Nissan to roll out two-seater

The roadster version of Nissan’s hot-selling 350Z hits showrooms this summer, a neat two-seater with a power-operated cloth top complete with real glass in the rear window.

Gardena-based Nissan North America, which provided this first photo, won’t supply other details until April, when the first production model will be exhibited at the New York International Auto Show.

Although pricing still is under wraps, it probably will start a few thousand higher than the coupe, which lists for about $27,000.

The 350Z has been outselling Chevrolet’s Corvette in recent months and is expected this year to take away the ‘Vette’s title as bestselling two-seat sports car.

Ford updates minivan

Ford Motor Co. is launching a replacement for its aging Windstar minivan this fall, and reports out of Michigan say the van will get a new name, Freestar, as well as new features.

-- John O’Dell