2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster: Up Close

One of the sexiest cars on display at this year’s New York auto show is definitely Nissan’s 370Z Roadster, and I got a good look at it last night.

Rest assured car-styling snobs and Z enthusiasts, it’s OK to exhale: The 2010 370Z Roadster does not have a crook in its backside, à la 350Z droptop. The union between roof and trunk is gentler and far less abrupt; the rear still comes across as a bit oversized, but it’s far from the 350Z Roadster’s carrier-deck hindquarters. Credit the beltline: The 370Z rises, straightens out and rises again over the rear fenders. It’s interesting at least and alluring at best, and it helps the convertible look every bit as good as the coupe.

Nissan says the powered soft-top does its thing in 20 seconds. That’s only midpack these days — the Ford Mustang’s takes 15 seconds — but the whole affair is a one-touch operation with no buttons to hold down or latches to release or secure, as the 350Z ‘vert required (and many other soft-toppers, including the Mustang, still do). We’ll have to investigate further to be certain, but if it’s possible to start the operation and walk away while it finishes that would represent no small convenience.

Why didn’t Nissan go with a folding hardtop? Representatives at last night’s press introduction said it was to manage costs and preserve trunk space with the top down. I buy the first explanation – folding hardtops can run thousands extra, and Nissan bills the Z as an affordable sports car — but I’m unconvinced of the second. The roof stows in a separate compartment, leaving the rectangular-shaped trunk untouched. The area is conducive to duffle bags and carry-on suitcases, especially compared to the onerous compartments in many hardtop convertibles. But it’s still quite small: Nissan says overall space is just 4.2 cubic feet. That’s less than many of those hardtop convertibles, even with the tops down — compare to the Volvo C70 (6.0 cubic feet), Pontiac G6 (5.8) and VW Eos (6.6).

Then again, the Z has always been about performance, not so much practicality. The roadster looks to be much of the same story, for better or worse.