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| Nissan
350Z Roadster |
Broadcast
dates : 5th June 2005
11th June 2005 |
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The cabriolet, or roadster version
of the Nissan 350Z serves to enhance the purity of line inherent
in this sporting Nissan. It’s a very masculine sportster, with
hard edges, bold detailing and no hint of boulevard-cruiser
daintiness. This remains a no-compromise machine.
Nissan opted for a classic fabric hood for the convertible, with
electric operation. It takes just 20 seconds to open or close,
and there are no levers or hooks to deal with – everything is
automatic.
Performance is strong. The 206 kilowatt V6 engine wails
wonderfully at high revs, and is coupled to a six-speed manual
gearbox with rear wheel drive.
Suspension is on the firm side, and there’s continuous
dialogue between car and driver.
Nissan officially call this cabriolet the Roadster, which is yet
another term for convertible. Perhaps "Road-burner"
would have been more appropriate.
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The six-speed ‘box also enables relaxed motorway cruising at
reasonably low revs.
A wind deflector behind the seats reduces vortex buffeting with
the top down, and built-in roll-over bars in the seat backs add
a measure of security.
And the 350Z Roadster is capable of REAL speed. 0-100 is claimed
at 6,2 seconds, just a tad slower than the coupe, as the
cabriolet is 110 kilograms heavier. Top speed is limited to 250.
The interior is no-nonsense sporty, but some of the switchgear
looks a little plasticky compared to German offerings in this
pricey market.
The standard Roadster costs R425 000, while for an extra three
grand you can order ventilated seats.
The beauty of the cabriolet version is that it’s lost none of
the sports-car essence that’s made the closed-top 350Z South
Africa’s favourite sports car.
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