Open for any adventure Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro Concept

Audi is introducing a new vehicle segment with its presentation of the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept car: the two-door, four-seater car measures 4.62 metres in length and combines the genes of a typical dynamic soft-top convertible from Audi with the all-round qualities of a fully fledged SUV.

Exterior: Dynamic presence

Spectacular – a term which sums up the visual impact of the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro painted in “Copper Sunset”, whether the top is up or down. After all, without the hint of a compromise, the concept car combines classic Audi Cabriolet hallmarks, such as the elegant fabric hood and aluminium A-pillar surface, with the undisguised dynamism of a sports car and the masculine presence of a genuine SUV.

Clearly defined and sporty

The longitudinally mounted engine and the basic chassis and drivetrain architectures of the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro, which measures 4.62 m in length and 1.91 m across, are taken from the inventory of modules used in the current Audi A4 and Audi A5 model lines. The SUV-style height of 1.63 m with the hood closed marks the most significant difference to these relatives of the Cross Cabriolet quattro. In the side view, the shoulder line and dynamic line divide the vehicle body’s volume into a clearly defined sporty architecture. Within the pronounced styling of the wheel arches, the large 21-inch wheels with tyres of size 265/35 R21 send out a clear visual message.

Latest lighting technology

Behind its clear-glass headlight covers, the latest lighting technology can be seen: the Cross Cabriolet quattro is the latest Audi to be equipped with all-LED headlights, which also feature the characteristic strip of daytime running lights and the electronically controlled swivelling cornering light.

Innovative hood system

The fabric hood, which in just 17 seconds lowers itself fully automatically in a Z-fold behind the rear seats at the push of a button, is a trademark of all open-top Audi models. The rear loading solution is a perfect synthesis of convertible design and SUV functionality. When closed, the short stepped boot lid forms a continuation of the fabric hood’s coupé line. When it opens, however, it lifts up high to provide a surprisingly large opening, with the glass rear window automatically lifting up at the same time as the boot lid.

Interior: Sophisticated and ergonomically perfect

The interior of the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro offers sophistication and ergonomically perfect solutions in all areas and with all its materials. The smooth and soft surfaces together with a gentle, natural blend of colours help to provide an atmosphere of absolute ease for the occupants.

Generously spacious

The driver and passengers enjoy the comfort of four spacious individual seats. On all four seats the air turbulence around the occupant’s neck is being counteracted. The seating is upholstered entirely in “White Stone” leather. The space available in the second row is unique for the convertible world: the legroom, shoulder space and headroom are unbeatable, even with the roof closed.

The operating concept

In addition to the instrument dials under the dome-shaped cowl behind the steering wheel and a central LCD colour display integrated between them, the MMI also supplies information via its swivelling flat screen. In addition to the familiar MMI terminal on the centre console, the Cross Cabriolet quattro has a touch-sensitive sensor field (touch pad). Like on a laptop, this can be used, for example, to move image sections of the map display. The touch pad is also capable of recognising and processing commands entered by tracing letters with your finger.

Infotainment: Precise and entertaining

Google Earth, the interactive, three-dimensional atlas of the world, is now available in-car. Audi has, for the first time ever, brought together the merits of the internet-based system Google Earth and its own built-in navigation system to create countless information facilities with user-friendly graphics. The audio system, too, benefits from internet connectivity by featuring an innovative radio system.

Intuitive: navigation system with Google Earth

The high-resolution display and photorealistic 3D maps provide a new dimension in intuitively understandable bird’s eye visualisations that are rich in detail. By connecting to the internet, it will be possible in future for traffic and weather information to be included and taken into account in planning your route. To enter a navigation destination, there is no longer any need to enter the address by hand. The driver can click on an image in the Google Earth user interface and be directed to the identified destination.

Individual: internet radio and Bang & Olufsen sound system

Leading the way in technical and acoustic quality is the sound system from Bang & Olufsen. It is a delight to the ear in the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro, too. Its advantages really come into play in conjunction with digital sound sources: an innovative internet radio system provides access to the countless radio stations broadcasting over the World Wide Web. Simply by pressing a button, the user can give a positive or negative verdict on a music track. The system will thereafter only offer the user tracks and music styles that match his/her preferences.


Innovative: the intercom system

An intercom system is fitted to assist the occupants in communicating with each other. This eliminates the need to raise your voice – especially welcome when driving with the top down. Four microphones pick up the speakers’ voices and relay them at a subtly amplified volume via the vehicle’s audio system. The sound processor filters out background noise to give an extremely natural voice reproduction.

Drive Technology: Sporty driving dynamics

The 240 bhp three-litre TDI engine with ultra-low emission technology delivers sporty driving dynamics with exhaust emissions capable of meeting the EU 6 limits. The quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system and high-tech chassis with electric ride height adjustment are a recipe for driving pleasure on all terrain and in any curve radius.

Economical top-class athlete

The power output of the three-litre diesel engine with common rail direct injection is 176 kW (240 bhp) and its maximum torque is an impressive 500 Nm. It accelerates the Cross Cabriolet quattro from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 7.2 seconds and enables it to reach a top speed of 240 km/h – with fuel consumption averaging no more than 7.3 litres per 100 km. The 3.0 TDI is coupled to the quattro permanent four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. If the driver wishes to change gear manually, they can do so by using the shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel or use the selector lever with integrated control wheel.

The cleanest diesel in the world

To realise the ultra-low emission system, Audi’s engineers combined a whole package of innovative measures. A new common rail system with piezo injectors operating at a pressure of 2,000 bar, high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation and further optimised turbocharging join forces to achieve a significant reduction in untreated emissions. The exhaust aftertreatment system operates with the additive AdBlue, small amounts of which are injected ahead of the DeNOx catalytic converter. Thanks to their extremely low emissions, Audi will from 2008 be able to sell its clean direct-injection diesels all over the world, even in the US states of California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Vermont, where extremely stringent emission limits apply.

Quattro drive

The Audi Cross Cabriolet always transmits its power to the road through the quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The key element in the quattro driveline is its centre differential. It is a purely mechanical unit and therefore responds without the slightest delay. In normal driving conditions, 40 percent of engine power is directed to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels, permitting sporty handling with a rear-driven emphasis. When needed, the differential redirects most of the torque to the axle that is achieving better traction.

Audi drive select

The Audi drive select system makes it possible to preselect three highly individual configurations for the engine, transmission characteristic and adaptive shock absorbers. The “dynamic” mode is the basic setting. The “sport” mode gives the Cross Cabriolet quattro an emphatically sporty driving feel. The shock absorbers are set firm, the engine responds more spontaneously to the throttle and the tiptronic transmission’s shift points move higher up the engine speed range. If the driver switches to the “efficiency” mode, the engine and S tronic respond gently – the perfect answer to relaxed driving with high potential for effectively lowering fuel consumption, and therefore emissions too.

Electric ride height adjustment

As a true SUV, the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro displays impressive off-road talents. These include its innovative electric ride height adjustment, which varies ground clearance by a total of 40 millimetres at the touch of a button. The height of the vehicle body can be adjusted to make getting in and out that bit easier and also – as already seen in the Audi Q7 – the rear can be lowered separately for easier loading of the luggage compartment.

Source: Audi News

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2009 Cadillac XLR-V Convertible

Once one of the world’s greatest automakers, Cadillac has seen more ups and downs over the past few decades than Apple’s stock price. However, GM’s wreath-and-crest division has made a concentrated effort in recent years to reclaim its previous glory. Rather than allow European and Japanese carmakers to rule the luxury-brand roost, Cadillac has decided to engage in its competitors head-on. A key part of this attempt is the company’s halo car, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V.

As the sky-scraping performance version of the XLR two-seat retractable hardtop roadster, the XLR-V serves notice to European automakers that they don’t have an exclusive hold on sexy drop tops with glowing performance. The XLR-V also boasts the essential six-figure price of admission. Subtle hints such as 19-inch wheels, a mesh grille and quad exhaust tips clearly indicated that this is no ordinary XLR. Backing up the “V” badge is a hand-built, supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that cranks out a strong 443 horsepower, along with firmer suspension tuning and upgraded brakes.

2009 Cadillac XLR-V Convertible Image Gallery:


With its powerfully built engine and Corvette-based platform, one would expect the Cadillac XLR-V to be a strong performer. Sure enough, its continuous acceleration leaves lesser luxury roadsters much behind, and its handling and braking are more than reputable. Yet its comparatively uncommunicative steering leaves us cold and its handling still isn’t as sharp as what you’ll find in the European competition. As such, the XLR-V is far from class-leading in the driver entertainment type.

A couple other trivial shortcomings prevent the XLR-V from taking the title of top luxury roadster. While the cockpit looks luxurious, it doesn’t fit drivers of all heights. Moreover, while most interior materials appear appropriately rich, a few others are distinctly average. In this elite segment, every feature counts, and the XLR-V can ill afford such missteps.

The luxury-roadster class includes such celebrities as the BMW M6 convertible, Jaguar XKR, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Of these, the Porsche offers the most satisfying drive, the M6 allows seating for four and the Mercedes arguably provides the best combination of luxury, style and performance, especially in AMG form. The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is an attractive domestic alternative, and it may even turn more heads than the other cars due to its relative scarcity. But if it were our 100 luxurious, we’d take the Porsche or the Benz.

The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is a two-seat luxury roadster. Its retractable hardtop can convert the car from closed coupe to wide-open convertible in less than 30 seconds. Nearly every possible luxury feature comes standard, including a nine-speaker Bose stereo (with XM satellite radio), OnStar telematics, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry and start, xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescope adjustments, a head-up display and rear parking support. The lone factory alternative is a set of chrome-finished wheels.

A supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine sends 443 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque to the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V’s rear wheels. Power is channelled through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. We timed an XLR-V from zero to 60 mile-per-hour in a slight 4.6 seconds, which puts it more than a full second in front of the standard XLR and right in the thick of the high-performance roadster race. Braking performance, at 119 ft from 60 mph, is adequate, though the top stoppers can do the action in less than 115 feet.

Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are all standard on the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V. As in all convertibles of this type, the XLR-V’s side airbags inflate to guard both the head and torso.

The cockpit of the XLR-V offers much to like. Its design is appealingly effortless, the leather supple, the wood trim convincing and the build quality solid. However, we find the XLR-V’s cockpit less attractive in light of the car’s price. The switchgear looks and feels ordinary, and some trim pieces have a tacked-on appearance. As in many cars of GM origin, too many functions have been stuffed onto the turn-signal stalk. In addition, the steering wheel’s a bit big for our tastes, and the limited rearward seat journey may hamper the styles of taller drivers. The trunk boasts a respectable 11.6 cubic feet of space when the top is up; top down, however, that number drops to just 4.4 cubic feet.

With a jump of 123 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque over the standard XLR, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is greatly more responsive. Lean into the throttle and the XLR-V catapults forth on a wave of supercharged torque. Even with its firmer suspension setup, though, the XLR-V is still tuned more for avenue cruising than all-out handling, which means it feels smoother than some more focused rivals. This quality conspires with the rather heavy and without sensation steering setup to make this performance roadster feel a little out of its part on winding roads.

However, in normal driving, the XLR-V considers swift and stable. Cowl shake is nearly absent and the V8 engine sounds great. Wind buffeting can turn into somewhat intrusive with the top down, but the XLR-V is whisper-quiet with its top up.

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All-New 2010 Nissan 370Z The Seductively Styled Z Roadster Adds Open-Air Excitement

Less than a year after the introduction of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe – a vehicle that reset the bar for affordable sports car design and performance – comes its dramatic new stablemate, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The seductively styled Z® 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 ever come before – including a standard automatic latching power top and Nissan Intelligent Key™. Also offered are an array of technology and convenience features, including the first-ever Z® Roadster-available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, satellite radio and advanced Nissan Navigation System. The 2010 370Z Roadster is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide in late summer.

“As expected, the 370Z Roadster delivers an exhilarating connection to the air, wind and environment on top of the new Z® Coupe’s exceptional levels of performance,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). “But perhaps unexpected for a car this sporty is its greatly enhanced refinement and quality – as seen in features such as its one-touch, auto-locking convertible top and beautifully crafted interior.”

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster Image Gallery:


A Truly Authentic Roadster
The 370Z Roadster’s most obvious departure from the 370Z Coupe is its convertible top. The soft-top roof was designed with an emphasis on three key areas: to provide a sleek silhouette matching the new Z®’s stunning styling with the top up or down, to offer easy single-action open-close operation, and to provide an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.

With convertible top in the closed position, the design provides a sophisticated 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 kinetic and dynamic character lines. When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-color 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 provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with an enlarged (versus the previous generation Z® Roadster) 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 center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors. The automatic latch system secures the top to – or releases it from – the windshield header without driver intervention. The shape and position of the glass wind deflector, located between the fixed headrest bars, has been optimized to reduce turbulence into the cabin.

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 four inches shorter (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches) and overall length is reduced by 2.6 inches (167.2 inches versus 169.8 inches). The new Z® Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk 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), including in the A-pillars and side sills.

The Z® Roadster’s exterior design incorporates the look and feel of the new Z® Coupe, including its signature long nose/short cockpit proportions, vertical door handles and distinctive new headlight/taillight treatment, which features a fierce “boomerang” shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off feature are standard.

The 370Z Roadster is offered in seven exterior colors: Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pearl White, Monterey Blue and a special premium color, Black Cherry.

Inside the stunning exterior, true to its sports car heritage, the Z® Roadster’s interior is completely driver-centric, with its three-layer design grouping items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place – so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive, top up or down.

The Z® Roadster features high back black woven “Carbon” cloth seats with 8-way manual driver’s/4-way manual passenger’s seat adjustments. Touring models include unique leather-appointed “net” seats with 4-way power/4-way manual operation on the driver’s seat (4-way power on the passenger’s seat). These second-generation net seats are exclusive to the Z® Roadster and have integrated heating and cooling functions – ideal for open air driving no matter what the outside temperature. Adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints are also standard.

The Z® Roadster’s 2-seat layout includes a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger’s seat. The instrument panel retains the traditional Z® 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer now include an “initial sweep” function, coming alive when the car is first started.

The sporty steering wheel is a new “oval” 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching, improved thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives. The surface of the leather-wrapped wheel is “shaved” to provide a more kidney-like shape to better fit in the hand. The manual transmission shifter is specially padded to improve the accuracy of diagonal shifts and to feel softer in the hand for forward and backward motions.

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design.

Other features include automatic climate control, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders (two in door panels, one in center console) and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Touring model adds a 6CD Bose® audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofer) and MP3/WMA playback, XM™ Satellite Radio (XM™ subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink™ Universal Transceiver and aluminum-trimmed pedals. This is the first time Bluetooth® and XM™ satellite radio have been available on a Z® Convertible.

The optional Navigation Package includes the touch-screen Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic™ real-time traffic information (XM™ subscription required, sold separately), 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and a USB fort for iPod® connectivity. The new navigation system offers a number of enhancements (versus previous Nissan Navigation System designs), including four times higher screen resolution, wireless music player audio streaming capability (via Bluetooth®), on-board Zagat restaurant ratings database, an in-dash DVD player and XM NavWeather™ weather information display (XM™ subscription required, sold separately).

The 370Z Roadster interior is available in Black cloth or for 370Z Touring Roadster models, a choice of Gray, Black or Wine leather-appointed net seating.

Open Air, Open Roads – An Unbeatable Combination
Roadster or Coupe, the new Z®s share one of the most advanced drivetrains available for affordable sports cars today. The Z® Roadster’s long list of cutting edge performance-focused technologies includes a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with available “SynchroRev Match” (the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel vented disc brakes (with available Nissan Sport Brakes).

“The new 370Z Roadster lives in the same sweet spot of performance, style and value that the Z® Coupe does,” said Castignetti. “Open air driving just begs for open roads and the new 370Z Convertible is the perfect companion.”

Compared to the previous generation 350Z Roadster, the new Z® convertible picks up 26 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque (332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6’s 306 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of toque @ 4,800 rpm).

Along with its larger displacement, the 3.7-liter engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque, creating an entirely new driving experience. Key to the enhanced performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.

The 2010 Z® Roadster is offered with a choice of two new advanced transmissions – a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual is available with SynchroRev Match™ (included in the optional Sport Package), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gear shift performance. The SynchroRev Match™ function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially “blipping” the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves vehicle balance and smoothness by reducing the typical “shock” when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer less vehicle intervention.

The available 7-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode.

Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. The 7-speed’s wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency, while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver’s driving style.

Estimated fuel economy for the 370Z Roadster is 18 mpg City/25 mpg Highway for both the 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions – increases of 1 mpg City/2 mpg Highway for the automatic and 1 mpg City/1 mpg Highway for the manual transmission versus the 2009 350Z Roadster.

The Z® Roadster also utilizes the Z® Coupe’s advanced 4-wheel independent suspension. The double-wishbone front suspension (which replaces the lower multi-link setup in the 350Z) uses lighter forged aluminum arms and a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, along with a lighter stabilizer bar with a 35 percent improved lever ratio. The 4-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter, with the rear cradle entirely integrated into a single part. “High response” shock absorbers are utilized on each corner for improved ride comfort.

The standard 370Z Roadster wheel and tire package features 18×8.0-inch front/18×9.0-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/50R18 front/P245/45R18 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires. Available as part of the optional Sport Package are 19-inch RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A P245/40R19 front/P275/35R19 tires.

The Z®’s standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The optional Sport Package includes Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers.

Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the addition of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster’s list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; door-mounted curtain air bags; and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Other standard equipment includes Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Two Well-Equipped Models
The new Z® Roaster is offered in two well-equipped models – 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. The Touring model includes the heated and cooling leather-appointed power net seats, HomeLink™ Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose® audio system, XM™ Satellite Radio (XM™ subscription, sold separately) and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Only two option packages are offered (Touring model only): the Sport Package, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity.

Source: Nissan official Press Release

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2009 Nissan 350Z Roadster A Comfortable Sports Car

With all the gee-whiz technology available in today’s cars, it’s easy to forget the joy that an essential sports car like a 2009 Nissan 350Z convertible provides. Nope, this car won’t make you a cup of coffee or tea as you drive into work. But the Z has everything you’ll need to get a hurry no caffeinated beverage could hope to match.

With its compact dimensions, spirited V6 engine, sharp handling, rear-wheel drive and well-balanced chassis, the 350Z roadster continues to be a sports car in the truest wisdom. And even though this generation of Z is in its last year, the styling still turn’s top. Nissan will be selling the all-new 370Z coupe for 2009 and is keeping the 350Z roadster only until it has the roadster version of the 370Z readied.

Compared to pricier competitors, such as the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster, the 2009 Nissan 350Z roadster lacks polish, both in terms of handling skill and interior design and materials. It’s also not as quick handling as Honda’s S2000. But this is still an inexpensive and reasonably comfortable sports car that delivers plenty of grins per mile. For its final year, the 2009 Nissan 350Z roadster rides into the sunset with its head held high.

Nissan 350Z Roadster Image Gallery:


The 2009 Nissan 350Z convertible is available in three trim levels: Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring. The Enthusiast arrives with 18-inch wheels, a power soft top, a wind blocker, a limited-slip rear differential, bi-xenon headlights, automatic climate control, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, full power accessories, power seats and a CD/MP3 audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls. The Touring model includes leather upholstery, heated seats, an upgraded Bose audio system, XM satellite radio and Bluetooth. The Grand Touring arrives with more powerful Brembo brakes and stability control. There are but two choices available for the 350Z roadster: a navigation system and a gray (versus black) soft top.

The rear-drive Nissan 350Z roadster is armed with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Putting the power to the ground is either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy estimates are about average for a six-cylinder sports car; with the automatic transmission, the 350Z convertible checks in at 17 mpg city/ 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

Antilock disc brakes, traction control and side-impact airbags are standard across the board. Stability control comes standard on the Grand Touring trim but is unavailable on the others.

In government frontal-impact crash tests, the 2009 Nissan 350Z roadster received five stars (the highest possible score) for the driver side and four stars for the passenger side. In that agency’s side-impact testing, the Nissan received a full five stars.

The Nissan Z’s instrument panel features three gauge pods that move with the tilt steering wheel. Unfortunately, the wheel doesn’t have a telescoping adjustment. All of the controls a driver might need are close at hand, but some of the materials used in the cockpit seem low-quality for this price range. The roadster’s trunk proposes just 4.1 cubic feet of capacity. On the upside, the soft top is easy to control and can be dropped in about 20 seconds. Around town, rearward visibility is poor, as you might expect. Of course, that’s a non-issue when the top is dropped.

The 2009 Nissan 350Z offers performance equal to that of some of the best sports cars available. On a curvy road, the 350Z rewards its driver with a high level of outright grip and balance. The steering is a bit coarse in feel, but otherwise, it’s quick and well-weighted. Around town, the V6 engine is quite compliant. Find some open street where you can let it out, and the engine produces an enjoyable and deep growl. Power delivery is healthy and particularly entertaining at higher revs. Although the automatic transmission matches revs on downshifts, a manual transmission brings out the most in the car. The six-speed’s shifter feels heavy through the gates, but it’s fairly precise and clutch take-up is smooth, though a bit stiff.

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