2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder

Mitsubishi has seen fit to bestow upon us a whole slew of new high-res images showing the updated 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder doing their groove thing on the road. As we mentioned last week when we previewed the vehicle, the styling changes are evolutionary and include a new front end housing a blacked-out trapezoidal grille that mimics the maw of the Lancer Evolution, as well as a blacked out rear apron where a new dual exhaust system peeks out that provides the car's V6 with another 2 horsepower and 2 ft-lbs. of torque for a grand total of 265 and 262, respectively. We actually dig the new grille and think it works well with the already established body style of the Eclipse, and more power is more power (i.e. a good thing). But it's tough to overlook the fundamental flaws of the Eclipse, which include being a heavy front-wheel-drive coupe that shares a lineage with a certain much-missed all-wheel-drive, turbo-four pocket rocket.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC Review

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the 2008 CLC-Class, the Euro-market successor to the now-defunct C-Class Sports Coupe. Well, we should clarify that. It's not completely defunct in that its architecture has been carried over for the new car, meaning the CLC does not share underpinnings with the new-gen C-Class. Still, Mercedes boasts that the car features 1,100 "newly-developed or enhanced" components, including the direct steering system introduced on the freshened SLK. The changes are intended to give the car a different feel than its predecessor.

At first glance, it's clear that Mercedes is trying to leave the past behind, looks-wise. Sure, the coupe profile is carried over, but the sharp-looking face of the new C-Class finds its way onto the CLC's front end. Out back, fresh taillamps also keep up the family resemblance to the new C. An updated interior greets occupants, with available features like DVD or hard drive-based nav, iPod integration, and an in-dash SD card slot. The entertainment, communications and nav systems can all be operated by voice command, too.

Buyers can choose from four engines -- 2 gas and 2 diesel, all with improved fuel economy -- matched with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard equipment. Drivers who opt for automatics get a 5-speed unit for 4-cylinder engines or MB's 7-speed auto for the 6-cylinders. An available sports package dresses things up with enhancements like 18" wheels and also adds paddle shifters to the steering wheel for cars with automatic transmissions. The Brazilian-built CLC goes on sale in Europe this May. No plans have been mentioned regarding a possible US-market return, and given that the last-gen didn't sell particularly well here, that is completely unsurprising. The Mercedes press release is pasted after the jump.

Detroit Auto Show 2008: Corvette ZR1

General Motors unveiled a supercar at Detroit, it’s the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 2009. This car is a monster, the sound of the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine makes your heart to beat faster and faster. The design cannot be confused, is impressive that they managed to keep the old looks but they brought new and cool features. Yeah, we refer at the carbon fiber splitter, the roof and the side skirts. The carbon-ceramic disc brakes also drawn everybody’s attention. We have to mention that this car has a number of 620 HP. What more can you say? Oh, the price for this supercar is $100,000.

BMW M3-2008

This M3 model from BMW is introduced in the year 2008.Its engine is located in the front with drive type of rear wheel.Its weight is 3650 lbs 1655.6 kg.

This is the first-ever BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, all-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp plus peak torque of 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum power and torque throughout the entire engine speed range.

Engine Configuration

Cylinders: 8

Aspiration/Induction: Normal

Displacement: 3999.00 cc 244 cu in. 4 L.

Valves: 32 valves.

Valvetrain: DOHC

Horsepower: 420.00 BHP (309.1 KW) @ 8300.00 RPM

Torque: 295.00 Ft-Lbs (400 NM) @ 3900.00 RPM

HP to Weight Ratio: 8.7 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)

HP / Liter: 105.0 BHP / Liter

Redline: 8400Gears: 6

Performance

0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds.

Top Speed: 155 mph 249.4 km/h (limited)

Dimensions

Seating Capacity: 4

Doors: 2

Length: 181.701 in 4615.2 mm.

2008 Mercedes SLK Roadster

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s your last chance to shoot off an e-mail to Santa. If you’re having difficulty deciding what to ask for, how about a 2008 Mercedes SLK? You might have to wait until Easter for it though, as Mercedes will only be launching the 2008 Mercedes SLK in the second quarter of 2008.
What you’ll get is a facelifted SLK roadster with a new front fascia and a new rear section, as well as a new instrument cluster and a new three-spoke sports steering wheel. Not to mention a choice of four powerful engines, of which two are modified and tuned engines!

The restyled exterior of the 2008 Mercedes SLK features a new front bumper with an integrated different air dam; and a rear end with an integrated diffuser, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and darkened taillights.

Powering the Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor is a supercharged four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque while consuming only 36.7 mpg! The engine in the Mercedes SLK 280 has been tweaked to reduce fuel consumption to 30.4 mpg in the manual version, and 31 mpg in the automatic version. The Mercedes SLK 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 305 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 265 lb-ft. at 4,900 rpm, thanks to a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and a modified valve train. Only the 5.5-liter V8 engine powering the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG remains relatively unchanged at 360 horsepower and a peak torque of 376 lb-ft.

All models, except the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optional on the Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor is a five-speed automatic transmission, while on the Mercedes SLK 280 and Mercedes SLK 350 a 7G-Tronic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles is optional. The 7G-Tronic transmission is standard on the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG, which also features a new Direct Steer system.

The 2008 Mercedes SLK will be available from dealers in April 2008. The pricing is as follows:

SLK 200 Kompressor: € 36,503.25
SLK 280: € 41,858.25
SLK 350: € 46,975.25
SLK 55 AMG: € 69,049.75

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

The 2009 BMW X6

BMW are to unveil the production versions of the new X6 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i Sports Activity Coupes at the Detroit Auto Show in January next year, but don’t let that get your hopes up; the all-new softroaders are not coupes. Instead, the X6 is a four-door SUV with a slanted roof line that tapers out towards the rear to provide the silhouette of a coupe. Perhaps BMW will have the sense to add a real coupe to the lineup but that remains to be seen.

The exterior of the new BMW X6 features short body overhang at the front, wide front and rear wheel arches, and a rather high center of gravity, as you would expect on a SUV. The front end features BMW’s signature kidney grille and large air intakes in the fascia to help cool the engine.

The interior features four seats with high side supports and the integrated headrests, with the rear seats being separated by a center console. It also features a sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, and multifunction buttons to operate the telephone and audio systems. Two of the buttons can be programmed.

Being an SUV, the new BMW X6 features BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system that electronic controls the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles in response to the prevailing driving conditions and the changing terrain.

Power is provided by an all-new 4.4-liter V8 engine in the xDrive50i, and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine in the xDrive35i. Both engines feature twin-turbos and direct injection, with the 4.4-liter V8 engine producing a maximum of 400 hp from 5,500 to 6,400 rpm, and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft. from 1,800 to 4,500 rpm. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine produces a maximum of 300 hp from 5,800 to 6,250 rpm, and a peak torque of 300 lb-ft. from 1,400 to 5,000 rpm! The 400 hp V8 engine propels the X6 xDrive50i from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph! Not bad for a SUV! Power is transmitted to the al-wheel-drive system via a six-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

No pricing details have been released, but the BMW X6 is expected to be available from BMW dealer’s showrooms from the second quarter of 2008.

[Source: BMW]

Revealed: 200mph plus Corvette ZR1

The internet and American car fans have been speculating about this thing for months. But it's finally real. It's finally here. This is the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Why the big fuss? Because previous top-dog Corvette, the Z06, proved that American muscle doesn't have mean you can't go round corners. The Z06 has an immense level of attention to detail, built more in common with the racing version than the regular 'road car - down its carbon fibre and balsa wood floor. And it produces 505bhp from a 7.0-litre 'smallblock' V8. This car, finally officially unveiled as the new ZR1 - as opposed to 'Blue Devil', or even 'Stingray', the other names touted in rumours - is like the Z06 after it has spent months pumping iron.

At least 100bhp per litre
You can see the results in the pictures. The ZR1 is wider, lower, harder. It doesn't just look mean, it even has a skull moulded into the under-bonnet air intake. His name is Jake, incidentally, and he's making a guest appearance away from his usual gig as the racing team's logo; General Motors knows how to please its target audience - and it is not messing around. The new 6.2-litre V8 engine is hand assembled at GM's Performance Build Center using techniques more commonly associated with competition vehicles. But most important of all, it has also been fitted with a supercharger.

The sixth-generation Eaton unit, is a Roots-type positive-displacement design, said to help boost torque and power right from tickover to the 6,600rpm redline. The complete engine has been branded the 'Supercharged LS9' - almost literally, as you can see that script through the polycarbonate bonnet window as well. There is no officially confirmed power output yet (GM may even be waiting to see what the competition comes up with in response before finalising the figure). But do the sums and it is clear that the ZR1 will be pushing out at least 620bhp when it goes on sale, and perhaps even 680bhp.

200mph plus
Whatever the final power output, the ZR1 is certain to become the first production Corvette to top 200mph; despite a new close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. Weighing only 1,519kg also means a better power-to-weight ratio than the mighty Porsche 911 GT2. Torque is expected to be around 595lb/ft, while 0-60mph will be in 'the low threes'. The alloys are 19s at the front, 20s at the back - big enough to accommodate huge 15.5-inch front and 15-inch rear carbon-ceramic brake discs. Together with enlarged brake callipers, these should provide astounding amounts of stopping power. Comforting, given the claimed 1g cornering grip generated by the track-biased magnetic adjustable suspension.

No word on pricing yet, but the ZR1 is likely to be ridiculously cheap for its performance - remember the Z06 costs just £63k which is only a few thousand more than a base 911 so expect the top dog to undercut the GT3 RS. Still, keeping the cost down means us Limeys will be able to keep on complaining about shoddy interior quality. Even while this latest Yank upstart runs circles around much, much more expensive European machinery. We really do expect it to be that good.

Audi R8 Modified to Have 888 Horsepower

The garden variety Audi R8 supercar is already fast enough as is, but it still wasn't fast enough for the kooks at MTM. They've decided to build their own version of the R8 for the Dubai Motor Show and this car rocks 888 base horsepower. That's a lot of ponies!MTM is based out of Germany and it is the same firm that was responsible for creating the twin-engine 740hp Audi TT Bimoto. Their take on the Audi R8 isn't a far cry from the regular R8 in terms of outward cosmetics, but when you peep the powerplant, things change. They've added a specialized turbocharger system to the 4.2L V8, bumping the horsepower to 888 and the torque to 641 lbs-ft.With this modification, the R8 is now capable of doing the 0-60mph run in 3.0 seconds flat before topping out at 223mph. MTM has christened this beast as the Audi R888 and it's a one-off creation for an unnamed European customer. He or she paid 280,000 Euros for the car.

Mazda to debut exciting Furai concept and new RX-8 at NAIAS

Japan's Zoom-Zoom carmaker is excited to present a new performance concept model to the press and the public at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), alongside the new RX-8.The Furai concept taps into Mazda's extensive following of buyers who track-race their cars. According to Mazda, more of their products are road-raced in the U.S. on weekends than any other brand. Accordingly, the concept model is designed after an ALMS race car- but with an eye for green operation as it runs on ethanol fuel produced by British Petroleum (BP). The Furai rides Mazda's Courage C65 chassis, which was introduced just two seasons ago. Power comes from a triple-rotor rotary engine with 450 horsepower.Mazda Furai, an eco-friendly, super performance concept car.Franz von Holzhausen heads up design work for Mazda's North American operations. Of the concept, he says "Furai purposely blurs boundaries that have traditionally distinguished street cars from track cars. Historically, there has been a gap between single-purpose racecars and street-legal models- commonly called supercars- that emulate the real racers on the road. Furai bridges that gap like no car has ever done before."Mazda's sleek and flowing "Nagare" design-language is at work here, and a teaser shot shows some sensuous curves applied to the body of this could-be eco-friendly super car.Mazda's new RX-8 is also set for a world debut at the show, alongside a technical exhibit of its new-age Renesis rotary engine. The new RX-8 and its powerplant join the rest of Mazda's lineup which will be available for viewing at the show.

Hummer HX Concept Aims To Attack the Open Road

The Hummer HX concept is interested in taking it off-road. The concept vehicle sports the unmistakable Hummer front grille, but it boasts several features that you won't find on another SUV in the company's lineup.For example, all of the roof panels are completely removable. This includes both the front and rear roof panels, providing passengers with a truly open-air feel. What's more, the doors can be torn off as well, though I imagine that there may be some restrictions over this configuration while in the city.Certain profile pictures of the Hummer HX remind me of the Toyota FJ Cruiser in some ways, but we'll have to check back in at the Detroit Auto Show next year for a better look at this vehicle. After all, this is "just" a concept sketch.

Four-door, Notchback Ford Verve Concept Unveiled in Guangzhou

Today, at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, Ford revealed a four-door, notchback Verve concept and it looks great. It’s back seems to be inspired from the Ford Mondeo, that’s also a lovely car and at least it looks better than the 4-door Mazda 2 also presented today. But Ford isn’t stopping here, as they announced to unveil a new Verve concept at the Detroit Auto Show, in January 2008.

For Europeans and Asiatics, now those Verve concepts represent Ford’s best cars, especially on the design part, following Mondeo’s success. Phil Spender, Chief Operation Officer of Ford Motor stated that the cars will be designed in Europe, engineered in Germany and manufactured world wide. This make me, at least, be confident they will produce good looking cars, very reliable and affordable. But what would you want more than that ?

2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet

This fabulous 420-hp, 4.2-liter direct-injection V-8 car is smooth and has a broad torque curve. It weighs 4100 pounds (120 pounds more than the sedan) and should sprint to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0.2 second slower and it costs 85,000 dollars.The convertible has aggressive good looks as well as diagonally connected shock absorbers that work extremely well. This shock arrangement produces a forgiving ride along with buttoned-down responses. However, the relaxed ride does come with some quivers and shivers felt through the steering wheel and chassis that are much more pronounced than those in the BMW 3 series.

Through twisty mountain roads, the RS 4 proves to be a worthy dance partner with oodles of grip, goof-proof handling that’s more neutral than expected for a car that carries almost 60 percent of its weight over the front wheels, strong brakes and pedals set up for heel-and-toeing. It’s true it can’t match the tenacious turn-in of Audi’s fabulous R8, which was also on hand for back-road and on-track abuse, but no one expected it to.The Cabriolet also features 35-series tires, 19-inch wheels and larger 14.4-inch front and 12.8-inch brake rotors, a six-speed manual transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive.Audi claims it has no intention of switching to a folding hardtop convertible, as have many entries in the premium segment.

The steering of any RS4 is a revelation. The RS4s helm is better weighted and makes the car easier to place through fast corners.The slatted front bumper and polished metal windscreen surround help you identify it from other models in the range. Inside, you’ll find the usual high-quality trim, while on the centre console is a starter button for the car’s stand-out feature – its engine. The RS4 convertible is probably pitched towards a slightly more relaxed crowd.

BMW released 2008 6 series coupe and convertible

The 2008 model of the beloved BMW 6 series has been released and features some great improvements in look and options, both standard and optional, that makes it even more tempting. Both it’s front and rear visibility has been improved, sporting LED taillights, but also there are improvements on safety, comfort and sportive sides. It’s major improvements include the optional Sport Automatic with rpm matching on the downshift and paddle shifters, electronic shifter. There are a lot of more improvements that you can read about in the 25-pages press release.

It’s design uses both luxurious and sportive curves, making a stylish car, that could fit for almost anyone, of course, that can afford it.

It comes in two models, 650i coupe and 650 convertible, the first one being priced at $76,375 and the coupe costing $83,475.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2008 Review

Unveiled at October’s Tokyo motor show, the STI has morphed from a bellicose little four-door into a five-door hatchback. A new variable-valve-timing system and new IHI turbos give the output of the STI’s turbocharged and intercooled flat-four engines.

Subaru sources declined to reveal just how big the bump will be but were willing to admit to “less than 310 horsepower” and a “little less than 300 pound-feet”. The flat-four propels a hatchback that’s slightly bigger than its predecessor.

Expanded dimensions, plus comprehensive body-shell stiffening and extensive work in the area of sound deadening, yield higher curb weights. The new car won’t likely accelerate any quicker than the previous STI (0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds, the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds).

The other part of the ride-and-quality equation is suspension tuning that’s distinctly softer. As before, the front is supported by struts, but there’s a new subframe-mounted multilink arrangement at the rear. The STI’s resistance to turn-in can be mitigated by the car’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, with a driver-programmable center differential and limited-slip diffs at both ends. New to the STI is Subaru’s gimmicky SI-Drive, which includes three different throttle-mapping modes.The car has a six-speed manual transmission. Braking, with the same big-disc Brembo package is beyond reproach. For 2008, the WRX STi adds an engine immobilizer, a power-steering cooler and a new underbody cover. The newly installed dash board, center console, panel and an array of other features give an appealing look to the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

In addition to a security system with engine immobilizer and high-friction seat, the Subaru Impreza WRX STi receives the same updates as the regular WRX.If your criterion when choosing a car is impressive performance, safety or comfort, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi fits the bill.

Honda Civic Type R 2008

First shown at the Geneva auto show in March, the Civic Type R concept has deep front and rear airdams and a sizable rear spoiler.

The Type R gets a much-stiffened suspension, bigger wheels bursting with monster brakes, a few functional aero mods, and a higher-compression 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 221 horsepower.

Between the front fascia, carved out to allow the 2.0-liter deeper breaths, and the rear diffuser hanging below the rear bumper, this car wears a unique hood, tweaked front fenders, new sill extensions, lightweight wheels, and a taller spoiler.

Revised springs and dampers and fatter anti-roll bars keep it flat, grip is handled by the Bridgestone Potenza RE070s and huge discs clamped by Brembo calipers.

The interior is likewise decorated with Type R cues, with heavily bolstered seats, a leather-wrapped ovoid steering wheel, a short-throw shifter capped with a bare aluminum ball, metal pedals, and a racy starter button.

Beneath the restyled hood beats the modified 2.0-liter, with improved breathing and a higher compression ratio helping to make those 221 horsepower at 8000 rpm plus 159 pound-feet of torque at 6100, just beyond the VTEC switchover.

The redline is 8600 rpm, and a close-ratio six-speed keeps the engine spinning in the rowdiest part of the power band.

Honda S2000 CR

The Honda S2000 CR brings no improvement at it’s 2.2 liter, 237 horsepower engine, but mostly to the suspension and aerodynamics, along with body stiffening and cockpit. It’s stability is ensured by it’s front bumper with it’s thick spoiler, that reduces the lift and lowers the underbody pressure.

The car uses the latest technologies to make it as much aerodynamic as possible, with twin fairings, wind tunnels and brace bridges on the vacant roof. Honda S2000 CR’s steering has been hastened to 13.8:1 from 14.9:1 for increased rigidity and it uses Bridgestone Potenz RE070 tires.

It sports a six-speed manual gearbox, with rear wheel drive and it’s priced at about $38,000, consuming from 18 to 25mpg.

Ford Mondeo Review

The new Ford Mondeo is the ideal family car, that offers comfort at any speeds, especially due to the IVDC ( Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control ) electronic dampers and it’s excellent suspension, that keeps you safe on the road. It’s weight of 1,615kg won’t feel in the steering, that is both light and very accurate, without causing any problems.

It’s interior is very spacious and comfortable, with a nice futuristic design. Anyway, not everything is perfect, like the hard-to-read speedo increments, the bad organised console or the seat that won’t go low enough.

As any car, it has both good and bad parts, but those bad are not big issues, which makes it a great family car, better than most of it’s class.

2007 Bugatti Veyron Review

The 2007 Bugatti Veyron has arrived and we have all the details. We are going to start off by telling you that this supercar does not come cheap. It costs $1,400,000 making it the world’s most expensive supercar.

The Bugatti Veyron is powered by a four-turbocharged, 8-litre, 16-cylinder engine that creates 1001hp. A complicated 7-speed transmission and AWD system allows the Veyron to control the 1001hp. Depending on the circumstances, the AWD system can distribute 100% of the power to either the front or rear tires. Only 300 Veyrons will be produced and each costs over $1 million. Some unique features are a large rear spoiler that tips forward at elevated speeds to act as an air brake and a large interior cabin designed to accommodate six-foot seven-inch drivers.

Driving in the Veyron gives you the power that you often dream about – but usually never get a chance to experience. The fact the interior is comfortable and not the usual uncomfortable pure racing style that many supercars embody tells you that they believe in the perfect blend of comfort and speed.

This is definitely a car that everyone wants – but that most of us will never get our hands on. What with the steep price of the vehicle and the heavy gas prices that we pay not many of us would be able to afford it. But we can dream!

2008 Saab Turbo X Review

Saab is set to unveil the limited edition Saab Turbo X for the first time in North America at the 2007 New England International Auto Show in Boston. The Turbo X celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first Saab 900 turbocharged car and will be flanked by the black 1985 Saab 900 SPG!

As an anniversary edition, the 2008 Saab Turbo X is based on the new Saab 9-3 range, with Saab promising that the Saab Turbo X “delivers levels of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never experienced before from Saab.”
The first turbocharged model offered by Saab was the 1977 Saab 99 hatchback that debuted in the third quarter of 1977. With the new Turbo X, Saab hopes to evoke the iconic appeal of the first black 99 and 900 Turbos. Like the original Saab 99 Turbo, the new Turbo X will only be available in black, in metallic jet black to be more exact, with matte gray trim.

Powering the Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8-liter turbocharged 60º V-6 engine that produces 280 hp at 5,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft. of torque from 2,150 to 4,500 rpm. Power is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission also available. The 280 hp 2.8-liter engine gives the Saab Turbo X a brisk 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of just 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

The new car will also feature Saab’s innovative XWD all-wheel-drive system combined with the car’s sport-tuned suspension, brakes and electronic control systems. The XWD system is designed to control drive torque, not only between the front and rear axles but also between the rear wheels, to optimize handling and stability. An electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the two real wheels, depending on which wheel has more grips. The suspension and brakes have also been uprated. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm, with the coil springs and dampers tuned to minimize body roll. Together with 18-inch light alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires these modifications ensure excellent grip.


The 2008 Saab Turbo X will be available in four-door Sport Sedan and five-door SportCombi forms with only 600 of them being made available in the U.S. from the second quarter of 2008. Pricing will starts at $42,510 for the Sport Sedan and $43,310 for the SportCombi.

The 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The Nissan GT-R, heir to arguably the most popular of modified cars, the Nissan Skyline GT-R, has made it to North America! Earlier this week, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn unveiled the GT-R for the first time in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The GT-R made its world debut late last month at the Tokyo Motor Show and has already sparked a plethora of news articles. But let’s begin with the car itself.

The all-wheel drive 2009 Nissan GT-R follows long line of Skyline GT-R’s that date back to the 1964 Skyline GT 2000 that competed in the GT-II class at the 2nd Japanese Grand Prix. But the GT-R and the Skyline have parted ways, with the GT-R becoming a separate model in the Nissan lineup, with true supercar performance! Following in the tradition of the R32, R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R’s, the new GT-R is powered a detuned race bred, the twin-turbo VR38VETT V6 engine. The VR38VETT is based on the 3.5-liter VRH35 V8 engine that powered Nissan race cars such as the R89C, R90C and R390 GT1 and in detuned form, pushes out a healthy 480 hp at 6,800 rpm and 430 ft-lbs of torque! That translates to a blistering 0 to 62 mph time of just 3,5 seconds and a quarter mile of just 11,5 seconds! That means it’s faster to 62 mph that the Porsche 911 GT2!


But the GT-R, with its all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering, has really been built to take on the Nürburgring. A feat it has accomplished in just 7 minutes and 38 seconds during testing in September. That’s not as quick as the Porsche 911 GT2 that completed a tour around the Ring in six seconds less, or the 7.3-liter V12 engined Pagani Zonda F Clubsport with its carbonfibre chassis and body that did it in 7 minutes and 27:82 seconds!

Power is fed to all four wheels via an all-new GR6-type dual clutch paddle shift transmission and a rear-mounted independent transaxle that provides better weight distribution. The all-wheel-drive system can split torque distribution from 50-50 percent to 2-98 percent during hard acceleration, braking and cornering.

But this does not mean that the GT-R will be a handful on the road. The car comes with a special “Set-up” selection switch on the instrument panel that allows the driver to select “Normal”, “Comfort” or “R” (for Racing) settings. Each setting changes transaxle shift points, Bilstein damping rates and the vehicle dynamic control!

The GT-R was unveiled alongside the all-new 2009 Nissan Murano and will be available from the second quarter of 2008 but from a select group of Nissan dealers that meet specific and stringent certification standards. With pricing starting at only $69,850, the new GT-R is a true performance bargain! Pre-orders will taken from January 2008 so get in early! If that isn’t enough power for you, you can always wait for the 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V that is currently under development and is expected to be available from the second quarter of 2009!