- Car Audio - ICE ( 20 feeds / 1 sources )
- VW + LG = MP3
Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Tech, Volkswagen  You might say that, in terms of broad market appeal, the iPod is the VW of personal electronics. If that's the case, then what happens when Volkswagen comes out with a digital media player of its own?
The German automaker has teamed up with LG to produce a special MP3 player designed and branded as the Beetle of personal music devices. Rather than simply slapping a Vee-Dub logo on any old contraption, LG designed a fresh product for Volkswagen. Although the shape is the same rounded-corner block as any other on the market, it has a user interface said to be inspired by the New Beetle and is offered in Volkswagen colors including Salsa Red, Shadow Blue and Sunflower Yellow. Of course, it also comes emblazoned with Volkswagen logos, but it seems the designers couldn't fit a bud vase anywhere on the unit.
[Source: Computer World via Motorpasion]
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- Listening to the A5's heartbeat and horn
Filed under: Audio, Coupes, Audi  Audi has done a great job of staying in the news lately, and the one product that's gotten the most face time is the brand-new A5. From the minute pictures of Audi's newest coupe were released to the media dogs, the A5 has been everywhere. We've posted several times on the A5 and S5, and about possible convertible and RS models. You've all seen the pics, but most of us hasn't heard the roar of the engine, or the sound of the... turn signal? The good folks over at the German Car Blog have five different audio clips of the A5 in action, with audio of the engine starting, taking off, honking the horn, the warning chime, and even the turn signal. If you're looking forward to seeing the A5 on the roads, take a listen. It just may be enough to hold you over until the A5's release. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Audi, Mitsubishi making Sirius standard on some models
Filed under: Audio, Tech, Audi, Mitsubishi  Radio is on a roll. While BMW and Jaguar have allied themselves with HD Radio and Infiniti's gotten in bed with XM Satellite Radio, Audi and and Mitsubishi have taken sides with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Audi will offer SIRIUS as standard equipment on the S4, RS 4, A6, A8, R8, and specific Q7 variants. Mitsubishi will make SIRIUS standard on the new Eclipse Spyder, and make it part of the premium sound system on the 2008 Galant, Raider, Endeavor, Outlander, Lancer, Eclipse and Lancer Evolution. For some reason, the Montero appears to have been left out of the party.
The fact that automakers are taking continuous steps to offer customers more and better choices is a good thing, and having the radio installed as standard means buyers don't have to check any costly option boxes. If there is any downside, it's that until (and only if) the merger of SIRIUS and XM is completed, carmakers have made your choice for you about which satellite service you'll receive, and you still have to pay for the subscription. Mitsubishi will at least pay for the first six months of the subscription, a move that should greatly increase uptake. If you're an XM listener in the market for an Audi, though, prepare to keep lugging your portable receiver around.
Increasing choice means customers win, and for radio -- a medium drowning in broadcasts about its demise -- the news is two more steps in the right direction. Continue reading Audi, Mitsubishi making Sirius standard on some models Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Ford inserting Sony stereos into future vehicles
Filed under: Audio, Ford  Until Ford spun off Visteon as a separate, barely financially viable company a few years ago, it was pretty much the exclusive supplier of in-vehicle entertainment systems for Ford cars and trucks. More recently, most Fords have had a common Delphi-manufactured head unit installed from the factory. Now comes word that Ford has signed a deal with Sony to offer the latter's audio systems. The first vehicle to be equipped with a Sony branded stereo system will be unveiled next week at the New York Auto Show. Since the Ford Flex (the production version of the Fairlane concept) will be shown there, it will likely be the first Sony-equipped Ford. This isn't the first Sony offering for Ford, with limited edition Focus models having been available previously and several European models including the Mondeo, C-Max and others offering Sony equipment currently. [Source: Ford] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- XM and Sirius planning less expensive a la carte packages
Filed under: Audio, Tech 
We had an idea that the XM/Sirius merger wasn't exactly going to be a win for the customer, and now we hear that XM and Sirius will be offering tiered pricing with plans that are both lower and higher-priced than their current $12.95/month service. Certain "a-la carte" plans will actually come in at a price below existing rates, which should fit the needs of a select few subscribers. There will still be a $12.95 package, with what Sirius described in a federal finding as "substantially similar" offerings to what customers are getting now for the same price. The soon-to-be merged companies will try to build additional revenue with upper-tier packages that will give customers more than what they're getting now, for less than the cost of getting both services.
Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, said that the merger could be a "real bad deal" for customers, and with this news, we tend to agree. When the two companies were fighting each other for subscription dollars, they gave us everything they could afford and some things they probably couldn't. If the merger is approved (and how often are they not) the combined company will slice and dice service cable tv-style, and customers will be left to either compromise what they really want in the name of price, or simply pay more for everything. Monopoly is more fun when it's the board game. We're not exactly political activists, but if you think this sounds like a bum deal, you can always send Senator Kohl a note.
[Source: Reuters]
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- $99 registration open for smart fortwo, will start under $12,000
Filed under: Audio, Car Buying, Economy, Hatchbacks, SMART  European model PASSION CABRIO shownWe alerted you to the fact that smart would be taking $99 reservations for its U.S. bound fortwo and the day has come when you can officially get in line for a fee. A registration page has been set up that will take your vital info, including your drivers license number, as well as what model fortwo you'd like and the color of the body panels, trident safety cell and interior. The $99 fee doesn't guarantee you a car, as it's meant to help DaimlerChrysler distribute the vehicles they'll have to the regions where demand is greatest. If you do manage to buy one, the fee will be added to the cost of your vehicle. If you don't get one, they'll refund the money. According to the registration page, the U.S. fortwo will start at under $12,000 for the PURE model (just a note - it appears the PURE comes sans stereo with a "radio-ready dash). The slightly uplevel PASSION model (with an AM/FM radio and CD player) will begin under $14,000, and the PASSION CABRIO just under $17,000. While this pricing is most likely not final, it can't be far off. Color us impressed, as we were expecting a base smart fortwo to start in the $15k to $16k range based on the kitsch factor of smart's image alone. Beginning at $12,000, however, means DCX will have to worry about supply much more than what we expect to be extremely high demand for this urban runabout. Thanks for the tip, Matt! [Source: Smart USA] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Bose Media System debuts in Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Ferrari  If you're going to introduce one of the world's most advanced automotive media systems, you might as well showcase it in one of the world's best vehicles. Bose has chosen the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti as its debut model. The new Bose Media System features customized 5.1-channel surround sound, an AM/FM/XM satellite radio tuner that can be accessed by genre, a 200 hours hard-drive, navigation system, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity with access through the system's display and a USB 2.0 input. Oh, and it has an industry-first multi-format disc player. It can read and play virtually any type of disc you feed into it: CDs, DVD audio discs, DVD video discs, Super Audio CDs, MP3s, AAC and practically every other format available on recordable CDs and DVDs. It even has the Bose uMusic intelligent playback system that uses tags to identify listener "moods" and calls up similar songs from the hard drive. Of course the speakers have been optimized for the 612, as well. The system looks fairly easy to control with two large knobs and an upper and lower bank of preset function buttons. Follow the read link for more details on the system. [Source: Bose] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Customize your honkin' horn with Horntones
Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, CES  Adding a really loud, powerful horn to a very small car has been causing fits of laughter for a while now... but if that is too passe' for you, why not consider the Hornstones FX-550? First seen at CES, this device allows you to play almost any audio file that can be transferred via USB as your honk. The FX-550 can store eight songs or audio files at a time. We can think of a few good songs for specific cars, like " Little GTO" in your classic Pontiac, " 409", " Little Deuce Coupe"... the list goes on and on. Or, how about " Rollin" (language) by Limp Bizkit, or Tupac's " Picture Me Rollin" (language)? It boggles the mind. And then there are the "road rage" set who will just record their own voice screaming obscenities -- maybe this isn't such a good idea. [Source: Uber Review] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- CES 2007: The Cars of CES Part IV
Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, CES  In Part IV, the final installment in our CES Car Show, you get VW Beetles and a four-door GTI used as a guitar amp, a Roush Mustang, a mostly untouched (thank god!), bright red Lotus Exige and various other autos we saw around the show. While we didn't get to hear the GTI in play, but the Beetles actually sounded quite good. We know some amateur bands that have amps that sound much worse than the car's speakers. Then again, it could be their guitar-playing abilities. We can't wait until someone puts together a concert with about 20 Beetles on stage as amplifiers. Could you bill it as The Beetles United? Enjoy all 22 high-res 1280x photos in our gallery.      Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- CES 2007: The Cars of CES Part II
Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, CES More cow-sized speakers, more LCDs, more more more more. And some really odd appliques for your car's otherwise blandly smooth body panels. The gray VW Beetle's ground shaking booms could be heard all over the show floor. Amazing such impressive sound could come from such a tiny car. Check out the gallery for 34 more 1280x photos of flash and whiplash from CES 2007.      Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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- Japanese Car News ( 20 feeds / 1 sources )
- Toyota shareholder meeting turns into tearful lovefest
Filed under: Japan, Toyota, Earnings/Financials  You can imagine that for most automakers in today's market, shareholder meetings are about as fun as finding out your CUV only got 4 stars from the NHTSA instead of 5. Toyota has often been the exception to the rule, and its recent shareholder meeting went down unlike any other today in Toyota City, Japan. Rather than the normal bitching and moaning from shareholders about what management didn't do or should've done, the Toyota board was regaled with praise from its shareholders. One woman was reportedly even moved to tears when she stood up and thanked Toyota executives for the "wonderful work you are doing" in front of her 2,500 investor buddies in attendance. Automotive News contrasts Toyota's happy happy lovefest with recent shareholder meetings for Nissan, at which CEO Carlos Ghosn was asked to resign by one investor, and DaimlerChrysler, which lasted 12 hours long for CEO Dieter Zetsche and his executive board. The Toyota shareholder meeting lasted just 2.5 hours, and it sounds as if Toyota's management enjoyed every minute of it. BTW - a small item of note occurred at the Toyota shareholder meeting: Jim Press, Toyota's main man in North America, became the first non-Japanese member of the company's board of directors. [Source: Automotive News] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Toyota offers new round of incentives on Tundra
Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Japan, Toyota  Few vehicles have received more negative press in such a short period of time as the 2007 Toyota Tundra. Plant cost overruns, four star crash ratings, camshaft issues, and a series of rebates have shown that the mighty Toyota is fallible after all. Well, it seems the bad news just keeps-a-coming, as vastly improved May sales weren't enough to stop even more rebates. Now if you want to get your hands on a new Tundra, depending on the model, you can get up to $3,500 off the sticker or zero-percent financing for up to five years, or $500 off the down payment on a three-year lease. There is no more competitive segment in the automotive world than full-size pickups, and we're seeing evidence pile up that the Tundra just isn't up to the challenge. While the Tundra's new engine is second to none, the rest of the truck has a way to go. [Source: AOL Money] Thanks for the tip, Voss! Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Japan: Mazda releases MPV Bright Stylish M'z Custom
Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Mazda  Click image for galleryHere in the States, if you want a people-mover from Mazda, you need to go the crossover route and pick up either the CX-7 or CX-9, or you can go for a compact minivan in the spiffy-looking Mazda5. In Japan, however, the MPV lives on, and it's a lot nicer than any of the editions we ever had. Today, Mazda announced the availability of -- long JDM name alert -- the MPV Bright Stylish M'z Custom. Powered by the automaker's 2.3L four cylinder driving either the front wheels (4-speed auto) or all four wheels (6-speed auto), the new trim level adds some shine in the form of a chromed grille and added brightwork all around, plus some extra skirting for a sportier appearance. Inside, enhancements include things like extra leather trim, and outside, the car can be finished in either Pearl White Mica or one of two darker shades, including the black (or is it dark gray?) metal flake seen above. Mazda E&T (Engineering and Technology) is behind this creation, and pricing is set at ¥2,870,000 for the 2WD version and ¥3,140,000 for the AWD edition. [Source: Mazda] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Edmunds takes the new Impreza WRX for a spin
Filed under: Wagons/Estates, Japan, Hatchbacks, Subaru  Peter Lyon, one of Inside Line's contributors from Japan, just wrapped up a first drive of the new JDM Impreza WRX S-GT on the eve of its sales launch, and his review is pretty much exactly what we'd expected. The new styling direction for the Impreza centered on toning down the aggressive (and awkward) aesthetic of former models in an effort to appeal to a larger audience. That, coupled with the dismissal of Andreas Zapatinas, the ex-Alfa designer, has left Subaru in a design limbo. But we've already been there and done that, so lets move onto the stuff that matters -- how it drives... [Source: Inside Line] Continue reading Edmunds takes the new Impreza WRX for a spin Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Rendered speculation: 2009 Nissan 370Z
Filed under: Sports/GTs, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan  The Channel that's all about Grand Touring (or something), posted a rendering that could foretell the future styling direction Nissan may take with the next Z car. With the current "Zed" getting a bit long in the tooth after five years of diligent service, and the recent speculation surrounding the next iteration, the image above confirms Autocar's initial report that the next Z will be keeping the general shape of the outgoing model, but with a more smoothed out appearance. Then again, this looks like a scan from one of the dozens of speculation-happy Japanese mags that come out every week, so we're not holding our breath. Naturally, with an appearance upgrade, changes under the hood are all but assured, and the smart money seems to be on the 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 that's currently found beneath the bonnet of the new G37/Skyline. The obvious question remains, when will Nissan unveil the next-gen Z? We would like to think it would be at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, but with the unveiling of the production GT-R and a rumored Silvia-replacement concept, we doubt they'd want to blow it all on one show. Frankfurt? Geneva? Detroit? We'll be waiting, as always. [Source: GT Channel] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Nihon Car puts 1000 km on the new JDM Civic Type R
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Japan, Honda  Nihon Car is one of our favorite sites. It's one of the only places you can get quality English-language reviews of the hottest new stuff from Japan. The guys at Nihon just took the new JDM Honda Civic Type R sedan on a 1000km jaunt, and have impressions aplenty to share. The 225-horsepower Civic Type R boasts advantages of 65 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque over the standard Civic sedan while weighing 66 pounds less at the same time. Sounds like a recipe for fun, if you ask us, and to hear Nihon Car tell it, it is. They do note that the suspension tuning is so sport-oriented that on anything short of a pristine track, the car's occupants are in for a punishing experience. The mighty NSX Type R is apparently more forgiving, from a ride standpoint. For their impressions in detail, head on over to Nihon Car, where you'll also find a fantastic photo gallery of their blue tester (the shot above is emblematic of what you'll see) and a much larger version of the video we've got embedded after the jump. Our own gallery of Honda's PR photos of the new Type R is linked below. [Source: Nihon Car] Continue reading Nihon Car puts 1000 km on the new JDM Civic Type R Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Japan: Nissan March gets facelifted
Filed under: Convertibles, Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Nissan  Click image for gallery of the updated Nissan marchOn Tuesday, Nissan released a facelifted version of its Japanese-market March. One can only assume that these changes will ultimately be seen in Europe as well in the form of an updated Micra, but we'll just have to wait and see how that pans out. Anyway, the freshened March gets new headlamps, revised grilles, and an available front bumper treatment that'll see wider use as standard equipment across the line. Other changes include the implementation of Nissan's I-Key, some new paint colors, a new HDD Navi model and a Cacao-colored interior option. Also updated are the odd-looking March Bolero and the MINI-aping (look at the grille) March Rafeet. The kitted, more aggressive-looking SR models are pretty cool, too. In addition to the March facelift, Nissan's introducing the Micra C+C in Japan for the first time. For whatever reason, it retains its Euro-market name after making the trip to Japan. More info can be found in the press releases after the jump. [Source: Nissan] Continue reading Japan: Nissan March gets facelifted Permalink | Email this | Comments
- JDM Subaru Impreza goes on sale with 250HP 2.0L turbo
Filed under: Japan, Hatchbacks, Subaru  click above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 JDM Subaru ImprezaSubaru began selling the 2008 Impreza in Japan today, and the news from Fuji Heavy on its little rally car continues to surprise. Yesterday, Car Magazine in the UK reported that Subaru would discontinue selling the WRX model in Europe in favor of a stripper version of the STi. Today we learn from Subaru's official JDM specs that the Impreza S-GT model, which we know as the WRX, will not come with the same 224-horsepower, 2.5L flat-four turbo engine that we'll be getting in the U.S. Instead, the S-GT in Japan will come with a 2.0L flat-four turbo that produces 250 horsepower. Subaru doesn't offer any explanation as to why each market gets its own engine, though we'd certainly like an explanation as to why we we're still being offered the current WRX's older, less powerful 2.5L motor. Odds are it has something to do with emissions and the added cost of making the 2.0L engine meet U.S. standards, so perhaps it's still possible the WRX will be sold with the new engine in the U.S. and our patience will pay off one day. We still expect a Ralliart version of Mitsubishi's new Lancer to arrive soon making somewhere in the neighborhood of 225 to 250 horsepower, so Subaru would be rise to have the WRX ready for it. Check out the official press release from Subaru after the jump, which also includes info about the Impreza 15S and 20S base models, as well as 37 high-res images in our gallery by clicking below. [Source: Subaru via Carscoop] Continue reading JDM Subaru Impreza goes on sale with 250HP 2.0L turbo Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Autoblog Podcast #67
Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Euro, I.C.E., Japan, Supercars, Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, GMC, Jaguar, Volkswagen  We've finally poked our respective heads out of our interweb caves and unleashed episode 67 of the Autoblog podcast upon the world. We've been pretty nutty lately with our new, improved site design and our groundbreaking car giveaway, so please forgive our delay at getting back to this. Our first delightful round of witty repartee centers around the excellent spy shots from the last couple weeks, and more specifically Jaguar's new Starship Enterprise looking shift selector. Expanding on the abundance of uberteched European cars, we carp for a while on the proliferation of new and ill-conceived user interface paradigms. Coming back to native shores, we touch on the new CTS-V, which will eschew the need for bumper nuts by a conspicuously bulged hood hiding a supercharged V8 capable of roasting the competition. Speaking of big power, we touch on the rumored NSX mule running around the Nurburgring in S2000 drag, and then concede that we really have no idea. Again, we come back to the US after a quick jaunt to the Continent, and discuss the upcoming Chevy version of GM's Lambda CUV. We're split on whether that's a good idea or not, but we all agree that the Utes themselves are a great product from the General. What the heck, let's go back across the Atlantic to close it out with insane VAG concepts at the Worthersee gathering in Austria, which saw the unveiling of a mid engine twin turbo GTI, the Audi TT Clubsport design study, and the Pirelli Edition GTI that is a real production car. We decided to only consume about 37 minutes of your time, as we'll be back soon. Enjoy the show! SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes LISTEN to the show now ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Celebrate 40 years of rotary power with Mazda
Filed under: Sports/GTs, Japan, Mazda 
Click image for a gallery of the Mazda Cosmo Sport
The good old internal combustion engine has been in service since the 17th century when Sir Samuel Morland rather impractically used gunpowder to drive water pumps. It was not until 1876 when Nikolaus Otto invented the modern four stroke engine that the internal combustion engine became practical for automobiles, however. Those same four cycles, intake, compression, combustion and exhaust are used in the Wankel rotary engine, although instead of the strokes of a piston the rotary creates it's cycles as a roughly triangular shaped rotor spins inside its housing. Doesn't make sense? Click here.
2007 marks Mazda's 40th in using the rotary engine. Our favorite application of it would have to be the Cosmo Sport, of course. Many of you will choose the RX-7 as a personal favorite. It's also alive in the current RX-8, which even sports a hydrogen-powered version for the alternative fuel crowd. And we'd be remiss if we forgot to mention the jaw-dropping four-rotor 787B racer that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Those of us who own, or have owned, a rotary engined vehicle and loved it can take this moment to say "thanks" to Felix Wankel and to Mazda for its commitment to the rotary. Forty years and going strong!
We've assembled four galleries of famous Mazda rotaries, including the Cosmo Sport gallery below, as well as galleries of the RX-7, RX-8 and 787B Le Mans racer.
[Source: Mazda]
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- Nissan Industry News ( 20 feeds / 1 sources )
- Is it a Nissan? or a Toyota FT-HS mule?
Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota  Click the photo for the NAIAS gallery of the Toyota FT-HS  There have now been two sets of spy photos that have turned up showing a development mule wearing a hacked up Nissan 350Z body. At first everyone assumed it was a Nissan vehicle. However, in the background of the most recent batch of spy photos, a mystery car has been identified by our readers as one of the Lexus LF-A prototypes. Since the photos were taken on public roads, it seems highly improbable that the LF-A would just happen to be in the same location as Nissan's latest mule. Taking a look at the Z mule in profile shows proportions pretty close to the FT-HS concept that turned up at the Detroit Auto Show. So this truncated Z is more likely a test platform for a production version of the FT-HS/Supra/whatever you want to call it that's been cleverly disguised in the clothes of another brand. [Source: World Car Fans] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Spy Photos: Mystery car following 350Z mule?
Filed under: Spy Photos, Nissan Several photos have popped up in the last week of a Nissan 350Z -based mule that has been circulating on public roads. The prototype is clearly based on the existing car but with a shortened greenhouse. World Car Fans has a bunch more photos of this car today, but in the first photo the mule is followed by a second mystery car that may in fact be more interesting. Featuring a single blade wiper and what may be rear quarter air scoops, this one may not have turned up before. If anyone has any clues as to the identity of this other car, please chime in the comments or send us a tip. [Source: WorldCarFans] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Nissan hasn't learned from Ford: Navistar-powered diesel Titan in 2009
Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Nissan  All indications are that Ford will be dumping the Navistar diesels it's used in its Super Duty pickups almost forever in favor of an in-house-developed diesel sometime around the end of the decade. Apparently undaunted by the quality issues that Ford has repeatedly experienced with the Navistar engines, Nissan appears ready to step into the breach and pick up the supply for the Titan pickup. Since it appears that Nissan won't be developing a heavy duty version of the Titan, it's not clear at this point if it will use the current 6.4L V-8 that Ford uses or the smaller engine that Navistar had developed for the light-duty Fords. Most likely it will be the latter engine, and it may be available for 2009. Nissan, as expected, won't comment on future products -- except when they do (they previously announced a diesel Maxima for 2010). [Source: Pickuptruck.com] UPDATE: Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com spoke with Nissan spokesperson John Schilling who told him, "We haven't announced anything about a diesel engine for the Titan. This news is speculation at this point, but we are continuing to study this technology for potential future use. The only vehicle we've said that will have a diesel engine is the Maxima in 2010." Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Rendered speculation: 2009 Nissan 370Z
Filed under: Sports/GTs, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan The Channel that's all about Grand Touring (or something), posted a rendering that could foretell the future styling direction Nissan may take with the next Z car. With the current "Zed" getting a bit long in the tooth after five years of diligent service, and the recent speculation surrounding the next iteration, the image above confirms Autocar's initial report that the next Z will be keeping the general shape of the outgoing model, but with a more smoothed out appearance. Then again, this looks like a scan from one of the dozens of speculation-happy Japanese mags that come out every week, so we're not holding our breath. Naturally, with an appearance upgrade, changes under the hood are all but assured, and the smart money seems to be on the 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 that's currently found beneath the bonnet of the new G37/Skyline. The obvious question remains, when will Nissan unveil the next-gen Z? We would like to think it would be at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, but with the unveiling of the production GT-R and a rumored Silvia-replacement concept, we doubt they'd want to blow it all on one show. Frankfurt? Geneva? Detroit? We'll be waiting, as always. [Source: GT Channel] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Nissan prices NISMO 350Z from $38,070
Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan  click above image to view more pics of the 2007 Nissan NISMO 350ZThe 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z looked as if it were driven straight out of a video game when debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show in April. The chin spoiler, rocker sills, double-decker wing and rear diffuser that sticks out far enough to set a table for two screams Japan Grand Touring Car. Priced like a JGTC car, however, the NISMO 350Z is not. Nissan has just revealed you can order one starting at $38,070, which KickingTires points out is a small premium over the $36,100 Nissan is asking for the range-topping Grand Touring 350Z. In addition to the aggressive aero package (watch the curbs!), buyers also get a NISMO-tuned sport suspension, gunmetal gray five-spoke wheels from RAYS, Brembo stoppers and a two-tone interior with plenty of embroidery that reminds all this Nissan's a NISMO. Unfortunately, Nissan has not changed its mind to offer the NISMO 350Z with the fourth-gen VQ35HR or new VQ37HR being used in the Infiniti G-Series models. Instead, it uses the same 3.5L VQ V6 in the regular 350Z where it produces 306 horsepower. [Source: KickingTires] Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Spy Shots: 2009 Nissan Murano... except it's not
Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Nissan, Renault  Click on the photo for a high-res gallery of the Renault Koleos Concept Spy photos taken during hot weather testing in Spain were widely circulated on the net yesterday and identified as the next generation Nissan Murano. However, a closer look at the photos reveals that this vehicle is in fact the production version of a vehicle that was shown by Renault at last fall's Paris Motor Show called the Koleos concept. The Koleos is being developed by Renault in conjunction with Korean partner Samsung. It is expected to be produced by Samsung in 2008 for sale under both the Renault and Samsung brands.The platform was developed with Nissan and it would not be surprising to learn that it's shared with the Nissan Rogue, which was revealed in production form at the Detroit Auto Show last January. [Source: The Car Connection, Renault] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Spy Shots: Nissan's affordable RWD sports car
Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Nissan  Last week we told you about Nissan's plan to revise the 350Z and add a new, smaller RWD sports coupe to its lineup. All of a sudden, pics of that smaller sports coupe have appeared today on the interweb. Winding Road has a few clear shots of an oddly shaped 350Z-based mule tagging along behind a Porsche Boxster. The car looks a lot like a 350Z, but is much shorter overall and has spy photographers speculating it will be the Z-car's baby bro'. Whether a new Z-car, new 240SX or whatever, it's just a mule for now. The Urge Concept is said to be the inspiration for the shape of the new small sports coupe, so hopefully future prototypes will be wearing a body we can recognize as influenced by that concept. There's no word on a powerplant for this new coupe, but we've already voted for a turbocharged version of the SE-R Spec-V QR25DE motor, just in case Nissan is listening. Hopefully it will be rear-drive, as well, but that goes without saying on a car like this. Click the Read link or the pic to view a few larger photos of this odd mule. [Source: Winding Road] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- GM Silverado/Sierra pickups challenge the competition - Video added
Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Tech, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Driving  Click the photo for a gallery of high-res shots from the GM Truck ChallengeTo mark the availability General Motors' latest heavy-duty GMT900 full-size trucks, the automaker invited us out to its Milford Proving Ground to drive its big trucks along with all of the competition. GM had a variety of both light and heavy-duty full-size trucks with gasoline and diesel engines on hand. For comparison they brought along F-150s and Super Duties from Ford, Rams from Dodge, Tundras from Toyota and Titans from Nissan. The Super Duty, Tundra and Titan were all 2008 models. In spite of rising gas prices and a sagging housing market, the market for full-size pickups is still a huge segment of the overall market. So far through the first five months of 2007, over 900,000 full-size pick up trucks have been sold representing over 13% of the total market and $60 billion in annual revenue. The last number is the reason why the domestics put so many resources into developing new trucks, and Nissan and Toyota want a piece of that pie. Read all about how the latest GM trucks did against their competitors after the jump. Update: There is now a video of the stability control event after the jump. Continue reading GM Silverado/Sierra pickups challenge the competition - Video added Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Bring back the 240! Nissan developing new sports coupe, redesigned 350Z
Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Nissan  For some time now, Nissan has been lacking in the entry-level sports car segment both here and abroad. The 350Z and Skyline/G35 have proven successful, but only to those able to afford the cost of entry, and although the upcoming GTR will redefine the iconic marque, its price tag will put it out of reach for the average enthusiast. Sure, the new SE-R is something, but it's neither sporty, a coupe, or - more importantly - rear-wheel drive. According to Autocar, Nissan is actively developing a new sports coupe, drawing inspiration from the Urge concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2006. Since mechanical specifics are nil, the powertrain is open to speculation, and speculate we will. Ideally, we'd like to see a turbocharged version of the SE-R Spec-V's QR25DE sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual (Nissan 250 anyone?). The article also sheds some light on the next generation of the 350Z, which will share its profile with the current car, but will receive a variety of design tweaks to smooth out some of the more awkward elements (read: door handles, tailgate, etc.). The possibility of swapping out the current VQ35 V6 for the new VQ37VHR should also be on the table, effectively changing the name from 350Z to 370Z. Viva la evolution! [Source: Autocar via Motor Authority] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Japan: Nissan March gets facelifted
Filed under: Convertibles, Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Nissan Click image for gallery of the updated Nissan marchOn Tuesday, Nissan released a facelifted version of its Japanese-market March. One can only assume that these changes will ultimately be seen in Europe as well in the form of an updated Micra, but we'll just have to wait and see how that pans out. Anyway, the freshened March gets new headlamps, revised grilles, and an available front bumper treatment that'll see wider use as standard equipment across the line. Other changes include the implementation of Nissan's I-Key, some new paint colors, a new HDD Navi model and a Cacao-colored interior option. Also updated are the odd-looking March Bolero and the MINI-aping (look at the grille) March Rafeet. The kitted, more aggressive-looking SR models are pretty cool, too. In addition to the March facelift, Nissan's introducing the Micra C+C in Japan for the first time. For whatever reason, it retains its Euro-market name after making the trip to Japan. More info can be found in the press releases after the jump. [Source: Nissan] Continue reading Japan: Nissan March gets facelifted Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Petrolhead tests the Rolls Royce Phantom vs Maybach 57s
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We’ve done it again! Car blog brings you exclusive spy photos of an undisguised next generation Toyota Pick-Up and it is definitely a stunner. Caught by spy photographers somewhere between the Blue and White Niles in eastern Sudan, Africa, the yet unnamed Pick-Up is powered by an innovative, eco-friendly animal-train that’ll subsequently replace Toyota & [...] - Smart costing Daimler Chrysler billions
The German newspaper Handelsblatt is reporting that Daimler Chrysler spent R40 Billion on the smart brand in the four years. Even tough, Daimler doesn’t report profits or losses for Smart brand, they say that the german newspaper came up with the figure after obtaining the information from liquidated Smart in Germany.
This of course is nothing [...] - Start to finish Hamilton dominates
Lewis Hamilton produced yet another incredible performance to claim his second successive F1 win in a McLaren one-two at the US Grand Prix.
The victory, in his first-ever race in Indianapolis, saw the Briton extend his lead over team-mate Fernando Alonso in the title race to 10 points. Hamilton held off an attempted pass from Alonso [...] - New Golf 6
A UK publication namely Auto Express claims that they have obtained an exclusive preview of the new VW Golf 6 which plans to launch sometime next year. From the picture it can be seen that the design is slightly different to previous other artist impressions that was circulating in the press before.
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Retreading tyres is a good way to help shed our dependence up the Mideast for oil, as it saves oil—a lot of oil!
The US-based Tyre Retread & Repair Information Bureau is reporting that while it takes 22 gallons (83 liters) of oil to make one average size truck tire, we only need use about 7 [...] - Audi Q7 reviewed
Size matters. Or at least that seemed to be Audis philosophy when it came to developing its first off-roader. The Q7 is massive: 250mm longer and 68mm wider than the Discovery with a wheelbase of more than three metres.
It only looks small when parked next to the Land Rover in our group shot because [...] - Lewis Hamilton wins the Montreal Grandprix
Lewis Hamilton,the big surprize of this season, wins the Montreal Grandprix.
As Hamilton resumed the lead, Heidfeld got the jump on Alonso, who just kept Felipe Massa at bay. The Brazilian had been assaulted lightly by team mate Kimi Raikkonen in the melee, and lost a place to Nico Rosberg.
The first safety-car came when Spyker’s Adrian [...] - Wesbank is closing down!
If you have been wondering why there have been so few events at Wesbank Raceway, the answer has arrived. As of January 2008, Wesbank Raceway will be no more. The track was taken for a mouth watering R130 million by Pangbourne Properties who will be the land developers of the light industrial park that will [...] - Audi Q7 vs BMW X5 vs Land Rover Discovery
The original BMW X5 made quite a splash when it hit SA showrooms in 2000. It wasnt the worlds first upmarket 4×4 the Range Rover preceded it by nearly 30 years but its arrival, more than that of any other model, helped to kick-start the surge in popularity for full-size SUVs.
The X5s blend of sexyness, [...] - ... more feeds
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