2008 Nissan 350Z

While the car does get new suspension tuning, Brembo brakes, and NISMO exhaust, the 350Z's 3.5-liter V-6 sits unmodified at 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. The stock car's six-speed manual transmission and viscous limited-slip differential also go unchanged.

I'm not sure I'd want the 350Z Roadster as an everyday driver: the ride is too stiff, the storage area is compromised (which pretty much comes with the territory when you're talking about a two-seat convertible), and the cockpit is stark and somewhat downmarket.

The new Z car should have a more refined engine with more usable power.

I wouldn't turn down another chance to drive the 350Z convertible, but if I were buying, I'd be looking at a Porsche Boxster or a Chevy Corvette on the high end or a Mazda MX-5 or a Pontiac Solstice on the low end.

Aesthetically speaking, the convertible form is not the Z-car's most pleasing form. It really looks like the coupe was designed first, and the roadster sort of had to work around what was there.

There's no arguing with the 350Z roadster's function, however, as the power top zips up and down without issue, and the trunk space is reasonable even with the top lowered.

As pleasant as the 350Z roadster is, I'd be tempted to hold off and at least get a look at the convertible version of the new 370Z. With its more curvaceous bod, the 370Z looks like it could become the first Nissan that's not just fun to drive, but great to look at too.