PERFORMANCE ORIENTED Nissan promises that the 370Z Roadster will handle as well as it hardtop sibling

By Justin Lee

THIS IS THE first picture of the Nissan 370Z Roadster which will be unveiled at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.

Like the 370Z coupe, it gets a 333bhp 3.7-litre engine mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. The Roadster’s performance details have not been disclosed.

Bucking the current trend for folding hard-tops, it gets a similar electrically operated soft-top like the car it replaces which folds down in 20 seconds.

The cloth roof has additional sound proofing to prevent noise intrusion into the cabin while there is now a larger rear window compared with its predecessor.

Local Nissan distributor Tan Chong Motor Sales has not given any indication when the 370Z Roadster would arrive here.