The Nissan Z has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1969 but even in 2012 the 370Z Roadster Touring has not lost the Z feel. In order to pick up this year’s 370Z Roadster, you may have to pay anywhere from $43,500 to $48,000, a much greater price compared to the 1969 240Z that had an MSRP of $3,526. When going to pick up your 370Z convertible (Roadster), you have a choice between the base model and the ‘Touring’ edition which has many upgraded features: 19” RAYS aluminum allow wheels, viscous limited slip differential and Nissan sport brakes. The Touring edition adds an extra $2,830 to the MSRP.

The initial feeling of the 2012 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring is amazing. “Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken” must be a popular term around Nissan because this year’s Z still has that distinct Z body style that has become so popular. The interior also maintains the “Z feeling” with the unique triple gauges and cluster. Of course the Z offers a comfy cab, with heated and cooling ventilated seats that hug you around those sharp corners. Looking behind the Z may prove to be a bit of a problem however, as the rear-view mirror seems to be obstructed by the roll-cages of the head rests and the head rests themselves. If this problem irks you, there is no need to fret as the 370Z Roadster has a $785 option for a rear-view backup camera which is displayed on the rear-view mirror. Nissan implemented this feature very well as the screen on the mirror is seemingly invisible when not in use but when in reverse it is very crisp and clear.

Driving the 370Z Roadster Touring is a treat as well. From the unique exhaust note to the handling, the 370Z is sure to keep its driver white-knuckled. With added weight, width and improved rigidity, the 2012 370Z Roadster Touring handles very well for a convertible offering very little body roll around the corner. Of course if you would like to slide around those corners, it’s just a push of a button right next to the steering wheel. Not only is the handling exceptional, but what’s under the hood is surprising as well. Powered by a 332 HP V-6 that pumps out 270 lb-ft of torque, the 2012 370Z Roadster Touring packs a mean punch.

This year’s 370Z convertible offers only a few minor changes compared to last year with an additional 139lbs and the wheelbase being 4 inches shorter. Also the 2012 370Z Roadster is .2 inches wider.

Driving this car may be a treat but the interior may seem a bit cramped to some people as the cluster is very close to the steering wheel and is hard to read at times when driving. Some of the buttons in the car were hard to find, while others were neatly places. It seems as though the pro’s of this car outweigh the con’s, making this car a very nice iteration of the Z model.


Provided by duPont REGISTRY


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