NISSAN FAIRLADY Z ROADSTER: A car with a sharp response, one that can "converse" with its driver.

NISSAN FAIRLADY Z ROADSTER

A car with sharp responses that "communicates" with the driver

When the season is pleasant, what you want to drive is a full-open model. While several such models exist in Japan, the NISSAN FAIRLADY Z ROADSTER (from ¥4,357,500) stands out as a model that pursues both sportiness and luxury.

Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Masayuki Arakawa

A Beautiful, Two-Seater, Full-Open Car

The Fairlady Z Roadster was released in October 2009. Just as the base coupe was made lighter and more compact than its predecessor to enhance driving enjoyment, this is a two-seater, full-open car designed for driving pleasure.

Nissan Motor Corporation highlights the following features of the Fairlady Z Roadster:
Striking beauty, whether open or closed
A balance of sporty driving performance and the joy of open-air motoring
Easy operation for opening and closing the soft top

The Fairlady Z Roadster is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 336 horsepower. Its body dimensions are 4,250mm in length, 1,845mm in width, and 1,315mm in height. For comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, also with a 3.7-liter six-cylinder engine, has a maximum output of 345 horsepower and dimensions of 4,435mm in length, 1,810mm in width, and 1,310mm in height. This highlights that the Fairlady Z Roadster is shorter and wider.

The "Luxury" of Choosing a Soft Top

The most distinctive feature of the Fairlady Z Roadster is its soft top, made of fabric. While metal tops are currently popular, in the past, luxury car manufacturers would offer both coupe and roadster body styles. Coupe and open-top models were inherently intended for different purposes, and the owner's values were expressed by deliberately choosing an open-top model, accepting its inherent inconveniences. While somewhat abstract, we highly appreciate that the Fairlady Z Roadster possesses this "luxury" that those who have always loved open-top cars will understand.

With a full soft top, passenger comfort can be significantly affected by the season and weather. However, the Fairlady Z Roadster aims to minimize wind buffeting and noise by making the windshield relatively large and meticulously adjusting its angle and other details. Furthermore, to compensate for the reduced heat resistance compared to a metal top, the seats are equipped with air conditioning, featuring both cooling and heating functions, making them comfortable in both summer and winter.

NISSAN FAIRLADY Z ROADSTER

A car with sharp responses that "communicates" with the driver

The Heavy, Tactile Steering Wheel Feels Great

The driving feel is exceptionally sporty, even by Japanese car standards. It's a "sports car" through and through, to the point where it might select its driver. While the steering is power-assisted, it's surprisingly heavy. The manual transmission also has a satisfyingly weighty feel with a short, precise gate. The accelerator and brakes respond well, but they don't engage too lightly, which is exactly how a high-powered sports car should be – a truly satisfying characteristic. It's not bad that it's heavy; it feels good.

Acceleration is strong, with the maximum torque of 37.2 kgm produced at a high 5,200 rpm. The engine truly enters its torque band around 3,000 rpm, and acceleration becomes sharp and responsive to throttle input. When driving a sports car like this, it's crucial not to stomp on the accelerator but to gradually increase engine revs and find the range that feels most comfortable. Along with steering, understanding the range where you have the most control is the first step to taming a spirited horse. If this is what is meant by communication between driver and car, then the Fairlady Z Roadster is indeed a car that can communicate.

A Feature That Automatically Matches Revs

Perhaps to emphasize the joy of driving, the 6-speed manual transmission version of the Fairlady Z Roadster is equipped with "SynchroRevMatch." This system functions during downshifts; when the clutch pedal is disengaged, it automatically increases engine revs to match the gear, allowing the driver to enjoy the thrill of downshifting. Those who appreciate this as a form of enjoyment are true car enthusiasts – it's a niche feature. The development team discreetly admitted, "It's not highly evaluated." Indeed, mastering this technique through personal practice is undoubtedly more rewarding.

A Japanese two-seater open-top sports car priced around 5 million yen. It's a vehicle that offers a luxurious experience. We hope it continues to exist for a long time to come.