Archive for June, 2009

Nismo 370Z specs and pricing

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

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Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced pricing for the all-new 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z™, which goes on sale today at Nissan retailers nationwide. The new, second-generation NISMO Z® continues the tradition of the original, offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for – including a functional aerodynamic body design, 18 additional horsepower and a special sport-tuned suspension.

The 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z™, which is equipped with a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match, has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of US $39,130. Only three accessories are available on this well equipped vehicle – NISMO carpeted floor mats, illuminated kick plates and a carpeted trunk mat.

“The new NISMO Z® is a tuner and Z® enthusiast’s dream – straight from the factory,” said Pat Steiner, Director, Specialty Vehicles, Nissan Division, NNA. “With its dramatic exterior, custom interior, sport-tuned performance and under $40,000 price, this new NISMO Z® is possibly the best ‘bang-for-the-buck’ sports car available today.”

About the 2009 NISMO 370Z
The NISMO 370Z™ was developed by Nissan’s Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan’s longstanding conversion partner. The NISMO Z®’s standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) develops 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque (versus the standard 370Z Coupe’s 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque), thanks in part to an exclusive free flow dual exhaust system, muffler tuning and an optimized Engine Control Module.

As expected of a true performance machine, the NISMO 370Z™ is offered with only one transmission – a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match-the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission introduced earlier this year on 370Z Coupe (which simulates perfectly matched heel-toe-like downshifting).

The NISMO 370Z™ also features a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, a reinforced strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity and a pair of performance body dampers to manage road-input vibrations and help contribute to the NISMO 370Z™’s stability and performance feel. The NISMO-tuned suspension includes specially tuned springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. Wider, unique 5-spoke 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels are mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires. Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential are also standard on the NISMO 370Z™.

Along with its standout performance, the new NISMO Z® stands out from the crowd with its dramatic performance-oriented exterior and interior styling. The functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body modifications include an extended nose with a canard design at each corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler. Special side sills and a unique rear fascia help manage airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler also increases downforce.

The interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, a smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel with red parallel stitching, a smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. A serialized plaque of authenticity is also matched to each NISMO Z®, identifying its unique serial and model year designation.


MINI opening new dealerships and expanding 20%

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

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Most of the automobile companies out there are in a world of hurt in this economy all except a few, one of them is MINI. The BMW brand never expected their newly designed MINI Coopers to sell as well as they did when they first came to the United States back in 2002, since then they’ve had record sales. MINI is slated to open 17 new dealerships around the US in urban areas where MINI has little or no presence. That brings the total number of MINI dealerships to an even 100 which MINI hopes to outsell their record 54,077 in 2008. MINI expects to have new dealerships open within the next 18 months in the following cities: Birmingham, Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California and Tempe, Arizona.

MINI USA TO EXPAND U.S. DEALERSHIPS BY 20 PERCENT TO SUPPORT DOUBLE DIGIT SALES GROWTH TARGETS

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 22, 2009… MINI USA has confirmed its intention to expand its 83-strong American dealer network by 20 percent during the next 18 months to a total of 100 outlets across the country.

Most of the additional 17 MINI dealerships will be located in cities or areas that will be new markets for the brand.

Speaking at a New York City meeting, MINI USA Vice President Jim McDowell revealed: “Starting in 2011, our aim is to raise MINI sales by a ‘double-digit’ percentage compared with last year’s total of 54,077 cars delivered and this will correspond with a substantial expansion of our network coverage.

“We are celebrating a major landmark for MINI this year, its 50th Birthday, and we are pleased to announce plans for another significant milestone for the brand – the development of our national dealer network to 100 outlets,” he added.

“We are pleased to be in a position to dramatically increase our U.S. dealerships. I have often said that the world is becoming more MINI every day, and I believe that that sentiment is true, now more than ever, as consumer tastes shift decidedly to cars that offer tremendous value. Our cars are not only fuel efficient, and offer great value, but they also provide a fun and dynamic motoring experience and are packed with personality.”

The first of the new dealers to become operational this year will be MINI of Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama. Speaking of the dealership’s appointment to the MINI USA network, General Manager Mark Gerloff said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to represent such a stylish and iconic brand in Alabama, and be given the opportunity to bring the unique attributes and heritage of MINI to our customers.”

In addition to Birmingham, Alabama, MINI will open dealerships in the following cities: Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California and Tempe, Arizona.

Industry sales in the US this year have recorded a 37 percent decline through May, but MINI continues to outperform its competition and its market share continues to increase despite a sales decline over 2008.


Michael Schumacher really The Stig?

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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Was Ferrari F1 champion Michael Schumacher really The Stig on BBC’s popular automotive show Top Gear? For the revealing he was anyways. We highly doubt Schumacher was The Stig on many episodes, or any episodes at all. It sure was a good PR move however, and was excellent for ratings! We think Schumacher is only one of many Stigs in during Top Gears glorious time on the airwaves, and while he may not be the only Stig, he sure is the most popular.

KW releases V1 and V2 coilovers for the Smart ForTwo

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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KW suspensions announces their stainless steel constructed coil-over for the Smart ForTwo. Two Variants of the KW suspension line up will be available.Two Variants of the KW suspension line up will be available.

The KW coilover suspensions for the Smart ForTwo enables the owner to lower their vehicle 5-30mm on the front axle and 20-40mm on the rear axle and retains enough travel to handle maximuim load and dynamic loads during driving. Variant 1 with it´s preset dampening rates permits customized lowering of the suspension and creates an optimized balance of sportiness, comfort and safety. Variant 2 is the ideal system for sporty drivers, who also wish to make modifications in ride height and rebound dampening. Drivers are able to adapt the suspension setup to their driving style.

Important characteristics such as safety, quality and performance are all taken into consideration with each KW coilover design. Each vehicle application is specifically designed and engineered for a proper range of motion, min/max weight loads and min/max lowering. All these requirements are met while retaining it’s performance handling characteristics. Each KW coilover suspension is produced with unique stainless steel “inox-line” technology. The stainless steel construction internally and externally provides long term durability and corrosion resistance from the elements.

All KW coilovers pass stringent German TUV safety & quality testing standards. Each kit is TUV approved.

Part No.
Variant 1: 10226004, MSRP: $1295.00
Variant 2: 15226004, MSRP: $1595.00

Skunk2 Racing launches their own blog

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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Skunk2 Racing is known world wide for their high-quality aftermarket tuning parts for many of the most popular car from Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan. Now they’ve entered the world of blogging. They recently announced their new series of blogs on their website, from their over all company blog, a blog reserved for the Honda guru Dr. Charles and even a blog where the owner and mastermind of Skunk2 Dave Hsu can write about cam tuning. Blogs are a powerful tool to stay in touch with your readers, fans or in Skunk2’s case, consumers. Skunk2 Racing has some dedicated fans that have followed the history of the company since their beginning in the mid 90’s, now they can read the daily ramblings of the guys behind the scenes at Skunk2 Racing. Check out the new Skunk2 Blog at www.skunk2.com.

Colin McRae honored in DiRT 2

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

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The WRC great Colin McRae past away as his new rally game, DiRT, was released which was too soon to honor the driving a legend. The next installment, DiRT 2, will feature a Colin McRae Memorial Cup to honor the 1995 WRC champ. Featuring off-road events and arguably the best rally racing in video game, DiRT 2 is sure to be a great game to pick up. Other drivers talk about McRae in the game as well paying tribute to one of the best drivers that ever lived. It’s good to see that the spirit of Colin McRae lives on in his popular video game series enjoyed around the world.


New Mugen Honda Civic Type R Hatchback

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

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Why do all the best Honda’s end up in Japan and Europe only? Case in point, the new Euro-market Honda Civic Type R by Mugen. The new Civic Type R is said to have lost a bit of the Type R touch is once had, said Honda tuner Mugen gave it a good massaging to bring back some of that Type R spark it once had. The target car to beat is the Renault R26.R, so we’re guessing Mugen is bringing their A game to the battle. While the exact specs of the new Mugen Civic Type R hatch are not exactly known, we’re assuming the usually upgrades. A beefed up suspension, 18-inch wheels, improved aero, a throatier exhaust and a bump in horsepower. Check out the video to see the new Mugen Civic Type R in action.