First Look: 2004 Nissan Z Roadster
Let Z sun shine in
Photography by Matt Stone, Bruce Benedict
Seldom has an idea been so obvious. Now it's here: the seriously sexy top-down Z.
The original 240Z deserved to be offered in convertible form, but it never happened. Nissan isn't missing that opportunity again.
The concept seems simple, but the job of converting Nissan's fastback sports car into a convertible is an involved one. The Z was designed with this body configuration in mind, so it's hardly an aftermarket chop job.
The slickest, trickest part of the deal is the rear deck, which not only serves as a design element, but creates a hard tonneau cover for the one-touch power top. Thick plastic shrouds encapsulate the rollhoops just aft of the headrests; a clear plastic wind blocker runs between them.
The coupe's rear hatch gives way to a conventional trunklid incorporating a mild spoiler, and the center brake light finds its way onto the tonneau. Other than an extra body cutline to allow the top to deploy, the packaging and hardware that make the Z into a roadster look well integrated and downright handsome. All the better to hear those melodious, warbling dual exhaust pipes.
We expect the Z's weight to increase about 200 pounds, though the effect on performance should be minimal. Nissan hasn't released pricing yet, but figure on a five- to seven-grand premium over the cost of a similarly equipped coupe. Sounds reasonable, for an idea whose time has finally come.