The 2009 Nissan 350Z Roadster continues to offer sports car lovers high-performance excitement and a dynamic driving experience. For 2009, three models are available: 350Z Roadster Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring. Each comes equipped with a standard VQ35HR3.5-liter V6 producing 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque and a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions. Revisions for 2009 include one new exterior color – Moonlight White (replaces Pikes Peak White).
“Ever since its introduction, the 350Z Roadster has maintained its status as the premier, affordable open-air sports car for top-down driving enthusiasts – offering an exceptional combination of performance, quality, heritage and value,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With its stylish design, easy-to-operate convertible top design, powerful V6 and responsive chassis and brakes, the 350Z Roadster attracts attention wherever it goes – or stops.”
The Z® Roadster features a power-operated soft top with heated glass rear window, which transforms from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds. The top stows compactly under a lightweight, powered tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down. The three-lock, single latch system provides a secure seal, while also making the opening and closing process easier.
Numerous structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Z® Roadster unibody (versus the 350Z Coupe), including a center floor V-shaped cross bar connecting the side sills and a front A-shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end. Additional reinforcement was added at the door openings and to the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure to help enhance rigidity.
A tempered glass wind deflector, located between the seats, directs wind out and over the cabin when the top is down, reducing interior noise. Seatbelt fasteners are standard to help keep seatbelts from flapping in the wind. As a result, the Z® Roadster is among the leading competitors for low top-down interior noise.
The Z® Roadster’s instrument panel features three gauge pods consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as modern touches such as the optional navigation system with a 7.0-inch display. The Z® Roadster also makes the most of available storage space, with a standard lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase and sufficient trunk space, even with the top retracted. The trunk has up to 4.1 cubic feet of useable room for storage.
For 2009, the 350Z Roadster continues the Z®’s rich performance heritage, including a state-of-the-art platform, engine, suspension and braking systems. The heart and soul of the Nissan Z®, since the original 1970 model, is its engine. Every 2009 350Z Roadster features a standard VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower @ 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 RPM, with more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 RPM.
Both a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission are available. The manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st to 5th speed ranges for high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for long-legged highway fuel economy and reduced engine noise. The advanced automatic transmission design includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), which provides smooth downshifting by automatically blipping the throttle.
The Z®’s FM (Front Mid-Ship) platform provides an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 53/47. The FM platform, derived from racing technology, also places a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body.
The Z®’s suspension is a 4-wheel independent multilink design with extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and standard front and rear stabilizer bars.
The standard rack-and-pinion steering system features a vehicle speed-sensitive power assist, which provides comfortable steering effort at both low and high speeds. The system’s two orifice sets (compared with one set for traditional power steering systems) work together to generate the appropriate level of steering effort for nearly every driving condition. The orifice sets are controlled by a solenoid valve and electrical control units.
The 2009 350Z Roadster offers a power-assisted 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring features standard Brembo brakes with four-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers and larger brake pads and larger rotors (than Enthusiast and Touring models) for even more superb stopping power. Traction Control System (TCS) and available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) work in conjunction with the Z’s braking system.
The Z® Roadster features standard 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, mounted with 225/45WR18 (front), 245/45WR18 (rear) Bridgestone® Potenza RE050A tires. All 350ZRoadsters also include a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The 2009 Nissan 350Z Roadster utilizes Nissan’s “Zone Body” construction, providing front and rear “crushable” zones and a center occupant zone. The Z®’s body structure has been designed to create a high degree of structural and torsional rigidity. Key features include a double-panel floor, a double front bulkhead and large-section doorsills.
The Z® features standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
The 2009 350Z Roadster is offered in three well-equipped models – Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring. Standard features on all models include the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, independent multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, HID headlights and more.
The 2009 350Z Roadster Enthusiast model features include power seats, power-operated soft top and tonneau, rear wind deflector, 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, standard front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and more.
The 350Z Roadster Touring model features a 7-speaker Bose® audio system with 6-disc CD changer and heated, leather-appointed seats. The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring model adds Brembo brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
Two options are available on the 2009 350Z Roadster: a DVD-based navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD display (Touring and Grand Touring models only) and a grey top, which substitutes for the standard black top (Touring model only).