Fast and flashy, Z Roadster lives up to the brand

A menu of Mark Glover’s AutoGlo reviews of the latest motor vehicle models also can be seen on The Sacramento Bee’s website at www.sacbee.com/news/business/article4005306.html

This review first appeared in the December 2017 edition of the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News published out of Folsom, California – mg

Sacramento, California – Some cars need only a single name to project an image … Mustang and Camaro, for example.

Other cars need only a single letter: Z.

I had not been behind the wheel of a Nissan roadster for too long a time, so I was grateful for the recent offer to put a 2017 Nissan 370Z Roadster through its paces.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, it was like I had never left.  The car radiated its familiar personality, all flash and very fast on the draw.  And very well equipped, I might add.

I first drove a Z up the California coast back in 1984, and I’ll never forget the thrill of its acceleration or the throaty exhaust note it presented when my right foot dropped down on the accelerator.  I was pretty much hooked right away.

The current-generation Z droptop with a 3.7-liter V-6 and 332 horsepower represents a serious evolution from that Z of years ago.  The tested Z moved with impressive authority that far exceeded the Zs of my memory.

Even more impressive, it was monorail-solid in high-speed maneuvers on a twisty Sierra Nevada roadway.  It felt glued to the driving line, yet so comfortable that I felt like I could have one-handed it through the corners.

With the top down, you draw lots of stares, approving looks and thumbs-up signs.  The 370Z Roadster’s classic, sleek lines are accentuated with the roof safely tucked away.  And yes, it feels great cutting through the air on the open road.

By the way, the 370Z Roadster’s fully automatic top slips out of sight in 20 seconds, a show that never gets old.

The four-wheel, vented disc brakes were exceptional and gave me a feeling of confidence even as I was pressing the car to challenge traction on a corner.

For the uninitiated, the Z’s finely tuned sport suspension is perfect for slalom runs, but you do feel road imperfections in your tailbone.

The tester’s interior included a nicely arranged package of perks, including a strong audio system and cupholders that actually do the job even when the 370Z is at full song.  Sometimes, the simple things are the most appreciated.

Fuel mileage was fair at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

 

Please note that you can move up to Z sportsters with more muscle, but for me, the V-6 with 332 horses provided plenty of rush for my taste.

One small gripe: My view out the back of the vehicle was somewhat limited, but that’s a minor complaint in this segment.

The starting price for the basic roadster is $41,820, and from there you can move up to the 370Z Roadster Touring Sport that starts at $49,400.  Please note that Nissan has made some modest upgrades in the 370Z lineup for the 2018 model year.

All in all, the tested 2017 Nissan 370Z Roadster provided a fun ride and a trip down Memory Lane that was a sporty blast.  The Z remains a classic and worth a look if you’re pondering the acquisition of a sporty model strictly as a guilty pleasure.