Performance
Comfort
Fuel Economy
Fun To Drive
Interior Design
Exterior Design
Build Quality
Reliability
Review
Recently took delivery of 2011 N420 roadster with 6-speed manual. Came out of a Porsche 997 C4S cabriolet, my second 911 C4. Loved the Porsches, but was in mood for a new driving sensation.
N420 is magnificent. Very fast, comfortable, beautiful. The torque is amazing in every gear. Sport suspension a bit firmer than 997 in normal mode, but not as firm as Porsche's sport mode. An excellent balance between the two. Firm yet compliant. The sport exhaust is perfectly tuned. Under 3K sound is subdued. Cross 3K, especially under rapid acceleration and the beastly growl is unleashed.
Best Features
Torque, acceleration, well balanced and confidence inspiring handling, comfort, seats, materials, beauty, carbon fiber accents, exhaust note, stereo, easy to drive hard through twisties or to just cruise in, open air motoring. Exclusivity.
Worst Features
Cockpit wind with top down - N420 roadster interior a touch more windy than the 997 cabriolet, especially at speed. Thirsty - you can watch the gas gauge drop on a spirited drive. Center panel display - a bit hard to read with sun light on it. At $155k would like 30 more horses, even more torque, stronger brakes, and a 4 year warranty.
Overall the N420 is an exceptional car I'd slot between Porsche's 997C4S and turbo models, but oh so much more sensuous.