Missed: Highlights of 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

We're back! However, we've missed out quite a lot. So we're starting off quick! Here goes:

Although the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show reveals have ended for some time now, we can still cover it up. Well the Japanese doors have closed, and we could happily say that this was one of the best shows to come out of Tokyo in the last several years. Previously, the show was mainly about futuristic concepts that actually have no future as retail cars. This year, there's still a handful of concepts, but with big promises to come to productions, as well as some really cool sportscars.

* 2010 Alpina BMW B7 BiTurbo: Alpina is best known for spicing-up BMWs. Well now, they got they're hands on a 2010 BMW 750iL, and look what they've done to it! Extended body-kit, 21-inch bespoke Alpina wheels, a sporty lip-spoiler, and oh; a tuned-up twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8, that now makes 507 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Alpina say that this big Bimmer can hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds!

* 2010 Caterham CSR 175: Although Caterham lightweight sportscars may seem very basic and traditional, they're actually somewhat expensive. To put it bluntly, a top-range CSR 260 costs well over $50,000; and that is just way too expensive for a roadster that only offers very little in terms of daily-drivability. Well, the folks at Caterham have decided to add a buttom rug, that to make owning a Caterham more affordable. So, here it is; the CSR 175. As the name suggests, this little superlight roadster develops 175 hp from a Ford-sourced 2.3L Duratec 4-cylinder engine. For a car that weighs less than 1,000 kilograms, this thing can still accelerate like a proper supercar! With that little weight and a stiff chassis like all Chaterhams, it also handles like a LeMans' racecar as well.

* 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept: Honda say that this concept could be the next-generation Honda Odyssey. Of course though, the scissor doors, the futuristic thin seats, and the screens all around the dashboard won't come in the next Odyssey. Nonetheless, Honda claims that the Odyssey will share inspiration with the Skydeck Concept in terms of styling, and the hybrid drivetrain.

* 2009 Honda CR-Z Concept: Although it shares its name with the 2007 CR-Z Concept, this CR-Z is actually a pre-production vehicle that will hit showrooms next year, and the successor to the old ricer-legend CR-X. The new CR-Z mimics some styling cues of the CR-X, but in a up-scale look. As for power, Honda said that the CR-Z will be more powerful than the CR-X, and therefore, faster. However, the new CR-Z will be more -wait for it- economical! How? The new CR-Z will be powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, mated to a battery-powered electric hybrid powertrain. What's very clever here, that it features a world first. The new CR-Z will be the world's first hybrid to have a shift-yourself 6-speed manual transmission! Unfortunately, we probably won't hear any official numbers on the drivetrain's output or its mileage until closer to lunch in 2010.

* 2010 Lexus LFA: It's been 3 years of non-stop teasing and fully-camouflaged spy shots, but nothing prepare us for this - the 2010 Lexus LFA. It's finally here, and here very strong. So why create a $375,000 supercar in this time of year? Well, Toyota say that this is to upscale the image of Lexus even more. It's also one really fast supercar! Weighing in at 3,263 pounds, the front-mounted 4.8L V10, which produces 560 hp at a screaming 9000 rpms and 354 lb-ft of torque, can sprint to 60 mph in a 'wow' 3.7 seconds, and will continue up to 202 mph. Controlling that power, is a 6-speed sequential transmission, which sends power to the rear-wheels only. Moreover, driving the LFA will excite even more with a one-off bespoke Lexus interior with screen gauges, and a two-tone leather interior with shades of carbon-fiber. So then, if you got $375,000 in your wallet, better behave fast, since Lexus will only produce 500 units. And that, makes the Lexus LFA, the only real supercar to come from Japan!

* 2009 Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV: In its main-steam products, the Outlander is probably Mitsubishi's most successful crossover. So, it makes sense in Tokyo show, that Mitsubishi hints on the next-generation Outlander, with this Concept PX-MiEV. Mitsubishi say that the PX-MiEV scores a new design direction for them, which is 'refinement'. So all shapes inside and out look somewhat edgy, and elegant at the same time. Nonetheless, Mitsubishi's real score is in the drive-train, as this PX-MiEV has a 1.6L petrol engine connected to a battery-powered electric engine, making this Mitsubishi's first hybrid crossover. If you really like what you see here, then you should get excited for the next-gen Outlander.

* 2010 Nissan GT-R: It just looks exactly identical to the 2008 GT-R; so what's the change? For 2010, Nissan has fettled the suspension setup (front shocks and springs have been tweaked for increased "accuracy", and the rear-suspension has been stiffened), fitted higher-flow cats to the exhaust system for improved low- and mid-range response, and they've also added a next-generation hard-drive based navigation system that includes iPod connectivity. What's move, the twin-turbocharged 3.8L V6 gets a 5 hp increase, making the total of 485 hp. However, the most significant difference in the revised GT-R, is the price tag; now starting at around $80,000. So it isn't the cheap supercar anymore!

* 2009 Nissan Land Glider Concept: Nissan CEO - Carlos Ghosn - surprised all Tokyo Motor Show audience with this - 2009 Land Glider Concept. Why this big fuss? Well first off, it looks kind of weird - the motorcycle-like horizontal two-seater setup in a car is still unfamiliar. Also like a motorcycle, the Land Glider leans up to 17 degrees to handle a corner. Powering the Land Glider is a clever electric engine, which features a non-contact charging system, meaning that drivers won't have to fiddle with any plugs, they can just pull into designated charging spaces. Moreover, because the Land Glider is lightweight, and the electric engine is torquey, Nissan say that this concept will be pretty quick for an electric vehicle. However, the biggest surprise of all, that Ghosn said this is not some 20-year lifetime concept, and that the Land Glider will come into production some time next year!

* 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Carbon: When this new-gen Impreza WRX STi came in the new hatchback styling, many criticized it that it just became a softy. So, Subaru went back to the drawing board, and came up with this new special version - the WRX STi Carbon edition. Carbon edition brings down the center of gravity, with a carbon fiber-made roof. What's more, to make it compete with its Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, the WRX STi Carbon has a 5-speed automatic with paddle-shifters. Subaru say that the 305 hp 2.5L turbocharged flat-4 will still crack 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds.

* 2009 Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept: Subaru isn't really known for producing any kind of minivans. So what are they saying about this Hybrid Tourer Concept? It's Subaru's first attempt to design a sporty-look-like minivan. The Hybrid Tourer Concept also spots gullwing doors, and a hybrid drivetrain with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineatronic CVT transmission.

* 2009 Suzusho Supasse-V: Never heard of Suzusho? Well we didn't hear of them either! However, Japan is full of local automakers that don't seem to oversea their vehicles. Well this Supasse-V is a Japanese race-car for the road! Looking like a race-car, it also has some race-car potentials. Powered by a Mazda-sourced 2.3L turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder, and a 6-speed manual, the Supasse-V weighs only 850 kilograms. That hints the reason why it can sprint to 60 mph in an astonishing 4 seconds.

* 2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept: The good-old days of drifting an '86 Corolla are back! With this - FT-86 Concept. They say it's a concept, but this is a pre-production mule, which will come to showrooms sometime in 2011. It's a combination of a sexy Toyota 2-door body that channels back some '80s throwbacks, and a 2.0L flat-4 engine from Subaru. Get this though; the FT-86 sends power to the rear-wheels only, through a 6-speed manual! Toyota also say that the chassis is equipped with a limited-slip differential, and designed with drifting in-mind. So Toyota, welcome back to the glory days of fun!

* 2010 Toyota Mark X: There are some Japanese cars that we really want to see them overseas, because we think they could be successful. Here's an example - the Toyota Mark X. What makes the Mark X so special that it's about the best Toyota sedan we encountered with. While it looks like a Camry or an Avalon outside and inside, it's actually a Lexus GS underneath! Yes, this Mark X is rear-wheel-drive Toyota sports-sedan! Powered by either a 203 hp 2.5L V6, or a 315 hp 3.5L V6, the 6-speed automatic transmission in both engines comes with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. So please Toyota, throw-out the cheesy Avalon, and bring us the 'real' sporty Mark X with the healthy 315hp V6.

Here's our cover of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

BREAKING : Chrysler and Nissan end collaboration, Durango-based Armada and Ram-based Titan dead !

A several years back, Chrysler and Nissan have made a collaboration, to share some car platforms, and even future vehicles. Although the deal was to share some car platforms for only certain markets, the deal-breaker was to share the truck platform that the Dodge Durango and Dodge Ram created, onto the Durango-based Nissan Armada and Ram-based Nissan Titan, for worldwide market.

Well, the news here, Chrysler and Nissan have announced that it's best for both companies, to end collaboration, and therefore, kill all the deals they had. That means, the Armada and Titan are pretty much dead, until Nissan finds a new platform to base them on. Despite the Armada and Titan were somewhat successful, it seems that Chrysler, and its new Fiat owner, were the ones who demanded to end collaboration.

The collaboration involved:

1. Nissan providing to Chrysler a compact sedan for the South American market beginning this year.

2. Nissan providing to Chrysler a small vehicle for global markets beginning in 2010.

3. Chrysler providing to Nissan a full-size pickup truck starting in 2011.

Source : [Chrysler, Nissan]

LEAF fights Volt : Nissan claims 367 mpg for 2010 LEAF EV, and less expensive than Chevrolet Volt !

Now that General Motors announced that their 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be getting 230 miles-per-gallon, it's time for other automakers to fight back. Well, Nissan is very competitive, and now even in mpg numbers!

Just a couple of weeks ago, Nissan unveiled their latest fully-electric 2010 LEAF EV. Although we didn't get much information about it, but Nissan said that the LEAF can run up-to 100 miles without a sip of fuel, while the Volt will only drive 40 mile electrically before it uses the petrol engine as a recharger. Well, Nissan again fights the Volt hard, specially after the epic fuel-economy number.

According to Nissan's Twitter account, they said “Nissan Leaf = 367 mpg, no tailpipe, and no gas required. Oh yeah, and it’ll be affordable too!” Nissan said that it came up with the average using the Department Of Energy’s formula, which is just EPA's; it measures kilowatt-hours per 100 miles traveled, and then converted to mpg. So here's Nissan giving 367 mpg, all for less money than the engineers at Chevy ask. Nissan claim that the price of the 2010 LEAF is around $33,000, while the Volt is going to be around $40,000. Also, the LEAF EV should come to showrooms early next year, and Chevrolet will bring the Volt end of 2010, if not even 2011. So has the Volt already been killed? Well, all that is on paper. The truth should come in the real world.

Source : [Nissan Twitter]

Nurburgring gets a new safety car : The Nissan GT-R Rapid Response Vehicle

Although the Nurburgring Nordschliefe track is the dream to most racing-enthusiasts, the 'Ring's fast, blind, and dangerous corners took the lives of hundreds over the years. The team at the Nurburgring always try their best to save those who hit the tight wall-barriers or caught an engine-fire. Well now, they need a new safety car, that's really quick to get to the seen of the accident, and yet have all the equipment needed.
Here it is, the new Nissan GT-R Rapid Response Vehicle. Like a any R35 GT-R, but Nurburgring's Rapid Response Team fitted it with a a fire retardant tank that takes up all of the rear passenger area and a functional hose reel and equipment bay in the trunk. All that, and it will cover the 13-mile track in 7:26.7.

Source : [Nissan via Nissan Sportz]

New Reveal : 2010 Nissan LEAF EV

Introduction:

Back last week, Nissan showed-off their future electric-vehicle platform. Well with the surprise of this week, Nissan have already unveiled the new model, that will be applying the new platform, and will be on sale in Japan, U.S., and Europe in late 2010. At a global reveal, Nissan CEO, Carlos Ghosn got to show the Japanese automaker’s new zero-emission electric-car - the Nissan LEAF.
Design:

The Nissan LEAF tries to be as aero-efficient as possible, while still be acceptable. Like all "green-cars", Nissan got the LEAF to be a 5-door family hatchback, that actually looks quite fancy for the average family car, with tinted headlights, and the C-pillar which echoes the Murano. Nevertheless, with its curved flare-fenders, and rear-diffuser, aero-dynamics have been studied well, and the air-flow is very clean. Inside, the LEAF is based on a Versa hatchback, so it's very spacious. However, unlike any Nissan, the interior on the LEAF looks somewhat like a concept. It looks the part, but mainly, the LEAF uses the same split-gauges like in the Honda Civic.
Powertrain & Technology:
Although there isn't much only-electric vehicles out there, Nissan reckon that this technology works. The LEAF is powered by a battery-powered electric-motor, that packs 107 hp and 208 lb-ft, coming from 0 rpm. On a full-charge, the Nissan LEAF allows for a driving range of 100 miles with a top speed of 87 mph. That 100 miles though, will be all electric, and "zero-emissions", as Nissan say. On the other side though, charging time takes approximately 8 hours on a standard 200V outlet. However, buyers can go for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80% in under 30 minutes.
Production & Pricing:
Nissan expects production capacity to reach 200,000 units a year by 2012. The first couple of units will be produced at the company’s Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Tennessee, U.S. The lithium-ion batteries, which cost around $10,000 per vehicle, will be produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the U.S., UK and rest of Europe. Pricing for the vehicle is expected to come in around $30,000 for the U.S. market. So where does this put the LEAF against? Well surely, it's up against the ultra-hybrids from Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. Nissan also got to get in the ways of the 40-mile electric Chevrolet Volt. More importantly though, we like to think that this is a head-up rival to the also all-electric Tesla Model S. So the electric-vehicle market is coming-up fast. That why Nissan said that it wants to mass market its electric vehicles globally by 2012.

Source: [Nissan]

Report : Nissan studying smaller turbocharged engines to replace bigger engines, for future models

It's known all around, that Nissan engines are not bullet-proof, but also very powerful. However, with economy and environment concern, gas-guzzling power is in-danger. So, Nissan is doing all its best right now, to help the economy and the environment, without compromising power.

Nissan’s powertrain engineering division manager Tetsuya Takahashi has indicated that his department is closely studying the possibility of turbocharged engines in their next generation of Nissan vehicles. Speaking to Motor Trend, Takahashi admitted that Nissan is looking to return to smaller displacement engines mated with turbochargers to increase performance and fuel-efficiency, and replacing bigger naturally-aspirated engines.

Nonetheless, BMW already got their way with the award-winning 3.0L twin-turbocharged in-line 6-cylinders, and making wonders in the new Z4, X6, and 5-Series Gran Turismo. Audi also got the new 3.0L supercharged V6, that actually replaced their 4.2L V8 in last-generation Audis. As for Nissan, they have the amazing GT-R, and earlier rumors hints on a 370Z Hybrid. So presumably, there's soon going to be fight with big powerful naturally-aspirated engines against smaller and lighter boosted engines.

Source : [Motor Trend]

Top Gear Season 13 Episode 6 : Battle between BMW Z4 against Nissan 370Z on the test-track

It's episode 6 in the 13th season of Top Gear. On this week's show, Jeremy Clarkson hits Top Gear's test-track, with two brand-new sports cars. It's a battle between the 'Zs. BMW's all-new Z4 with a tractable hard-top against the hard-core Nissan 370Z. Wonder how fast The Stig lapped the Top Gear lap or which one Clarkson liked better? Well, enjoy the embedded video below!

Refresher:

- 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i: Powered by BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six cylinder engine, producing 306 hp. 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds when mated to a manual transmission and 5 seconds flat when mated to the new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters.

- 2009 Nissan 370Z: Power comes from a 3.7L VQ37VHR engine making 332 hp. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match; that will allow for a 0 to 60 mph time in the low 4.7 seconds.

Nissan shows-off new electric-vehicle platform, coming to U.S. in 2010

Back last month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) offered loans to Nissan to produce electric cars, that to be built and sold in the American market. Now, Nissan revealed its latest electric-vehicle platform on a Versa-based prototype, showcasing its pure zero-emission vehicle ambitions which are expected to hit the U.S. and Japanese market as early as next year.

“The dedicated EV platform is comprised of a highly rigid body, high-performance motor, compact lithium-ion battery with high power output and energy capacity,” says Nissan. The in-house developed electric motor provides 107 hp with a peak torque from 0 RPM of 206 lb-ft. Along with a regenerative brake system and a full-charge, Nissan's new EV platform has a driving range of nearly 100 miles.

Nissan is also flaunting its new “sophisticated IT system” that incorporates a navigation system that shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge, calculates if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination and points out latest information on available charging stations within the current driving range.

While Nissan’s new electric-vehicle platform is debuting on a Versa-based prototype, the all-electric vehicle scheduled to debut in 2010 will have a unique design and body.

Source : [Nissan]

Watch a Bugatti Veyron smoke a Nissan GT-R on the 1/4 Mile!

The new R35 Nissan GT-R is basically dominating the "bang-for-the-buck" supercar segment. 485 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, top speed of 193 mph, and a new Nurburgring lap-time of 7:26.7; all for $80,000. However, it's time to show the GT-R what a real "hyper-car" is like!

British magazine evo decided to see what happens when dropping a 1001 hp 16-cylinder quad-turbo Bugatti Veyron on a drag strip alongside the little Godzilla. The result? The Veyron literally leaves the GT-R eating dust. Epic!

Source : [YouTube via evo]

Nissan introduces new dual-injector system, for increased fuel-efficiency

Nissan announced that they have developed a dual-injector system to increase fuel-efficiency on its small-displacement petrol engines.

“The new fuel delivery system, the first of its kind in the world, uses an injector for each port rather than one per cylinder - speeding up fuel vaporization, reducing the amount of unburned fuel and reducing hydrocarbon emissions,” Nissan said in a statement.

Most current gasoline engines use one injector per-cylinder while Nissan’s Dual Injector system uses two injectors per cylinder, which reduces the diameter of the fuel droplets by about 60%.

“We consider it important to further improve the fuel efficiency of gasoline engines as demand for gasoline and other internal-combustion systems continues to increase around the world,” said Shuichi Nishimura, Corporate Vice President, Nissan Powertrain Engineering Division. “By widely applying the Dual Injector system on small-displacement engines, we hope to help reduce CO2 emissions and conserve rare metals.”

Nissan said that it will introduce the new system in production vehicles starting early in fiscal 2010.

Source : [Nissan]

Video : 2010 Nissan GT-R posts new official Nurburgring lap time, of 7:26.70

Since the all-new R35 Nissan GT-R came out to the streets, the Nurburgring Nordschleife became the race track where supecars battle. Although it didn't take the lap record, but the GT-R's 7:29 Nurburgring lap time, dominated lots of ultra-high-performance supercars like the Porsche 911 Turbo, Pagani Zonda F, Ferrari Enzo, and lots of others!

Then, came the all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, and it embarrassed the GT-R with a lot fast 'Ring time of 7:26.4. Nissan heated-up the battle now, and came up with the revised 2010 GT-R (gets 5 hp more, re-tuned suspension, and improved brakes). Which now, Nissan's Chief test driver, Toshio Suzuki, took the 2010 GT-R for a new official lap time, around the 'Ring.

With Mr.Suzuki in-control of this GT-R "Godzilla", that now got a faster Nurbugring lap time of 7:26.70. That makes the $100,000 ZR1 only 0.3 seconds faster! Nonetheless, old rumors that GM took the ZR1 on a secret 'Ring lap time, and posted 7:22.4. Though still, Dodge Viper ACR's 7:22.1 official 'Ring time is still by far, the fastest ever! In GT-R's defence, it still owns the fastest time on Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dahbi roadcourse.

Anyways, the 7:26.70 GT-R Nurburgring lap time can be watched below.

Source : [Nissan via YouTube]

Report : Ford, Nissan, and Tesla receive U.S. Government loans for developing electric-powered automobile technology

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has finally announced its recipient of low interest loans under its Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program (ATVM). DoE announced their recipients for ATVM program would be: Ford, Nissan, and Tesla. Although Nissan is basically Japanese, Nissan however; have lots of research facilities and factories for electric-power in the States. Tesla on the other hand, are just small company created in California. However, their Roadster and Model S fully-electric cars interested the DoE. So all three companies will be receiving loans from DoE, to develop electric-powered cars under the ATVM program.

Among the loans, Ford took the most. DoE announced that it would be awarding FoMoCo $5.9 billion in loans through 2011; to fund numerous engineering advances in traditional combustion engines and electric-vehicles. The loan will also help Ford convert two truck plants to the production of small cars. On Ford's side, they stated that its $5.9 billion loans for electric automobiles will be used to build their first fully-electric car for 2011. The Ford Focus BEV will be produced in partnership with Magna International and features a high-voltage electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Ford said that the Focus BEV is just one part of Ford’s promise to deliver four new electric-vehicles in the U.S. by 2012.

Nissan, too, will also get a pile of DoE loans for electric-power development. For its part, Nissan wants to add production of its upcoming electric car and lithium ion batteries at its assembly complex in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States; therefore it will receive $1.6 billion in loans. Nissan promises the market, new, fully-electric, compact cars for 2012, on which the demand for compact cars will be increasing.

Tesla, being the smallest company in the group, took the smallest amount of DoE loans. Nevertheless, it seems to us that Tesla is arguably the biggest winner this round, as the $465 million loans that Tesla will receive; will allow the fledgeling EV maker to proceed with completing development and production of its Model S sedan. Recent investment in the company by Daimler, was probably a big help in getting the loan approved, as companies had to demonstrate viability.

So with the current troubled auto industry, the DoE is putting down its trust on Ford, Nissan, and Tesla, to produce more "demandable" cars, that are "fueless", and filled out with modern technology; all to boom up the auto industry.

Source : [Ford via Automotive News, subtitle required]

Police goes "green": NYPD Introduces Nissan Altima Hybrid Police Cars

It seems even nowadays that the police departments are going environmentally-friendly with their police cruisers. NYPD announced that it will replace 40 of its squad cars with Nissan Altima Hybrids. They're the first gas-electric hybrids to be used as regular patrol cars by the largest police department in the U.S. The 40 hybrid vehicles, 18 marked and 22 unmarked, will be used in patrol precincts and other units in all five boroughs of the city.

At $25,391 per vehicle, the Altima hybrids cost about $1,500 more than the conventional Chevrolet Impala or Ford Crown Victoria police patrols. Nevertheless, due to the fact that the hybrids return 35mpg for city driving compared to the others at around 16mpg, NY Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said that they will cover the difference in a short period of time.

"These new patrol cars will help fulfill the PlaNYC goal of reducing City government's carbon footprint," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Through savings in fuel, these Altimas can quickly cover their additional cost, from then they will save taxpayers money – another example of how going green is good for our environment and our pocketbooks."

New York City officials said that after a after a year of monitoring the Altima Hybrids performance the Department will determine whether or not to further expand them into the fleet, leaving the classical V8 cop cars with thick dust sitting in the department.

Source : [NYC]

RumorMill : Nissan 370Z Hybrid for 2011?

Reports that Infiniti will come up with a hybrid model between 2010 and 2011, which will probably be a real production version of the Essence Concept. On the other end of scale though, there's Nissan. Unlike Toyota and Honda, Nissan doesn't have much with the hybrid technology. They once made an Altima Hybrid, but that never really worked. Nevertheless, they want to try again, but this time in a sports car.

That's right. Nissan has plans for 2011, to make a hybrid version of the 2-door 370Z Coupe. 370Z.com (fan website) says that we should expect the fuel-saving 370Z to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery from corporate partner NEC that feeds power to a lone electric motor sandwhiched between the Z's 332 hp 3.7-liter VQ V6 engine and transmission. The dual-headed powertrain is reportedly expected to achieve 35 miles per gallon on the mixed cycle, and still launch to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.

Source: [370Z.com]

All 2009 New York Auto Show Reveals

Missed anything of the New York Auto Show? Well this index is here to help. All new reveals that were held in the big apple gates. The German automakers were the stars here.

Here's the list:

Acura:
1) 2009 Acura ZDX Concept

BMW:
1) 2010 BMW X5 M
2) 2010 BMW X6 M
3) 2010 BMW 760Li

Fiat:
1) 2010 Fiat 500 U.S-arrival

GMC:
1) 2010 GMC Terrain

Hyundai:
1) 2009 Hyundai Nuvis Concept

Jeep:
1) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Kia:
1) 2010 Kia Forte Koup

Land Rover:
1) 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
2) 2010 Land Rover Discovery 4
3) 2010 Lnad Rover Range Rover Sport

Mercedes-Benz:
1) 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
2) 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
3) 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID

Mitsubishi:
1) 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Concept

Nismo:
1) 2010 Nismo-Nissan 370Z

Nissan:
1) 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

Scion:
1) 2009 Scion iQ Concept

Subaru:
1) 2010 Subaru Legacy
2) 2010 Subaru Outback

Volkswagen:
1) 2010 Volkswagen GTD


As for the Car Of The Year Award, it has gone for the 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI for 2009. There's also a highlight video below of the NY Auto Show from UP.TV.

New Reveal At NY : 2010 Nismo 370Z

The all-new 332 hp Nissan 370Z coupe and 370Z Roadster isn't enough for true racing enthusiasts, they want more. So Nissan's in-house tuning company, Nismo, got the 370Z and put the edition that simply says "more".
The Nismo engineers found another 28 hp in the 3.7L V6. Output now is 350 hp. Power is channeled to only one transmission, the 6-speed close-ratio manual with “SynchroRev Match”. Nismo has also worked wonders to make this tuned version more aero-dynamic at high speeds. Air flow has been detuned to make the car more stable. The optional NISMO Performance Package includes a stainless steel exhaust, NISMO LMZ5 wheels – featuring five spokes and sized 19-inches – an S-Tune suspension, and upgraded brakes. Cosmetic changes help as well.
Compared to the regular Z car, Nismo added extended front nose, new front spoiler with a front splitter, side sills, vertical door handles, rear tuner-like spoiler, and wider fenders with even wider wheel-arches.

Sales will start in June throughout Nissan dealers.

Source : [Nissan]

New Reveal At NY : 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

For Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan showed off the all-new 2010 Nissan 370Z. Well for New York, comes the Roadster (convertible) version of the Z car. The conversion from coupe to roadster seems successful with the new drop-top Z sporting, a rather curvy rear-end design, as well as a shortened windshield, and new square-shaped roll bars behind the headrests. So in essence, Nissan did a great job not ruining the looks when the roof was hatched in the design.
Nissan claims that the 370Z Roadster's fabric-top operates in approximately 20 seconds start-to-finish. The roof can be controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors. The 370Z Roadster also comes with a glass rear window and can be lowered or raised from inside and outside of the car. For outside lowering/raising there is a special button on the door handle.
To prevent loss in structural rigidity when cutting the roof off, Nissan has provided the new 370Z roadster with aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight to keep the structure as solid as possible.
Power hasn't lost either. The 370Z Roadster features the same 3.7L V6 as the coupe version. Output is the same at 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The V6 can be mated to either a 7-speed automatic transmission or a close-ratio 6-speed manual with optional down-shift “SynchroRev Match”. When the fabric-top is put on, the 370Z Roadster will crack 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, just as fast as the coupe.
New Z Roadster is offered in two models - 370Z Roadster and 370Z Touring Roadster. The Touring model comes with such Infiniti-type of extras, like heated and cooling leather-appointed power nets seats, and a nice list of entertainment and navigation features. Like Infiniti interiors, the navigation screen is placed at the top of the center dash. And with that screen, there's also the ability to control the 10GB media player for the car.

370Z Roadster will go on sale end of summer, pricing should be revealed in the near future.

Source : [Nissan]

Video : 1/4 Mile Drag between 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, 2010 Ford Mustang, and 2010 Nissan 370Z

We all love watching drag races. It shows what the car is capable in a classic pedal-to-the-metal thrash on a traffic light. So from the curiousty of MotorTrend magazine, they've developed a drag between new three rivals. The 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 4.6 V8 and 315 hp. 2010 Nissan 370Z, 3.7 V6 with 332 hp. And the new comer from Hyundai, the 2010 Genesis Coupe, 3.8 V6 putting down 306 hp.

It's a very interesting video to watch. So we won't spoil the "surprise". ENJOY.

Source : [MotorTrend via YouTube]

New Reveal : Updated 2010 Nissan GT-R; costs more, but faster !

Apart from the 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV, the standard '08 R35 GT-R needs some improvement for 2010, specially that Porsche is coming up with a new 911 Turbo with their all-new PDK gearbox. Issues with the GT-R like broken transmission from launch-control system and somewhat soft suspension settings need to be fixed. That's exactly what they did to the 2010 Nissan GT-R.

The 2010 AWD GT-R coupe receives five-additional stallions in the twin-turbocharged 3.8L V6, for a total output of 485 hp, revised software for all suspension, brake and transmission, updated wheel finishes and standard front seat- and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags. More importantly however, they took off the launch control unit so the warranty doesn't suspend from hard-launching causing to break the transmission. Nevertheless, launch control was helping the car to launch as smoothly as possible to give the astonishing 3.5 second 0-60 mph time. So without the launch control, could the 2010 GT-R be slower than the original 2008 GT-R?Not exactly. With all these minor changes, add up to one amazing result. Despite the lack of launch control, Nissan engineers were able to hit 60 mph in the new and standard 2010 GT-R in 3.3 seconds! That's truly astonishing. This number is to people who used to say that the GT-R was fast only because of the launch control. Well, Nissan have smashed these sayings about the GT-R by being even faster without the launch control computer.

Everything is at a cost. Although the 2010 GT-R is missing the launch control, Nissan has increased the price up to $80,790 for the base GT-R, and $83,040 for the GT-R Premium. Yes, that's quite a lot of a Nissan, but not any Nissan, it's the GT-R. Which still undercuts it's 911 Turbo competitor by at least $55,000.

So now that we know the car is faster than before, we really need to see Nissan putting the 2010 GT-R and the SpecV model on the Nurburgring race-track in Germany and on Jebel Hafeet in Abu Dahbi.

Source : [Nissan]

Track-Time: Nissan GT-R sets first recorded time for the ‘world's greatest driving road’

Since its release on the streets, the Nissan GT-R is best known for blistering times on race tracks. Best example is the 13-mile Nurburgring in Germany, with 147 corners to examine the car's capabilities, nearly all car makers test their high-performance automobiles over their. At the 'Ring, the GT-R lapped a time of 7 minutes and 29 seconds, which is faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo, and a Mercedes-McLaren SLR. However, it's time for this amazing lap-timer to set a record on another race-way.
Jebel Hafeet, built on on the outskirts of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Rising approximately 4,000 ft (1,219 m) above sea level, the 7-kilometer road features 22 corners and three lanes (two climbing and one descending). The road scales the mountain and ends at a scenic parking lot, passing a hotel and a palace on the way. They say that this road is purpose-built for racing and setting lap times. That's why, Abu Dhabi also claims that Jebel Hafeet road is the "world's greatest driving road". The road is indeed amazing and tests the car's true chace; experts predict that this road could be a true test-track for auto makers to test their future cars and setting lap times, just like the Nurburgring.
So, to celebrate the coming of the GT-R to the Middle East, Nissan decided to set the first ever recorded lap time on Jebel Hafeet. On the hands of Middle Eastern rally driver Mohamed Ben Sulayem, who also happens to be the vice-president of the FIA. The 7-kilometer twisting mountain pass was done away with in just 3 minutes and 39 seconds, but as it is the first officially recorded time on the Jebel Hafeet road there isn't much competition to compare it to.
Nissan GT-R has set the benchmark, so what we all need right now, is to see more automakers sending their supercars over to Abu Dhabi to record lap times.

Source : [Nissan via GT-R Blog]