Pigs really do fly – well, one certainly gives that impression, take my word for it. With fulsome flanks and a snazzy snout I can’t stop thinking of the new Nissan 370Z Roadster sports convertible as a prize winning porker in the nicest possible way.

 

The Roadster shares the 3.7 litre V6 engine with the Coupe matched with either a seven-speed automatic (the test car) or six-speed close ratio manual transmission.

 

A development of the V6 motor that has made its mark on the automotive scene for years, peak power comes up at 7000rpm, top torque is arrived at at 5200 revs, more low-end power and high-end torque than its immediate predecessor. The engine is claimed by the maker to use 10.9 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100km on the combined city/highway cycle, while spewing out a sizable cloud of 257kg of carbon dioxide for every kilometre travelled.

 

The automatic transmission comes with centre console-mounted stick shift and steering column-mounted long-eared paddles. Like with the sound of the vuvuzela, that ‘horn of Africa’ that droned on during soccer World Cup games, critics are split on the 370Z engine note. One mean-spirited reviewer called the car a ‘course beast’ with a ‘horrible din’ from under the bonnet that proved ‘a disincentive’ to driving. I thought the raw motor note produced an added dimension to the sporty driving experience, with the engine blip on downshifts even soul stirring.

 

Add to this terrific handling and sure-footed stopping and the car called out to be treated as the classic of its type it will surely become. While closely related to the 370Z Coupe, the Roadster was designed from the road up - it is 25kg lighter than the 350Z it replaces and 55kg heavier than the 370Z Coupe. Body strengthening runs to door and boot openings, the top of the A-pillars and side sills. The result is a 60 per cent increase in torsional rigidity over the previous model.  The car takes advantage of a cloth roof which perfectly fits the sleek lines of the metal body to produce a pleasing profile. The whole thing is set off by 19in alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

 

 

With the top stored there is space in the boot to take a full-size golf bag and a bit more luggage.

Both driver and passenger can settle into high-backed leather-trimmed seats, incorporating an anti-slip insert, separated by a full-length centre console. The driver has easy access to information from a deep-set instrument panel incorporating speedo and tacho, plus a three-pod cluster of oil temperature, voltmeter and clock dials.