Since the first open-air model – the 1993 300ZX targa-top – Nissan’s Z car has enjoyed a special spot in the hearts of those who prefer to go topless. The latest 370Z Roadster rides on a wheelbase that’s 100 millimetres shorter (2,550 mm) than the previous 350Z, the body has been strengthened and the ragtop is completely new. It’s a combination that will see the Z’s popularity continue unabated.

The revisions start with the bolder look and continue throughout the cabin. Soft-touch materials ring the predominantly black interior, and the layout is logical for the most part. There’s also plenty of content – standard stuff includes everything from a solid Bose sound system to an eight-way driver’s seat (four-way power, four-way manual), along with heated and cooled leather seats with mesh-like fabric inserts. The latter, unlike so many designs, boast a large coverage area that runs up through the shoulder region – a welcome benefit regardless of whether the occupants are being warmed or cooled.

There are only two options available with the 370Z: the Sport package and the Sport package with navigation. The latter includes a hard-drive navigation system with 9.3 gigabytes reserved for music storage.

There are a couple of interior nits to pick. For example, the lights indicating whether the air conditioning and air

recirculation are on or off

are so small they are next to

impossible to see on the non-navigation models. On the navigation-equipped Zs, the lights are larger and more visible, but as the A/C on/off light is located beneath the fan control knob, it’s difficult to see. Then there’s the location of the manumatic’s paddle shifters, which are fixed to the steering column. This makes them awkward to reach when not driving straight ahead.

There are no such quibbles with the new convertible top. Holding a button raises and lowers the roof in about 20 seconds. This can be accomplished without having to apply the parking brake and at speeds of up to five kilometres an hour. The fact the fabric roof folds down into its own compartment means the luggage space remains the same regardless of roof position – 4.2 cubic feet does not seem like much, but the fact it’s squared off means all of the space can be put to good use.

As with most convertibles, the sightlines are tight with the top up. Here, a backup camera would be handy. Sadly, it’s not offered. However, as the Z Roadster’s focus is top-down motoring, the limitations become moot. When the sun is high and a twisty road beckons, all the desirable assets are in place.

Power comes from a 3.7-litre V6 that puts a healthy 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque at the driver’s disposal. Nissan’s VVEL (the variable valve event and lift system blends cam phasing with variable valve lift) ensures the power is available over a broad range. This means the engine is as willing at the bottom end as it is when it’s singing at full siren.

Power is relayed to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed manumatic. Both work equally well. The manual has a refined gate, a light clutch and a welcome twist – it rev matches on downshifts (a feature that’s part of the Sport pack). The system is smart enough that it knows which gear the driver is about to select and so it blips the throttle accordingly – heel-and-toeing made easy. The manumatic does the same rev-matching trick whenever the driver pulls back on the downshift paddle. The upshot is that it does not matter which box one selects as both do the

engine justice.

Likewise, the handling is top-notch. There is virtually no cowl shake. Credit the increased stiffness built into the new car. Torsional rigidity is 40% better up front and 45% in the rear and there’s 60% less bending at the back end, which gives the suspension a solid base. It is tuned so that it eliminates body roll without feeling harsh when the road gets rough. When pushed, the 370Z hunkers down and exhibits a neutrality that’s rare. The base tires (P225/50R18 front, P245/45R18 rear) tires are good; the Sport’s tires (P245/40R19 front and P275/35R19 rear) are better. The latter not only provide significantly more lateral grip and sharpen the steering’s feel and feedback, they fill the wheel arches with more authority. As such, the sport package should be considered mandatory. It also brings bigger rotors and four-piston front calipers, which equates to less fade at the limit and very nice RAYS forged rims. The Sport is a dynamically balanced package that’s a hoot to drive.

When the Nissan 370Z Roadster debuts in October, its popularity will mirror that of its forebears. The fact it is fun to drive and has plenty of power remain important considerations. However, it’s the new pricing that will seal the deal. The base car retails for $46,998, and the Sport model is $50,998. The Sport with navigation tops out at $53,498. In all cases, the automatic transmission adds $1,500. Any way one slices it, the Z Roadster delivers a lot of car for the coin.