The Nismo is just one of Nissan's 370Z options

As if Z lovers needed any more incentive, there are several reasons to rejoice this year over the 370Z.

First, there's the track-inspired Nismo, more powerful than the 350Z of 2008 and longer with its resculpted downward-pointed nose.

Then, one year after Nissan completely redesigned the Z, comes the roadster for those who seek sun on the face and wind in the hair. This baby has a sleek-looking soft top that folds down - automatically this year - and has a stiffer ride with quick-responding shocks.

And for the classic Z lovers, this word just in: Nissan is introducing the 40th anniversary edition, complete with compulsory badging (embroidered seat backs and floor mats) and equipped with a sport package, 19-inch wheels, splashy red leather inside - and Nissan even throws in a satin car cover.

Lots of decisions for new Z lovers as well as those who recall when, 40 years ago in October of 1969, the Datsun 240Z invaded North America.

It was a Japanese sports car that could be driven every day and was affordable to nearly every enthusiast - how can you beat $3,626?

So what's not to like, beyond the current price that's tenfold of the old days? Well, there are a few other cautions to consider.

Some will find the 370Z a harsh, jarring ride. If you plan to commute with it, especially the sportier Nismo that I drove for a week, the coffee in the cup holder better have a lid.

I found the stiff suspension too jarring for daily commutes but, I'm a couple of decades older than many who will be flying in the Nismo. Maybe they're more forgiving.

The 370Z also has a high level of road noise, loud enough that a cell phone conversation was a real challenge. Said one caller during a turnpike run: "I give up - can you call me back later?"

Running through the Nismo's six-speed shifter also is a rougher-than-average experience. Never mind that Nissan says it has reduced the vibration and noise considerably by modifying the lever angle of the shifter.

"C'mon, Spyke, it's a sports car," you say. "What's a little noise and a stiffer ride?" Well, this is true. It is a two-seater with 300-plus hp in a rear-wheel-drive and it is undeniably sexy, whether you go with the Nismo or Roadster.

And it's still priced in the affordable $30,000 range.

The Nismo gets a downturned nose that protrudes about six inches further than the previous generation. From a profile, 19-inch wheels fill the wells and it bears resemblance to the iconic Porsche 911.

The Z comes with a high-revving 3.7-liter V-6 that is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. Only the manual tranny is available in the Nismo, which also has a more powerfully tuned version of this fourth-generation engine, upgraded brakes and a larger rear wing.

Jump on it, and the Nismo responds to the tune of 0-60 in just over 5 seconds. The coupe is said to do it in 5.1 seconds, the roadster in 5.5. The Nismo develops 18 more horses (350 hp) than the Coupe and accelerates with 276 pound-feet of torque.

Road handling is better than ever. Nissan trimmed around 100 pounds of fat from the 350Z and lowered the engine a bit to give the car a lower center of gravity.

All that, plus the stiffer suspension, means flat cornering and terrific grip. Tackling an off-ramp at 50 - don't try this at home - was smooth and uneventful.

Regulating speed in the Nismo is a cinch with a tranny aided by Nissan's SynchroRev Match, which automatically adjusts engine speed when shifting to the next gear. This offers a neat sounding rev and makes every driver shift like a pro. In other words, there's no thump when you pop the clutch.

For the confident shifter, this can be deactivated with a button next to the shift knob. The 7-speed automatic, by the way, offers the steering-column shift paddles but, remember, it's not available with the Nismo version.

Brakes, which include ABS with brake assist, are superb in bringing this speedster to a halt.

EPA-rated mileage is at 18 mpg around town, 25 mpg on the highway. That 25 is optimistic and only if you behave.

Inside the Z is a cockpit that screams sports car. A full-length center console separates passenger from driver. Gauges are 15 percent bigger than the previous generation and they are angled for better view through the three-spoke wheel.

Cloth seats are of a nonslip fabric that keeps you sticking to the seat on corners. Interiors also are available with leather trim and fake-but-nice suede. Optional aluminum pedals with rubber inserts keep your foot from slipping off.

Behind the two seats is a small storage area to cram some stuff. But what really impressed me were the four - hope I didn't miss one - cup holders. Many sports cars don't even bother with one.

Beyond the ABS, the Z offers traction and stability control as standard, plus front-seat side-impact air bags, side-curtain bags and active head restraints.

The new Z arrives this year as a two-seat coupe or the soft-top roadster. Get the base coupe with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, tilt steering wheel and four-speaker sound system.

The Touring version adds leather and fake-but-nice suede, power seats, upgraded Bose sound system and satellite radio.

The sporty Nismo gets 19-inch wheels, high performance tires, limited-slip differential, more power and better brakes, too.

The Roadster is much like the Coupe but gets the power-driven ragtop. And, if you like a bargain, know that it's only a hundred bucks more than last year's 350Z Roadster.

And don't forget the 40th anniversary edition, available now with all its badges, for the nostalgic and collectors.

True, Nissan's not making it easy this year: Sporty coupe, racy Nismo, sexy Roadster or collectible 40th anniversary edition.

2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo

Base Price:(Coupe) $30,410

Nismo: $39,850

Roadster: $37,690