, if a company can build a sexy new variant of an existing model out of existing parts, we call that a “no-brainer.” And so we’re somewhat skeptical when Nissan says that the car unveiled at the 2015 Chicago auto show, the Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster concept, is just a “one-off design study created to gauge market interest in the ultimate factory Z Roadster.” We bet it’s going to happen.
Whether you describe the 370Z NISMO Roadster as a topless variant of the 370Z NISMO coupe or a NISMO-fied version of the 370Z convertible, you’re absolutely correct. And, really, it’s not much more complicated than that. Like the NISMO coupe, the roadster is roughly three inches longer than the non-NISMO version and features a racy front fascia with LED running lamps and black headlight bezels, red stripes along the lower body, and red trim on the mirror covers. Unique to this car, however, are the fixed, leather-wrapped headrest bars with red accents and the carbon-fiber rear spoiler.
 The NISMO-ified interior features black Recaro seats with off-white suede inserts and red contrast stitching. We’d be surprised to see the light-colored inserts make it to production—but wouldn’t be upset if they do. More likely, the current coupe’s red-and-black treatment would be offered.
Under the roadster’s skin are most of the same chassis and powertrain modifications found in the NISMO Z coupe, including a retuned suspension, a strut-tower brace, 19-inch forged Rays wheels wrapped with 245/40 front and 285/35 rear Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires, a shorter final-drive ratio, and of course, Nissan’s V-6 engine in a 350-hp state of tune. We expect that the ragtop would be a touch more softly sprung to compensate for the less-rigid structure, but it would take quite a bit of softening to lose the visceral feel that makes the NISMO Z coupe so satisfying to flog on a twisty mountain road.
The show car is fitted with the NISMO coupe’s seven-speed automatic transmission, which is how we’d expect most (if not all) production models to be equipped. The concept also features a navigation system and fancy Bose audio, which were introduced on the 370Z NISMO coupe as part of the Tech package for the 2015 model year. 

 Why are we so sure this car will happen? In a word, money. The 370Z NISMO Roadster represents an opportunity for Nissan to wring a little more profit out of the dated but proven Z car before this generation is put out to pasture in 2016 or 2017. How much money? Well, let’s do some math: Nissan currently charges an average premium of roughly $9500 for a droptop 370Z versus a comparable coupe, and with the 2015 370Z NISMO coupe with the automatic transmission currently stickering for $44,115 and $47,615 with the Tech package, figure a NISMO convertible would cost about $53K to start and $57K loaded. (If it’s offered with a stick, figure on saving about $1300.)
The NISMO Z Roadster’s appearance alongside the 240-plus-hp Sentra NISMO on the show stand in Chicago is worth celebrating as part of a larger narrative of NISMO-tuned products for the street. Should it be built, the convertible would become the fifth NISMO model, joining the 370Z NISMO coupe, the inimitable GT-R NISMO, and the two Juke NISMO models. We’re fully onboard with this not only because NISMO models are fun and sexy, but also because most of them—especially this one—are no-brainers.

• Combines legendary NISMO performance, style and technology with Nissan 370Z Roadster open-air motoring excitement
• One-off design study created to gauge market interest in an ultimate factory Z® Roadster
• Offers unique engine, suspension, exterior and interior features versus standard Nissan 370Z Roadster models – including 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and NISMO-tuned suspension
• Would join current Nissan 370Z NISMO coupe model, expanding NISMO lineup to five models

As the heart and soul of Nissan performance for both the track and on the street, NISMO continues to set the standard for straight-from-the-factory enthusiast vehicles. The lineup of NISMO production models for 2015 includes the GT-R NISMO, 370Z NISMO, JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS.
Yet as the popularity of NISMO models continues to grow – the 2015 GT-R NISMO is sold out, the 370Z NISMO accounts for 20 percent of total sales and JUKE NISMO models for about 15 percent – one group of performance enthusiast remains left out: Open-air sports car lovers. Enter the Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The custom vehicle combines the long list of 370Z NISMO Coupe performance equipment with a modified 370Z Roadster body and interior.
"The idea of adding NISMO levels of look, feel and performance to a Nissan 370Z Roadster is one that we've been considering for a long time," said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "The creation of the Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept brings that idea to life and lets us judge consumer reaction – which we predict is going to be outstanding."
The Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept's striking visual presence starts with the addition of its GT-R-inspired functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces. In front, the deep front fascia with Hyper LED Daytime Running Lights, black headlight bezels, NISMO emblem and signature NISMO red stripe accents set the tone.
On the sides of the vehicle, the NISMO red accents and red sideview mirror covers continue the NISMO theme, adding a touch of flair to the dramatic top-down profile. In the middle of the vehicle, the fixed headrest bars are leather-wrapped with red accents. The rear is highlighted by a custom carbon-fiber rear spoiler created exclusively use on the 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept.
The convertible top itself, though it is expected to be rare that it is in the closed position, is a cloth power-folding roof with fabric inner liner design. It includes a single action top operation with automatic roof lock, steel tonneau cover and fixed glass wind deflector – just like every 2015 Nissan 370Z Roadster.
The dramatic exterior appearance is topped by an aggressive stance provided by the wide 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels by RAYS (19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear), which receive a special custom finishing. Y-rated Bridgestone Potenza S001 245/40R19 front and 285/35R19 rear tires complete the package.
"With as much attention as the exterior modifications are expected to attract, we knew the interior had to be just as special, especially since with the convertible top in the down position everything is in plain sight," said Loing. "It doesn't disappoint."
The NISMO-styled interior is anchored by black Recaro® leather-appointed seats with red stitching and stain-repellent, off-white premium Ultrasuede® inserts – chosen to resist heat build-up when parked in open sunlight. The interior features custom red stitching with NISMO logo, an Alcantara®-appointed leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel and NISMO red tachometer.
The 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept's suite of technology includes Nissan Navigation System with 7.0-inch VGA touch-sensitive display, RearView Monitor and Bose® Premium Audio System with six speakers and dual subwoofers to provide a clear soundtrack, even with the top down.
Even more than racing-inspired aerodynamic bodies and driver-oriented cockpit-style interiors, at its core NISMO is all about performance. To that end, the 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept is conceived to incorporate most of the engine and suspension modifications (versus non-NISMO 370Z models) of the 370Z NISMO coupe. This includes its potent 350-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). The 370Z NISMO's enhanced engine power and acceleration (versus non-NISMO 370Zs) is provided through use of an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design and muffler tuning, along with optimized ECM (Engine Control Module) calibration, to help create 18 horsepower more than a standard 370Z. Torque is rated at 276 lb-ft.
The 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept utilizes Nissan's refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with paddle shifters. "The majority of 370Z Roadster buyers prefer the automatic transmission, which with Downshift Rev Matching and paddle shifters comes close to the performance of a 6-speed manual – so that's how we specified the 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept," said Loing. "Matched with the NISMO-tuned engine, suspension and steering, it is a great combination, perfect for long open-top drives along the shoreline or mountain roads alike."
The 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept adds a NISMO-branded strut tower brace under the hood, along with a red engine cover. The NISMO-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension includes special springs and stabilizer bars. Large Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) – with a shorter final drive ratio for better acceleration feel – are also included.
"While it is only a design study at this point, we think the 370Z NISMO Roaster Concept would be a tremendous addition to the long and distinguished history of Z® sports cars," said Loing. "There's still nothing better than an open top and an open road ahead of you, especially when there's a NISMO badge on the bumper."
 Nismo has been busy of late. Yet among its stable of GT-R, 370Z Coupe, and Juke special editions, there is a conspicuous absence: the car above.
It's the [deep breath] Nissan 370Z Nismo Roadster, and it's just made its debut at the Chicago Motor Show. Nissan reckons it caters to an otherwise left-out group of performance enthusiasts, the open-air sports car lover.

So, lovers of open air sports cars, here is a list of pleasant things the 370Z Nismo Roadster features. The engine - that big-hearted 3.7-litre V6 - is a little more powerful, here featuring 350bhp and 276lb ft of torque. It features a tweaked ECU and a new exhaust system.

It's matched with a seven-speed automatic gearbox with Nissan's ‘rev-matching' feature, because most standard 370Z Roadster buyers prefer a self-shifter. Though we'd expect any production 370Z Nismo Roadster to at least offer a six-speed manual...

That power is naturally sent to the rear wheels for much hoonery, and there's a brace of chassis mods to help stabilise it. There's a brace under the bonnet, special springs and stabiliser bars, bigger brakes and a limited-slip diff with a shorter drive ratio, for better acceleration.

Then there are are some 19-inch lightweight Nismo/RAYS alloy wheels, GT-R inspired aero bits, LED daytime running lights, red Nismo accents and emblems, and of course, the automatic fabric roof. Inside, there's a set of Recaro sports seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, better audio, a seven-inch touchscreen display and red rev counter.

"While it's only a design study at this point," says Nissan's Pierre Loing, "we think the 370Z Nismo Roadster concept would be a tremendous addition to the long and distinguished history of Z sports cars."