First Photos of the 2010 Nissan 370Z Convertible

Unlike the Infiniti G37 drop top, which uses a retractable hardtop, the future 370Z convertible will incorporate a power-operated soft top. The fabric top will likely keep the new Z convertible from getting an exorbitant bump in price, and more importantly, will prevent the newly smaller Z from taking on any unnecessary pounds. The new sixth-generation Z cut its wheelbase by approximately 4 inches, so it's necessary for the convertible to keep its weight down.

The 370Z convertible is expected to share a powertrain with the 370Z coupe, likely to be the same 3.7-liter Nissan VQ engine that's already providing power to the G37 coupe and sedan. A seven-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission will be offered, same as in the G. Although the G37 added an all-wheel-drive option this year in the form of the G37x, the 370Z will continue to use rear-wheel drive only.

The 2010 Nissan 370Z convertible will debut early next spring at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

Inside Line says: The good-looking coupe makes a striking convertible. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor