2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster

The 4-way powered and heated bucket seats are very comfortable and supportive on long cruises or when challenging twisting, curving roads.

The new Z roadster also shares all of the coupe's key performance features. Power comes from the award winning 3.5-liter VQ35DE DOHC V6 engine that makes 287 hp at 6,200 rpm and 274 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine's intake port design and continuously variable timing control system (CVTCS) technology give the Z a flat torque band to deliver both quick start-off acceleration, high-speed passing performance, plus exceptional low-end torque in slower city driving. Torque is transferred to the rear wheels via a slick shifting, close ratio 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic with semi-manual shift mode. Each comes with a viscous limited-slip differential; traction control, and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic drive shaft. You have to test the Z with the 6-speed for optimum fun and performance.


The high performance suspension system performs well with razor sharp response and control. Shut off the traction control system and you can shake it loose with some oversteer in the turns, then quickly get it back in line with a slight ease-off of the throttle. Up front is the same multi-link setup with aluminum pieces, coil springs, gas-charged shocks, an aluminum front strut tower brace and thick stabilizer bar. The rear also features the same multi-link setup with aluminum pieces, coil springs, gas-charged shocks, a hidden rear strut tower brace and stabilizer bar. You easily guide the Z Roadster with Nissan's engine speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system. Road feedback is excellent with great on-center feel. The roadster does exhibit a little softer and more luxurious ride, but it is not because the shocks and coil springs rates have been lowered significantly. It is really because of the different type of tires and tire pressure. With the added weight, the Roadster's Bridgestone 'Summer' 225/50R18 (front) and 245/45/R18 (rear) tires need less air pressure.


The Z Roadster's acceleration and handling specs are impressive. The car rockets out to 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.8 seconds, covers the 1/4-mile in 14.3 seconds at 101.1 mph and goes through the 600-ft. slalom at 67.2 mph. You quickly brake from speed with big power-assisted, steel-disc brakes. Front rotors are vented and measure 11.65 inches with twin-piston calipers. The rear discs measure 11.50 inches and are also vented and clamped with a single piston caliper. Unlike the 350Z coupe, there is no Track model, which features Brembo brakes with 4-piston calipers up front and 2-pistons in the rear. Don't fret, these brakes are superb and feature ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. The new 350Z roadster stops in a very respectable 125 feet. Not bad for a 3,468-lb. convertible.

Power comes from the award winning 3.5-liter VQ35DE DOHC V6 engine that makes 287 hp at 6,200 rpm and 274 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.

The styling of the Nissan 350Z roadster is truly unique. The body looks like it was just "cad-cammed" from a solid block of metal. Without the roof and rear hatch, the convertible looks sleeker and sexier than the coupe. The 350Z Roadster also shares the Coupe's short front and rear overhangs. The bold and aggressive stance and front fascia exudes power and performance. The flush mounted headlamp cluster behind clear lenses feature xenon HID headlamps, halogen high beams and projector beam fog lamps. The big front bumper has vertical markers on the side, and a large, centered air-intake that would make the perfect place to put an inter-cooler for a twin-turbo or supercharger.


To keep weight to a minimum, the Z roadster uses an aluminum hood and trunk lid. Behind the roll bars it is flat and dives down to the rear bumper with nicely spaced, big, round exhaust tips. The large, unique triangular tail and brake lamps are mounted high on the flanks, while the backup lamps run horizontally from the end of the bumper inward. This further sets the 350Z's soft corners and geometric lighting style apart from the competition. The flat rear trunk lid cover opens straight-up making it easy to load or unload cargo into the 4.1 cu. ft. of space. On top of the lid is a lip spoiler, which enhances the rear down-force when you are driving at triple-digit speeds on the open road. Weight distribution is a nearly perfect 53/47 percent front/rear.