Want to be able to drop the top on your new Nissan 370Z? It's going to cost you

Launching a convertible at the end of summer is what we would consider to be a bizarre business decision. That marketing morsel aside, we're still very keen to get our hands on Nissan's new 370Z Roadster and now we know how much money to get one of our very own: $37,690 ($36,970 plus $720 for destination charges).

That's a not inconsiderable premium (some 23%) over its fixed-head brethren, which runs $30,650 ($29,930 + destination and delivery charges). It's possible that Nissan includes more standard equipment on the ragtop than in its base 370Z coupe, but the Japanese automaker has yet to break out exactly what comes standard.

What we do know is that the $37,690 gets you the base convertible with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want the 7-speed automatic, you're looking at an MSRP of $38,990 ($38,270 + D&D). Touring model trims are also available, and they include such niceties as power heated and cooled leather seats, a six-disc Bose stereo with XM, Bluetooth phone connectivity, aluminum pedal surfaces, and Homelink. That package will run $40,520 ($41,240 + D&D) with a manual transmission and $42,540 ($41,820 + D&D) with the autobox. We hope to get our mitts on one of these before the season's out, so stay tuned for a full review. Official press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.

[Source: Nissan]

PRESS RELEASE

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing on 2010 370Z™ Roadster

– All-New Open-Top Z® Goes On Sale in September, Starts at $36,970 USD MSRP –


FRANKLIN, Tenn. (July 13, 2009) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced pricing for the all-new 2010 Nissan 370Z™ Roadster, which goes on sale in September at Nissan retailers nationwide.

The 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is offered in four models. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) start at $36,970 USD for the 370Z Roadster 6MT and $38,270 USD for the 370Z Roadster 7AT. Also offered are two Touring models, which add a 6CD Bose® audio system, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, aluminum-trimmed pedals and power leather-appointed heated and cooled ventilated net seats. The 370Z Touring Roadster 6MT is priced at $40,520 USD and the $370Z Touring Roadster 7AT is $41,820 USD.

"The new 370Z Roadster offers more refinement, quality, performance and sheer driving pleasure than any Z® convertible that has come before – while retaining its great value positioning in the sports car segment," said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA. "Compared to the 2009 350Z Roadster, the new 370Z Roadster features 26 more horsepower and cleaner emissions from an all-new standard 3.7L with VVEL technology. The Z® Roadster also offers an all-new exterior design, refined interior, all-new auto-latching convertible top design, and technology not previously available on the 350Z Roadster, including Bluetooth®, XM® Satellite Radio and Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information."