Quote:
Originally Posted by semtex
According to this R&T article, the 370Z was actually designed to be a convertible from the onset:
Road & Track Magazine - New & Future Cars: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster (7/2009)
Of particular note: The 370Z Roadster comes with a standard black cloth top that features a fabric inner liner. Shinjiro "John" Yukawa, the chief project specialist of the 370Z Roadster, opted to stay away from a folding hardtop because he wanted the open-top Z to retain its sports-car spirit.
"A folding hardtop would have turned the 370Z into a boutique car. It would have added more weight and increased its price. I wanted to keep its intent pure, as an affordable sports car," he said. Also worth noting: But because of structural reinforcements to the chassis, not to mention the hydraulic system that operates the top, the 370Z Roadster weighs nearly 200 lb. more than the coupe. Therefore, expect the car to be a step slower to 60 mph; we're predicting a time of 5.5 sec. |
Kinda a misnomer. Cars like the Vette are designed with the roof not providing any major
structural support. He means designed from an aesthetic point of view on the 370Z. The Vette convertible only weighs about 30 lbs more than the coupe. The 200lbs is mostly extra bracing under the chassis.