More than 20 years ago, I drove my dad’s Datsun 240Z to my senior prom. Time, in the form of the 2010 Nissan 370Z, has been most kind to the convertible/roadster.
My first impression of the 370Z was “baby got back”. The roadster’s new exterior got a retro-makeover from the previous generation, making it is more aggressive in appearance. You could especially see the changes in the “bass-mouth” front grill and large fender flairs. The rump, though, looked almost bulbous like a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Reason is quite simple; as a convertible, the Z Roadster doesn’t have the fixed greenhouse found on the coupe to blend the windshield and rear into one 240Z-inspired whole.
The cloth roof was nicely thick, held rain off (yes, we get rain in California) and, surprisingly, kept noise levels down within the car.
The Z shrunk nearly three inches from the prior generation. However, interior space stayed roughly the same due to the increased wheelbase (ala length between the front and rear axles).
The sides of the Z were almost coke-bottle smooth. Only the vertical door handles and small “Z” logo interrupted the flow. While I found the handles aesthetically pleasing, they were irritating to use.
I’m really liking the “boomerang” headlights and taillights.
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