The 350Z Roadster, due in New Zealand for the summer, takes the powerful lines of the coupe one step further

The Roadster version of the Nissan 35OZ is being fast tracked into production and will be on sale in New Zealand before the end of this year.

As it did with the coupe version, Nissan New Zealand has provided early confirmation of specification and pricing.

The six speed manual version will be $72,990 and the five speed automatic costs $74,990.

Debuting at the New York Motor Show in April, the 350Z Roadster's compact silhouette takes the powerful lines of the 350Z sports coupe one step further.

To maintain sure footed handling and enhanced body rigidity, the 350Z roadster has additional structural reinforcements including a centre floor V shaped cross bar connecting the side sills and a front A shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end.

Additional reinforcement was added at the door openings and a triple member was added to the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure.

Nissan designers placed great emphasis on the ease of operation of the roof and on reducing the wind noise and buffeting often associated with open top vehicles.

The roof of the new 35OZ roadster is a power operated soft top with a heated glass rear window and is designed to extend or retract in around 20 seconds.

A key component to minimising interior noise is a tempered glass wind deflector located between the seats which directs wind out and over the cabin. In addition, the Bose Audiopilot sound system adjusts the volume output to compensate for any changes in wind and road noise.

The 350Z Roadster is powered by the potent 3.5 litre V6 24 valve DOHC engine found in the acclaimed sports coupe, generating 206kW at 62OOrpm with 363NM of torque at 48OOrpm.

Standard features include carbon fibre composite drive shaft, traction control system, viscous limited slip rear differential, electronic drive by wire throttle and dual outlet exhaust.

Available with either a close ratio 6 speed manual or optional 5 speed automatic (with manual mode) transmission, the 350Z Roadster bears independent multi link suspension with integrated rear strut tower brace, combined with front and rear stabiliser bars.

Braking is via power assisted 296x24min ventilated front discs and 292xl6mm ventilated rear discs with four wheel anti lock braking with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution fitted as standard.

The Roadster is shod with 18x8 inch six spoke aluminium alloy wheels and 225/45R18 91W front and 245/45R18 96W rear performance tyres.

Passive safety features comprise driver and passenger front and side SRS airbags and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Standard equipment includes heated leather sports seats, automatic climate control airconditioning, 3 bay gauge cluster for oil pressure, voltmeter and tripcomputer, 240 waft Bose AM/FM radio cassette, six stack in dash CD changer with seven speakers including a subwoofer, power windows, door locks and mirrors and drilled aluminium. pedals.

Exterior colours are Onyx, Tuscan Red, Le Mans Sunset available with a black roof. Daytona Blue is available with a navy blue roof. Customers who choose Platinum have the option of either colour roof

The coupe version quickly grabbed the imagination of Kiwi car enthusiasts.

Since it went on sale earlier this year it's rocketed to No 2 in the sports car sector and the arrival of the roadster could give Nissan a No 1 hit.

The often fashion fickle sports car market is a two horse race.

The Holden Monaro topped the half year figures, selling 135 units, but the 350Z sold 115 and was only on the market for five months.