2009 New York Auto Show: Nissan 370Z Roadster

NEW YORK — Following last year's new Z coupe, Nissan is introducing the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster at the 2009 New York Auto Show, and it's set to hit dealers later this summer.

With most of the packaging and mechanicals of the roadster mirroring the coupe, the biggest news for the roadster reveal is the roof. Capable of dropping or raising its power soft top in 20 seconds, the Z Roadster also simplifies the process by doing away with the manual latches. The top latches and unlatches from the windshield header automatically, meaning operation is as simple as pressing the switch in the center console or a button in the doors. Nissan also says the fixed-glass wind deflector between the seats is designed for a calmer top-down driving experience.

Running gear in the 370Z Roadster is the same as in the coupe, with power coming from the new 3.7-liter V6. Output is rated at 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. Power is directed to the rear wheels through either a seven-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual available with Nissan's SynchroRev Match that blips the throttle on downshifts. Fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with either transmission.

Like the coupe, the roadster will be offered in standard and Touring trims. All Z Roadsters come with power windows and locks, automatic climate control and an audio system with CD player, auxiliary input and steering-wheel controls. Nissan's Intelligent Key is also standard on all cars, along with a push-button ignition. Touring models add an eight-speaker Bose stereo with six-disc CD changer, heated and cooled leather seats, aluminum-trimmed pedals, a Bluetooth phone system and XM Satellite Radio.

The Sport Package adds 19-inch Rays forged wheels, Bridgestone Potenza tires, larger brakes, a limited-slip differential and SynchroRev Match. Z Roadsters equipped with the Navigation package can stream music over Bluetooth, share real-time traffic and weather information and provide restaurant ratings. The package also includes a USB port for connecting audio devices and a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing music.

Inside Line says: Just as with the coupe, the new Z Roadster will be a welcome refresh for the aging convertible. — Eric Tingwall, Correspondent