Showing posts with label Car News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Car News. Show all posts

BMW M3 E92

Monday, November 29, 2010

Design :
A softened design compared to the sedan version, and, as always, the work of Chris Bangle. Some like it, others don't, but it's up to each and every individual to decide. Our opinion is pretty critical when compared to the previous model (E46) that we found closer to perfection. No matter what, the E92 M3 has got a package designed to impress thanks to a deeper front bumper with three large air ports, a domed bonnet, widened fenders, and an extended lower rear bumper with four chrome pipes. If you want more there's the optional carbon fiber roof just waiting for you.

Interior :
The main disappointment of the whole car. Yes, a couple M logos are to be seen here and
there, but all in all, the interior is too similar to other 3 Series BMWs and we were left wishing for a little something more. The regular BMW 3 Series has an interior quality slightly below other premium German manufacturers, and this problem is also true with the M3. Thumbs down for the Mdrive System, even though it's said to have been re-worked, it still is a pain to use.

On the road :
A couple more cylinders and you enter a new world. Accelerations are strong and impressive, the car is literally ready to take off. Just push a little on the right pedal and you'll be amazed at how powerful this car is. Each acceleration will stick you to your seat, and as far as we are concerned... Lord...! We love it!!
On the downside engine sound is disappointing, it whines like it's supercharged, far from what usual German and American V8s sound like. TCS is your friend in the M3, even though it can be manually adjusted, it's always safer to put on some gas on the straight lines unless you want to find yourself going in the wrong direction... That said, driving in rough conditions like rain or snow will require a lot of attention from the driver. Braking also failed to impress us as its power rapidly fades... Again it seems that BMW put more into acceleration than braking power.
Final words :
The BMW M3 is an exceptional car and its new V8 engine has got enough to keep you ahead of 95% of what's legally cruising the road... But at this price many may go for the Audi RS4, safer and easier to drive, or the C63 AMG from Mercedes, or... the even cheaper new Godzilla Nissan GT-R which, despite a relative lack of image, offers the performance of a supercar.

Identity :
A couple of lucky E46 GTR owners already had the chance of testing what a V8 engine can do in an M3, and now there's no turning back. The M3 definitely goes V8 and leaves the iconic straight 6 in charge of less powerful (yet excellent) vehicles in BMW's range, such as the 330i.

Despite the 6 cylinder motor's excellent performance, it was about time for BMW to move to a V8 for the 3 Series as Audi (S/RS) and Mercedes-Benz (AMG) made that move a while ago.

Headlines :
420HP V8, rear wheel drive.
4.61m long and a weight of 1655 kg.
Six speed gearbox, SMG III with a twin clutch in a near future.
0 to 100 km/h : 4’’8,
Top speed : 250 km/h ( electronically limited ).

Nissan - The New 2011 GTR R35

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Nissan today announced the launch of the 11MY Nissan GT-R, which goes on sale November 17th at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan.

For 11MY, GT-R features improved engine output and torque, greater fuel efficiency, revised handling, a refreshed exterior with improved aerodynamics, revised interior treatment and new wheels and tires. The large number of enhancements for the new model year is part of the continuous advancement of the GT-R design, technology and performance since its debut in December 2007. Nissan has also enhanced the level of after-sales support for GT-R owners, providing even greater value for customers.

The "World of GT-R" expands again this year with the addition of a racing circuit use-only "Club Track" edition and an ultra-exclusive "EGOIST" version that can be custom-ordered according to the precise desires of each individual customer. The complete 11MY Nissan GT-R model lineup now includes six versions - the "Pure edition," "Black edition," "Premium edition," "SpecV," "Club Track" and "EGOIST" - allowing customers to choose the exact level of dynamic performance and style to meet their various needs.

The 11MY Nissan GT-R will also be released in North America, Europe and other regions after February 2011. Nissan is considering introducing EGOIST in Europe and the Middle East, and the Club Track edition in Europe as well.

11MY Nissan GT-R Overview
Developed under the theme of offering the "world's best multi-performance and responsive driving pleasure," every area of the GT-R has been carefully rethought or retuned for 11MY. The changes range from greater body stability and strength and improved aerodynamics performance to a sportier interior and enhanced performance. Following are the key enhancements of the creative GT-R design.

1. Mechanism
Engine and Transmission Enhancements

* By modifying the boost pressure of the turbocharger, valve timing and air mixture ratio, reducing intake air resistance by enlarging the inlet pipe diameter, and reducing exhaust air resistance through use of an enlarged section of exhaust pipe, fuel economy is improved to 8.5km/L (10-15 mode) or 8.6km/L (JC08 mode).
* At the same time, the engine output is significantly improved to 390kW(530ps)/6,400rpm with maximum torque of 612N・m(62.5kgf・m) from 3,200 to 6,000 rpm. A new red color engine cover is used to demonstrate its greater performance.
* Cleaner emissions are realized through adopting an ultra-low precious metal catalyst and ECM with high-capacity microprocessor - achieving SU-LEV certification levels (emitting 75% fewer emissions than Japan's 2005 exhaust emission standards).
* A new SAVE mode is adopted, which optimizes driving torque and modifies the shift schedule to improve actual fuel economy when driving highways or open roads. This mode also helps reduce ankle fatigue.
* Starting performance while selecting "R mode" for the transmission and VDC-R is improved.
* To control tight corner braking phenomenon, which can occur when starting the vehicle while turning the steering wheel, 2WD mode is added to temporarily shift to 2WD driving.
* When the vehicle speed is below 10km/h and the steering wheel is turned more than halfway.

Body Strengthening

* A highly rigid, lightweight strut supporting bar, made of carbon composite with aluminum honeycomb material, is installed in the partition wall of the engine compartment. By linking the right and left struts to quickly receive suspension input, the vehicle body's responsiveness to driving operation is enhanced.
* An additional support member is installed in the passenger side of the instrument panel. Responsiveness of the vehicle body is further improved by enhanced rigidity for connection with the engine compartment.
* For further production accuracy, the fitting precision of the body panels is enhanced and a higher-precision G sensor is utilized in checking the instrument panel during the vibration testing of each vehicle body.

Suspension and Braking Modifications

* For the front suspension, the lever ratio of the springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bar is modified to improve the vertical load response of the tires. Front caster angle is increased from 5°35 to 6°00 to improve tire road holding ability when turning and stability while driving straight.
* For the rear suspension, toe performance is modified by changing the roll center height to a lower position in order to improve tire grip while making turns and to better communicate driving feel.
* An aluminum free-piston shock absorber design is newly developed which generates more precise damping force to constantly provide stable road holding and a load shift that quickly responds to driver's intention. Reduced friction in the shock absorbers provides high quality, smooth ride comfort.
* A thin, large-diameter rotor (Φ390) developed uniquely by Nissan is adopted to improve braking force, fade resistance, pedal control ability and extend brake rotor life for sporty driving.

Wheels and Tires

* The 11MY GT-R also features newly designed, lighter weight and more rigid forged aluminum-alloy wheels. Made by Rays, the wheels help improve tire responsiveness to vertical load. Knurling inside the wheel is modified to avoid deviation of tire rotation direction caused by the higher engine output. On the wheel surface, a new Hyper Blue Black Chrome color is adopted, which expresses high quality and high-performance feel. The wheels' deep gloss is created by utilization of a five-layer coating process.
* The Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tires have a new compound to improve tire grip. With renewed structure and improved tread and sidewall rigidity, straight-line stability in rutted roads is enhanced.

2. Design
Exterior and aerodynamics

* Even with GT-R's already intense and stable form, its world-leading aerodynamics performance is further improved through a number of significant enhancements. Downforce is increased by about 10%, while the coefficient of drag is further reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.
* Stability is improved by enlarged bumper and grille openings
* The front bumper is newly designed with double rectifier fins and Hyper Daylight with a large-diameter reflecting surface and high intensity white-color LED lights. The design increases front downforce by about 10%, while also reducing air resistance inside the engine compartment. The volume of air that passes through the radiator and cools down the front brakes is also increased.
* Additional plated parts are used for headlight inner panels, enhancing the car's strong presence.
* The redesigned rear bumper features a lower center of gravity than the previous design, created by a sculptured lower portion and extended length. Underfloor cooling performance is enhanced with air resistance reduced by extending a rear diffuser.
* Cooling performance for the muffler is improved and rear downforce is increased by about 10% through use of a new rear bumper air outlet, which helps remove air in the rear wheelhouses.
* A newly designed tailpipe finisher with enlarged diameter is adopted. Rear high-intensity LED fog lamps are provided as standard equipment to help improve visibility from vehicles behind in rainy or snowy conditions.
* Six exterior colors are available, including two new colors: Meteo Flake Black Pearl (2P) and Aurora Flare Blue Pearl (2P). (Both are special colors.)

Interior

* A newly shaped instrument panel pad and navigation system display finisher are adopted, with stitch lines changed to express an enhanced quality feel.
* Real carbon center cluster finisher is used, along with matte black finished switches.
* The GT-R emblem at the center of the steering wheel has a new velour-like coating, expressing a glossy texture. For the paddle shift, a coating exposing the magnesium base material is applied.
* Chrome-plated rings in the console and air-conditioner outlets are finished with a new black smoky coating, expressing greater sportiness.

Seat

* Seats for Pure edition and Premium edition provide an improved level of comfort and safety while cornering. In addition, fatigue levels are reduced for the thighs and lower back by changing the shape, extending the length of seating surface and refurbishing the cushion stroke. A new seatback design seatback is adopted to improve fit.
* The Black edition has leather-appointed bucket seats using a Recaro design based on the structure of Pure edition and Premium edition seats.

SpecV
Modifications applicable only to the SpecV are as follows:

* Engine modifications are the same as the base model with improved maximum power output and torque, as well as enhanced fuel economy, except maximum torque is improved to 612N・m(62.5kgf・m)/ 3,200~6,000rpm (632N・m(64.5kgf・m)/ 3,600~5,600rpm). (Figures in parenthesis are when high geared boost is used.)
* To improve abrasion resistance and stability in racing circuit driving, rear brake pad material is changed and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) balance under braking is modified.
* Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tire is adopted as a standard feature.
* Special Rays lightweight aluminum forging wheels for the SpecV are adopted from the previous model with the color changed to Metallic Black.

Club Track edition
The Club Track edition, developed exclusively for racing circuit use, allows drivers to experience the full performance potential of the Nissan GT-R. Special parts for racing circuit driving are installed by the Authorised Servicefactory Association, which is also in charge of the distribution. A wide range of events and activities for Club Track edition owners will be held as well, including one-on-one competition training sessions given by professional drivers and special races organized mainly by the Nissan GT-R Authorised Servicefactory Association.

EGOIST
EGOIST is the first and only Nissan GT-R in the world exclusively created by Takumi, or "master with greatest skills." Each customer can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices. In addition, the Bose® sound system is exclusively tuned according to the driving position of each driver to meet every customer's needs. This is the ultimate expression of the Nissan GT-R.

Interior
Customers can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices, four upper area interior colors and 10 lower area interior colors. Interior parts are sent to Seton Company, Inc. Muelheim an der Ruhr in Germany and leather master craftsmen sew and stick carefully selected leather by hand.

Seats
Seats are an exclusive quilted design with single and double stitching combined in a reticular pattern. Enhanced body grip performance (suitable for racing circuit driving), smoothness and fit are all provided.

Wajima Lacquer (Maki-e) Emblem
Wajima Maki-e with deep coloring and glaze created by Mr. Sakae Kubota, an accredited traditional craftsman for Japanese lacquer, is used for the GT-R emblem at the center of the steering wheel. The beautiful coloring of Maki-e changes as time goes by.

Bose® Precision Sound System
Specially developed carbon composite-based woofers, which can cancel vibrations through their high rigidity and damping, are installed. In addition, sound quality is adjusted by Bose® exclusively for each owner, depending on individual driving position.

Carbon Rear Spoiler
EGOIST adopts a dry carbon rear spoiler (also used in the SpecV). Providing stable aerodynamic performance, even when driving at more than 300km/h, the rear spoiler gives an intense look in the rear with its black carbon color.

RAYS Forged Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
Lightweight and highly rigid forged aluminum-alloy wheels, also used in the SpecV, reduce unsprung weight and help provide a supple ride feel. Newly developed five-layer Blue Sword Chrome Color Coating is adopted.

Titanium Exhaust System
EGOIST uses a Titanium exhaust system, also used in the SpecV, providing agile accelerator response and a clear, exhilarating exhaust sound.

Mugen introduces a new Kit for the all New Honda Fit

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Just released in Japan, the Honda fit is also now available in a new sportier styling package with Mugen latest “kit”. Like usual, the Japanese tuner added to our little fit the indispensable rear wing spoiler the essence of any Japanese tuned car.

Honda introduced three Fit in Japan with the 1.3G, the Hybrid and the sportier FIT RS, giving the opportunity to Mugen to offer a dedicated kit for each models.
Each kit includes a rework grill front spoiler, side skirt, rear spoiler, a set of wheels and the rear wing spoiler. Giving a sportier look the Stock Fit and Hybrid Fit, the Kit for the Fit RS is by far the most aggressive with a nicely design “Mecha” like front spoiler.

Definitively a must have if you want to give your new Fit a unique look designed by a true master in this field.

JAPO Motorsport GmbH, Skyline R34 GT-R "JAPO spec", Legends never die

Sunday, September 5, 2010







The factory has shown the way: on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the company's own sports department NISMO (Nissan MOtorsports International), in 2004, the Japanese presented a special edition limited to exactly 20 vehicles of the legendary Skyline R34 GT-R, the "Z-tune". Since the production of the R34 had been stopped three years before, naturally, there were no brand-new cars of this series available at that time. NISMO 20 therefore purchased 20 used cars with low mileage which they dismantled down to their individual components and then re-assembled completely. Up to today the extremely rare Z-tune is known as the spearhead of the R34 GT-R family and was referred to as "the world's best sports car" for a long time - there are many who still do.

"New cars" built in 1999
It is no wonder that JAPO Motorsport GmbH selected this vehicle as the demo object to start a new field of activity: with the specialised restoration of Japanese super sports cars the performance specialists from Essen are opening up new markets - with used vehicles in good condition which, after extensive restoration, almost have the feel of new cars. The individual concept of each project enables the construction of absolute rarities.
Let's get back the vehicle: JAPO Motorsport bought a used Nissan R34 GT-R (constructed in 1999, chassis no. BNR34000500), took it apart down to its basic structure, followed by an extremely complex rebuilding - closely based on the legendary Z-tune model in terms of technology and appearance. The 100 percent restoration of the high performance coupés took 3.5 months, the result being truly breathtaking.

Original Z-tune
Without laying it on thick, original NISMO Z-tune components (front aprons, front mudguards and rear wheel housing) provide the skyline with impressive racing optics. NISMO also offers red rear lights. The expression "Technology made visible" could not be more fitting for anything but the ARC rear diffuser which purists are especially thrilled about due to its edges and naked metal.
Apropos naked metal: the bodywork was completely stripped of paint in the immersion bath, subsequently sealed and painted in the original silver "KY0", formerly reserved for the Z-tune.

HKS-Bi-Turbo-Power
Without exception, JAPO Motorsport refined the legendary RB26DETT straight six cylinder engine bi-turbo motor with a cylinder capacity of 2.5 litres cylinder capacity using the finest HKS components. To name but a few, two GT RS turbo chargers are now blowing into the cylinders with powerful 1.5 bar boost, sparking off a true hell fire. The intercooler, elbows, half pipe, racing suction and chamber kit, injectors, ignition plugs and cylinder head gaskets are also made by HKS. An HKS Fcon Pro standalone engine management system is responsible for the combustion process. Due to its ARC-4 inch titanium exhaust system, you will already hear the JAPO-Skyline from far. Performance measurement resulted in powerful 523 PS and 597 Nm - on the wheel!

Traction with the gearbox is enabled due to a considerably resilient HKS clutch. JAPO Motorsport treated the switch box as well as the rear axle differential with additional coolers by ARC for optimised stability.

There is no doubt about the HKS Hipermax thread chassis - it has absolute cult status among experts. It is supplemented by an ARC strut mounted between the two front strut pillars, which makes the handling of the coupé even more reliable.

Semi slicks and classy interior
Real NISMO Z-tune 9.5x18 inch five spoke wheels are rotating in the GT-R wheel housing. Once they are heated, the Toyo Proxes R888 semi slicks in 265/35R18 offer an extremely high level of grip which should however not be tested to the limits by inexperienced drivers. The serial braking system of the R34 GT-R is often scolded. However, after the installation of a stoptech brake with 355/35 millimetre discs and four-piston callipers in front as well as 355/32 millimetre discs and two-piston callipers on the rear axle, JAPOS's "new vehicle" now offers deceleration values to make the passengers' eyeballs bulge.

The interior is sporty, classy and not purist at all. JAPO Motorsport installed leather/alcantara fittings for the front and back seats, the dashboard, the centre console, door and side panels, the columns, the roof liner as well as the rim of the Sparco steering wheel. The NISMO tachometer unit is scaled up to 320 km/h, the large multifunctional display above the centre console was extensively updated and now even includes a lap timer.

By the way: the vehicle shown, the no. 1 of an edition limited to 20 pieces (just like the grand original) is for sale. For EUR 89,900, which is quite appropriate given the elaborate, new construction, the exclusive Skyline could be yours.

Holden Special Vehicles to celebrate 20 years with limited edition model

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Australia’s high performance car manufacturer, Holden Special Vehicles, has launched a limited edition model to help celebrate 20 years of its most successful and enduring nameplate – the ClubSport.

The ClubSport brand first appeared as a permanent fixture within the HSV range back in June of 1990 as a VN HSV ClubSport. Featuring a 5.0 litre engine boasting 180kW and 400Nm only 410 VN series ClubSports were built. The model has evolved today to become the highest selling vehicle in the HSV line-up.

General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Tim Jackson, said this milestone was worthy of celebration for the company.

”If we step back 20 years to 1990, this really was a watershed year for the HSV brand. Not only did we introduce our first ClubSport model in June but 1990 also represented our first Bathurst victory with the Holden Racing Team, who are also celebrating 20 years of success this year.

”The ClubSport has such great history and meaning within our business, and it has always been our purists vehicle - bringing track focused performance and handling to a road vehicle,” Tim Jackson said.

For that reason HSV has taken a ‘back-to-basics’ approach with the 20 years of Clubsport model producing a feature packed high performance vehicle for the true HSV collector.

The 20 Years of ClubSport model will receive as standard HSV’s performance suspension, 20 inch Pentagon wheels in Millennium silver and leather seats for no additional cost.

It will be identifiable by a unique decal on the rear window, which the HSV enthusiast will recognise as a modern iteration of the original VN “CS ClubSport” badge, to commemorate the anniversary of the model.

General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler, said he expected the car to be well received within the HSV Dealer network and amongst HSV’s strong customer base.

“With this level of value add at no additional cost we anticipate the 100 vehicles will move very quickly and good luck to the person who manages to grab No.1 in the model build.

“City Motors HSV in Perth recorded the highest HSV vehicle sales in 2009 and have been rewarded with the privilege of retailing the No. 1 vehicle to the lucky HSV buyer,” Darren Bowler said.

The 100 limited edition 20 Years of ClubSport models will start appearing in HSV Dealers show rooms across Australia from late June. The vehicle will come with an RRP of AUD$66,690 for manual and AUD$68,690 for automatic.

HSV ClubSport Fast Facts:

• The ClubSport model has been exported to both the UK and the Middle East markets.

• The best build year for ClubSport was 2003 with over 2200 being built.

• When the first ClubSport went on sale (VN), its RRP was AUD$33,320 (man) and AUD$34,140 (auto), and a total of 410 were built. Its engine was a 4987cc V8 producing 180kw ' 400Nm.

• The ClubSport model has had four different engine variants over its lifespan including the original 5.0 litre then the 5.7 litre LS1, 6.0 litre LS2 and the current 6.2 litre LS3.

Subaru announce improved Impreza WRX STI Sedan and Hatchback in Japan

Thursday, July 1, 2010


If unfortunately Subaru did not touched to our almighty Impreza WRX STI engine, the Japanese manufacturer comes however with a long liste of modification and offer a nice little facelift.

Our new Impreza, whether we are talking about the sedan or hatchback version comes now with wider body giving a more "powerful" touch to our car, a gorgeously redesigned front bumper and front grill as well as a new colors added to the catalog with the "Plasma Blue Silica".

The interior of our cars has also been slightly retouch with a selection of better materials including a brown leather option covering seats, the steering wheel, and door trims and the central armrest. Subaru also propose a simple, yet sporty black leather and black nylon STI seats if full leather seats are not your cup of tea.
Finally, Subaru revised and tweaked entirely its STI suspension, better stabilizer and bring now our car even closer to the road by reducint the height of our STI of just about 5mm.

In Pursuit of the Perfect Pitch, the Diva LF-A.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

It’s a dramatic moment. In an ultra-modern audio studio, a Pearl White Lexus LFA supercar faces its challenger: a lone crystal champagne flute on a pedestal alongside a sleek amplifier. The vehicle’s keyless ignition is engaged, and its rear wheels start spinning on a dynamometer. The engine roars louder and louder, the speedometer clicks past 150, 160, 170 mph. That’s when the glass quivers and shimmies until – kshhh! – the flute shatters in gorgeous slow motion.

In this latest commercial from Lexus, which begins airing today, the LFA’s signature engine sound achieves a feat reserved for virtuoso performers. The unique sound of 552-horsepower engine, which helps the vehicle reach top speeds in excess of 200 mph, shatters the glass without the use of CGI or camera tricks.

“The glass is actually broken by the precision sound of the vehicle,” said Dave Nordstrom, vice president of marketing for Lexus. “We wanted to show just how deep our pursuit of perfection and commitment to innovation goes. The LFA was designed to deliver its own unique exhaust note, and this illustrates that beautifully.”

The Signature Sound
Lexus worked with a team of engineers to enhance the acoustics of the LFA’s 4.8L engine by meticulously tuning its multi-stage exhaust system. From the elegant, yet understated idle rumble to the goosebump-worthy wail of the high-revving V10 engine, the LFA was deliberately engineered to deliver a sound unlike that of any other road car.

After studying the unmistakable soundtrack generated by Formula 1 cars at maximum revs, the team created the signature LFA sound beginning by emphasizing the secondary combustion frequency of the engine and then introducing primary, secondary and tertiary firing harmonics.

The Glass Test
For the commercial titled “Pitch,” Lexus employed a renowned physicist from a leading university to help determine which type of champagne glasses have the same frequency as the LFA’s revving engine. (The pitch of the glass needed to precisely match the pitch of the engine in order for the flute to shatter.) Lexus racecar driver Scott Pruett then “drove” on the dynamometer until the engine revved to 7,000-9,000 rpm—creating just the right frequency of vibration to break the glass. And, yes, the entire crew wore earplugs during filming.

It’s not the first time Lexus has used champagne glasses in an ad. Now an almost iconic expression of the brand’s pursuit of perfection and pioneering innovation, they were originally used in the brand’s launch commercial in 1989. In one of the most memorable TV spots in history, the new LS sedan revved to high RPMs as a pyramid of champagne glasses was carefully stacked on the car’s hood. As the speedometer approached top speeds, champagne was poured into the top glass and elegantly flowed into the glasses below—without spilling a drop or razing the pyramid.

Most recently, in a 2006 commercial, the ground-breaking park assist feature on the LS 460 was engaged to dramatically and precisely parallel park the vehicle between two giant pyramids of champagne glasses—without touching a glass.


Nissan Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Z's First National Championship with a BRE 370Z

Monday, May 3, 2010


Forty years ago, the Datsun 240Z arrived in North America and changed the sports car landscape forever. That same year Peter Brock's Southern California-based Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) racing team claimed the first of its two SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) National Championships at Road Atlanta with that first iteration of the now iconic Z®-car. It was the first time in racing history that a Japanese production racer had defeated the long-established champions from Germany and England in head-to-head competition. That championship win, with driver John Morton at the wheel, firmly established the performance and engineering credibility of the popular Z®.

The #46 championship car carried the now famous red, white and blue BRE paint scheme designed by Peter Brock. In recognition of BRE's multiple championships and the Z®'s first championship, Nissan North America has again teamed with Brock to create an updated rendition of the famous BRE livery, a specially modified 2010 Nissan NISMO 370Z Coupe.

The BRE 370Z will be unveiled at a special BRE Reunion dinner at the Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta on Thursday, April 29 and will be displayed throughout the weekend along with a 40th Anniversary Edition 370Z and a large collection of the famous BRE racecars. Brock, Morton and many of the original BRE team members will be in attendance, as the BRE team is being recognized this year as The Mitty's honored historic racing team.

"To be able to gather with many of my old BRE crew members at Road Atlanta this year is a truly special occasion," said Brock. "There will be so many race fans of that era who will join us to celebrate, as well as modern vintage teams which will be bringing their own tribute BRE racers to compete on this fabulous circuit."

The powerful, sculpted shape of the Nissan 370Z gave Brock a dynamic canvas to exercise his design skills and update the BRE livery. He worked closely with the painters to finalize the details and make sure it met his exacting standards. "Because the 370Z has strong, sculpted shapes, I was able to make the livery even bolder and more aggressive," said Brock. "It was good to be in the paint booth working out the details of the design. I look forward to seeing it in a race track setting at The Mitty."

The new BRE 370Z is not just a show car, however, it's built for the track as well. As is appropriate to commemorate the championship car, it was built to current SCCA T2 racecar regulations and will see track duty later this year. It will also be on display at multiple Z® Club events around the country, including ZCon 2010, the annual Z convention, from July 28 to August 1 in Nashville.

About the Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition starts out as a 370Z Coupe Touring model equipped with manual transmission and Sport Package (including SynchroRev Match™, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and viscous limited-slip differential) and adds a premium "40th Graphite" exterior color and red leather-appointed interior.

Additional exclusive equipment includes a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace. Inside, along with the red leather-appointed seats are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary seatback and floor mat embroidery, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and a plaque of authenticity. Only 1000 examples of the 40th Anniversary 370Z will be available in the U.S.

Honda to Complete Production of 4-Door Civic Type R

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will discontinue production of the 4-door FD2 Civic Type R at the end of August, 2010. A purist's sports car featuring precisely tuned vehicle dynamics, the Civic Type R creates a unity between car and driver for exceptional driving pleasure. The first-generation model launched in 1997 and was produced at Suzuka Factory. The second-generation model following in 2001, was produced at Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.* For the current, third-generation Civic Type R that was released in 2007, the production has returned to Suzuka Factory.

Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was added to the Integra in 1995 and to the Civic in 1997.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi - 2011 Model

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Subaru Says Larger, not really but just 1.5” wider, our new WRX features any little design improvements and tweak to make it better than ever.
Despite these small design modification our 2011 WRX features the same engine as our 2010 one.

Farewell Ralliart, we will without a doubt missing you.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

One of the most prolific JDM Tuner for Mitsubishi cars in Japan and Worldwide, announced yesterday that it would close its doors or at least drastically reduce its activities by the end of March 2010.

Victim of a gloomy economic and declining demands on the aftermarket scene in Japan was without a doubt the main reason of Ralliart downfall, now, this said, Ralliart will not disappear since Mitsubishi is owns the right to the name, logo and most of its engineering and there will still be some future development and product offered with the Terms Ralliart, but the Entity itself, will close by the end of March.

Partial Cease of Business Activities along with Ralliart Inc's
Business Scale Down
Ralliart Inc (President Masao Taguchi) has announced as follows.

Dear all of our customers ,

First of all, we much appreciate for your usual patronage to our company.
Our company have done the various activities relating motorsport with the support of many people since the establishment in April,1984 so far. However, because of the sudden change of economy situation since the year before last, the business circumstance surrounding our company radically became worse and so, this time we have reached the conclusion that we Ralliart Inc., would scale down our business activities as of the end of March 2010.

Along with the scale down of our business activities this time, we would cease the following business and operation which we have done so far. We would like to express our sincere apology to all of customers though we would make you much inconveniences.

Meanwhile, we wish you a continuous support to Ralliart family and entrants driving Mitsubishi cars who play an active part all over the world.

Items which would cease our business and operation along with our business scale down;

1. Support to motorsport customers(Support to the participation, Technical Support, and Awarding of Mitsubishi/Ralliart Driver of the Year)
2. New Planning, Development and Merchandize of Ralliart products (Except FIA VO parts) :*1
3. Information of new products and dispatching motorsport information(at web):*2

*1 FIA VO parts development and those application work shall be done by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation as it is.
*2 FIA Group-N information shall be open at the web site of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Date of the cease: 1st April, 2010

Honda announces limited edition Euro Civic Type R Mugen 200

Wednesday, March 3, 2010


An enhanced, limited edition Civic Type R featuring exclusive MUGEN equipment will go on sale through Honda dealers in the UK in April.

Inspired by MUGEN Euro's high-performance Type R, the MUGEN 200 is fitted with unique body parts, wheels and badges to give it stand-out looks. As its name suggests, only 200 of the special Type R models will be made.

On top of the standard features of the Swindon-built Type R (which of course, include Honda's 201PS, screaming i-VTEC engine) the MUGEN 200 will boast the following:

- Exclusive MUGEN front and rear bumpers with skirts
- 19-inch alloy wheels in 'Lightning' design
- MUGEN rear badge
- MUGEN Limited Edition number plaque
- Limited Slip Differential
- Championship White exterior paint
- Gloss black door mirrors

A range of tuning parts, to further enhance the chassis dynamics of the Type R, will also be available as dealer fit options.

The order bank for the MUGEN 200 opens in March, when prices will also be announced.

This limited edition Type R continues the association between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro – the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda's long standing tuning partner MUGEN. Last year, MUGEN used its 36 years of experience and engineering expertise gained at the forefront of global motorsport, to further develop the Type R, and create the Civic Type R MUGEN of which just 20 units will be made. For more information, visit www.typermugen.com

Honda introduces HSV-010 GT for competing in GT500 class of SUPER GT Series

Sunday, January 24, 2010

At last, we have now some more official information and pictures on the HVS-010GT, the future Honda Super Car that will now participate to the Japanese Super GT... Man I really wonder how fast and how good this new baby is.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today introduced the HSV-010 GT, which will compete in the GT500 class of the 2010 Super GT Series (managed and run by GTA Co., Ltd.).
* The letters "HSV" stand for Honda Sports Velocity.

Honda HSV-010 GT: Specifications and performance characteristics

Dimensions, weight
Length x Width x Height (m) 4.675 x 2.000 x (not disclosed)
Wheelbase (m) 2.700
Vehicle weight (kg) 1,100 or more

Engine
Engine name HR10EG
Configuration Liquid-cooled, naturally aspirated, longitudinal V8
V angle (°) 90
Valve train Gear-driven DOHC: 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves per cylinder
Displacement (cm3) 3,397
Bore x stroke (mm) 93.0 x 62.5
Compression ratio (Not disclosed)
Maximum output(kW[PS]) 370 (500 ) or more
Maximum torque(N·m[kg・m]) 392 (40.0) or more
Throttle control system Mechanical
Fuel supply system Programmed fuel injection system (Honda PGM-FI)
Fuel Lead-free premium gasoline
Lubrication Dry sump

Powertrain
Transmission mechanism Constant mesh
Transmission shifting method Steering paddle shifter
Steering system mechanism Rack and pinion system with electric power steering (EPS)
Tires(Front·Rear) 330/40R18·330/45R17
Brake type and mechanism Hydraulic ventilated disc system
Suspension system Double wishbone
Stabilizer Torsion bar
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