Thursday 28th June 2007

Folding metal roof 350Z

Z to get folding tin top?

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Will the next Z get a folding metal roof option?

Could Nissan be thinking of joining the ranks of the folding metal roof convertibles?

Autech, Nissan’s specialty vehicle conversion arm, has apparently been fiddling with a retractable tin top concept according to rumours on the 'GT channel'. Could this be part of the new Z range - due within the next couple of years and possibly on show in concept form at this October’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Such a model would follow other recent converts to this roof style like BMW with their new 3 series convertible. But will such a move rest easily with the Z's driver-focused character and image...

Source: Autoblog/GT Channel

[jon-]

"But will such a move rest easily with the Z's driver-focused character and image..."

Well I assume the drivers would keep buying the coupe and the hairdressers will continue to buy the one you can take the roof off... It's not like Nissan will offer a roadster only version.

[annodomini2]

jon- said:

"But will such a move rest easily with the Z's driver-focused character and image..."

Well I assume the drivers would keep buying the coupe and the hairdressers will continue to buy the one you can take the roof off... It's not like Nissan will offer a roadster only version.

Why would they need 2 models? If the roadster in their eyes is effectively a hard top.

[gezkc]

annodomini2 said:

Why would they need 2 models? If the roadster in their eyes is effectively a hard top.

You could ask the same of the 3 Series...
There'll also be some people who want an out and out drivers' car, and some who want a convertible.

[Goochie]

In my experience of the current Roadster, they should spend their money making a reliable gearbox and interior that doesnt creak/break/rattle within 5000 miles.

The tin-top idea is old news by the way AutoExpress ran the story last week.

[jon-]

gezkc said:

annodomini2 said:

Why would they need 2 models? If the roadster in their eyes is effectively a hard top.

You could ask the same of the 3 Series...
There'll also be some people who want an out and out drivers' car, and some who want a convertible.

Exactly.

Also, add cost. No hardtop means the base spec price goes up and with the GT-R due out soon not clever.

[flattotheboards]

it would be a great idea if they could make it look just like the coupe ie with no boot like the current soft top does.

[tomTVR]

flattotheboards said:

it would be a great idea if they could make it look just like the coupe ie with no boot like the current soft top does.

I agree - thats the problem with the roadster it looks like an aircraft carrier. Also its a heavy car anyway so its not like the extra weight would ruin it. Its all about how it will look.

[BUG4LIFE]

Thing is, the 350Z is a heavy car as it is, adding a folding metal top is gonna make it even more weighty!!! Though I do reckon the Z is an amazing looking car, better than any other current small coupe.

Don't think there will be an problem with the GTR, cos that's gonna cost £55k+ for the basic spec, the folding metal top Z aint gonna cost anywhere near that.

[beasto]

If it's anywhere near as good as Mazda's folding MX-5, it'll be worthwhile.