16 Jun 04
Of course, this extra bracing adds weight to the car - some 53kg over a UK-spec coupe. Although official times haven't been released, we'd expect the Z Roadster to reach 60mph in around 6.5 seconds, marginally slower than its hard-roofed sibling. And with a top speed around 150mph, it's still quick enough for most.
With the roof folded away, the Z Roadster is composed, with little scuttle shake or wind buffeting, even with the windows down. A toughened glass panel between the fixed roll bars behind the seats helps to keep hair ruffling to a minimum. Only at motorway speed do you need to raise your voice to have a conversation. At lower speeds the grunt of the V6 is very audible and can get a bit wearing after a while. Roof up, things are considerably quieter, but the exhaust note still encroaches. Crank up the excellent (but optional) 240W BOSE stereo with its subwoofer and it's soon drowned out.
