Nissan 370Z Nismo Roadster concept unveiled

Nissan has introduced its 370Z Nismo Roadster Concept at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The one-off design study was created to gauge market interest and would join the current Nissan 370Z Nismo Coupe should there be enough demand.

The concept gets a unique body kit said to be inspired by the Nissan GT-R. There’s a deep front fascia with Hyper LED daytime running lights, black headlight bezels and signature Nismo red stripe accents. The red theme continues along the sides and is picked up by the red wing mirror covers.

In the middle of the vehicle, the fixed headrests bars are leather-wrapped with red accents, while the rear is highlighted by a custom carbon-fibre rear spoiler created exclusively for the Roadster Concept.

The power-folding roof with fabric inner liner design incorporates a single action top operation with automatic roof lock, steel tonneau cover and fixed glass wind deflector.

The concept rolls on 19-inch Nismo lightweight forged alloy wheels by RAYS, wrapped in Y-rated Bridgestone Potenza S001 245/40R19 front and 285/35R19 rear tyres.

Inside, the Nismo-styled interior is anchored by black Recaro seats with red stitching and stain-repellent, off-while premium Ultrasuede inserts that is said to resist heat build-up when parked in open sunlight. There’s also an Alcantara-clad 3-spoke steering wheel and Nismo red tachometer. Other highlights include a Bose audio system and 7-inch infotainment display.

Power is provided by a 3.7-litre V6 engine that generates 261kW (350bhp) and 373Nm of torque, mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and a manual shift mode.

Its performance credentials are further highlighted by high-performance brakes and a limited-slip rear differential. Its sport-tuned suspension also gets stiffer springs and larger stabiliser bars.

“While it is only a design study at this point, we think the 370Z Nismo Roadster Concept would be a tremendous addition to the long and distinguished history of Z sports cars,” said Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Planning at Nissan North America.