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Monday, November 10, 2008

Here that happens sometimes to street racers



Thursday, November 6, 2008

Nissan Skyline Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled a Skyline Coupe to be released in Japan in autumn this year at an event held on April 24, 2007 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Skyline. A right drive version was unveiled for the first time at this event, while the left hand drive version of this model was previously exhibited as the "Infiniti G37 Coupe" at the New York Motor Show just this April, 2007.

The Nissan Skyline celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday in regal style at an event held at Tokyo’s new Midtown development. The Skyline, a mid-size car, is available as either in a coupé or a sedan body style. Reckoning back to 1957, the Skyline is a legendary car in the Nissan lineup. It comes with a long heritage of performance and style that captured the motoring fans around the globe.

Taking this opportunity, Nissan also showed the all-new Skyline Coupe in the said event, making its first appearance in Japan. The new Skyline Coupe is scheduled for release in Japan this fall.

Chief engineers for the product development of each generation Skyline, including Shinichiro Sakurai, the chief development engineer of the first Skyline model, were present in the celebration. The event featured a film presentation that mirrored the evolution of the Skyline design, performance and image throughout the various milieus of each generation Skyline.

Additionally, a fashion show titled the “Skyline GT Collection” commemorative of the anniversary was held in, featuring twelve of today’s most popular fashion models, including Yoko Horiuchi. The models were dressed in specifically designed outfits, inspired by each generation of the Skyline.

Celebrity guests include musician Joe Hisaishi, actor Ken Watanabe, while major league baseball player Ichiro sent his congratulations via a video message. Each of these celebrities share in a common trait with the Skyline i.e. that they were born in Japan but have since gained fame and recognition in the global arena. Hisaishi’s latest composition, I Will Be, written for the Skyline’s new TV commercial, was performed for the first time by Mai Hisaishi, who is also featured on the commercial.

The Skyline 50th Anniversary exhibition, featuring each generation Skyline model, is open to the public at Tokyo Midtown Garden until the 6th of May. Also, all-new Skyline Coupe and the Skyline GT Collection fashion line will be displayed at the Midtown Atrium from Wednesday, April 25th through Sunday, May 6th - Nissan.

The current Skyline, equipped with remarkable Nissan accessories and quality auto parts, is sold in North America, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Middle East as the Infiniti G35. Details are not given by the company, but the car, which is basically similar as the G37 Coupe, seems to be mounted with a 3.7L V6 engine "VQ37VHR" that is equipped with a variable valve timing/lift mechanism.

The front view of the car shows that the emblem on the grill of the American version is Infiniti, while that of domestic version is Nissan. Front fenders of the domestic version feature side marker lamps, which are not found on the American version. The rear view flaunts that the domestic version has the emblem of Nissan and letters below the emblem have been changed from Infiniti to Skyline. Additionally, the emblem of model name for the American version is the G37, while that of domestic version is the 370GT.

Affordable Performance Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T


In 1993 the all new Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T replaced the successful R32 GTS- T. Little brother to the all conquering GTR the GTS25-T is more affordable and still a thrilling ride. It features a more modern new shape with smooth lines rather than the sharp edges of the previous model. The new looks were debatable some liked the newer styling of the R33 and some preferred the harder edges of the R32.

On the road with the R33 the first thing you notice is how smooth the R25DET engine is power delivery is linier and the car pulls hard from 3000rpm to the 7000 rpm redline. The manual coupe version will propel you from 0-100 in 6.18 seconds and complete the quarter in 14.4. Maximum power is 187kw at 6400 and a max torque 295nm at 4800.

The RB25DET is a ripper and featured technology ahead of it time. The 2.5 liter turbo intercooled straight 6 features a twin cam head with variable valve timing on the intake side.

Handling of the coupe is great with a good balance between comfort and a sports like feel. The rear of the car steered by a system called HICAS which works by calculating the speed and angle of the car through the corners. This feature seems to minimize under- steer and kept the car flat through the corner. The rear on the car is equipped with a viscous LSD and steps out ever so progressively when pushing hard. This makes the car easy to control but if pushed to hard it would be easy to loose the rear end. The skyline is a medium size coupe weighing in at 1360kg and when cornering its a great drive but not quiet as direct or nibble though the bends as the lighter R32 was. But light suspension modifications improve handling significantly.

In Australia a good series 1 GTS25-T can be picked up for around $17,000 and a series 2 for around 20,000. With standard features including electric windows and climate control I thinks it is great value for money. With light modifications to the engine and suspension this car can be turned into a street weapon.

Skyline Gtr - be Amazed


Auto enthusiast around the world have been waiting for the next Nissan Skyline for some time now, particularly American enthusiasts, who are set to get their first factory-sanctioned taste of the performance legend when it makes it into US showrooms for the first time.

The beautiful GTR-Proto concept shown back in 2005 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Today, the 2008 Skyline appears to have had many track testing days at the world renowned Nürburgring race way.

First to get a taste of the new Nissan GTR is always its home country, Japan. The development of this car was structured around a multi-performance-super car theme. The Nissan GTR 2008 model is a sleek looking vehicle that has a twin turbo V6-engine performing all wheel drive. This beast has a premium midship package with fully balanced gravitational down-force with a trick multifunction performance monitor that features 11 different informational displays. Its body styling offers smooth body panels taken from its younger brother that doesn’t need any paintless dent repair.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R is powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that generates 473 hp and 434 pound-feet of torque. With a unique Nissan Direct Ignition system and fully symmetrical dual intake a low-back pressure exhaust system has given an edge to its earlier models. A six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission routes this prodigious power to the ground via an advanced all-wheel-drive system. It has dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing. Other unique features include aluminum pistons, electronic drive-by-wire throttle, super low-friction cylinder block and iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Rear-wheel drive has become more viable with recent advances in traction- and stability-control systems, and it is inherently lighter. The Lexus LF-A and the next Acura NSX both are expected to employ rear drive. On the other hand, the GT-R has employed rear-biased four-wheel drive since 1989, and it's become an integral part of the GT-R's mystique.

GT-R’s interior balances functionality with a sense of ease and comfort. It features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display - which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder.

If you have 70,000 to spare, this is the ultimate Japanese sports car and best bang for your buck. Slide sideways with confidence and take the straights and long mountain runs in any weather condition.
Auto enthusiast around the world have been waiting for the next Nissan Skyline for some time now, particularly American enthusiasts, who are set to get their first factory-sanctioned taste of the performance legend when it makes it into US showrooms for the first time.

The beautiful GTR-Proto concept shown back in 2005 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Today, the 2008 Skyline appears to have had many track testing days at the world renowned Nürburgring race way.

First to get a taste of the new Nissan GTR is always its home country, Japan. The development of this car was structured around a multi-performance-super car theme. The Nissan GTR 2008 model is a sleek looking vehicle that has a twin turbo V6-engine performing all wheel drive. This beast has a premium midship package with fully balanced gravitational down-force with a trick multifunction performance monitor that features 11 different informational displays. Its body styling offers smooth body panels taken from its younger brother that doesn’t need any paintless dent repair.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R is powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that generates 473 hp and 434 pound-feet of torque. With a unique Nissan Direct Ignition system and fully symmetrical dual intake a low-back pressure exhaust system has given an edge to its earlier models. A six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission routes this prodigious power to the ground via an advanced all-wheel-drive system. It has dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing. Other unique features include aluminum pistons, electronic drive-by-wire throttle, super low-friction cylinder block and iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Rear-wheel drive has become more viable with recent advances in traction- and stability-control systems, and it is inherently lighter. The Lexus LF-A and the next Acura NSX both are expected to employ rear drive. On the other hand, the GT-R has employed rear-biased four-wheel drive since 1989, and it's become an integral part of the GT-R's mystique.

GT-R’s interior balances functionality with a sense of ease and comfort. It features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display - which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder.

If you have 70,000 to spare, this is the ultimate Japanese sports car and best bang for your buck. Slide sideways with confidence and take the straights and long mountain runs in any weather condition.

Nissan Skyline Shines Bright Again

The Nissan Skyline is a strong Japanese car of middle size. The tradition of the Nissan Skyline dates back in the early 1960s, when Nissan started to manufacture this successful model. The Skyline is very well sold in North America, Korea, Middle East or Taiwan. The Nissan Skyline is also called the Infiniti G 35, having an FR layout. The Nissan Skyline can also be purchased in coupe or sedan models. In 1957, when the very first Skyline was launched, Nissan has tagged the car as being a luxury car. But in over 4 decades of production, Nissan has greatly improved the model and made it a great car with excellent features, available at for people who want a quality ride. The last generation of Nissan Skylines launched on the market is the 12th generation. This was recently launched in late 2006 and is available only as a 4-door sedan. The 11th generation Nissan Skylines were a great success and this model has been available in the sedan style from 2001 till 2006 and in the coupe since 2001. The 11th generation Skyline features two doors in coupe and 4 doors in sedan and boasts with a strong engine and an outstanding weight distribution of up to 52%. The sedan models have the all-wheel layout. The V35 front midship engine has 280 horsepower. The torque of the engine is more than 368 kw, and will ensure high resistance and stability for the road. Nissan has introduced the Skylines in the racing scene as well, having two generations of race Skylines so far. These race GT-R Skylines are very powerful and can achieve great speed, just think about the fact that the scale meter can go up to 320 km per hour. You might be familiar with a Nissan Skyline R 33 from the The Fast and the Furious film and its sequels using also some Nissan Skyline models. However, the Nissan Skyline is endowed with great safety features such as airbags for the front as well as the back seats and air bags for the sides as well. The price tag of a Nissan Skyline can be very spicy and not available for any pocket, but rumor has it that it will be on sale in the US in 2008, with a price of around $ 65,000. So beware, the Nissan Skyline is coming and it is closer than you imagine. While driving the comfortable Nissan Skyline you will feel the speed and you will be near wild heaven. Once on board of a Skyline you will never want to drive in anything else. And remember, sky is the limit! All things considered, the Nissan Skyline or the Infiniti G 35 is a very sturdy car, yet pricey but highly comfortable and satisfactory for speed lovers and people who simply enjoy a quality car.



Nissan Skyline GTR: A Racer That Is Affordable

If you've ever eyed a Porsche 911 or a Ferrari Testarossa, but thought the price was too steep, the Nissan Skyline GTR is a sports coupe that is considered reasonably priced. The Nissan Skyline GTR made headlines through the 70s and 90s as a Japanese-made car that quickly gained the respect of numerous car-related publications.

A wide-range of motoring magazines noted the performance and handling capacity of this particular vehicle, which earned a place beside European industry greats. When it comes to competitors in the business, the Nissan Skyline GTR was often compared to the Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda NSX, as well as the Mazda RX-7. Owning one of the earlier models delivers a nice piece of history.

Throughout the years, the Skyline brand of cars has a history that is actually connected to a different auto company from Nissan. The Prince automobile company was the first business to establish and create a variety of Skyline sedans. All of this came to an end when a merger involving Nissan-Datsun occurred. The naming of the GTR in the Nissan Skyline GTR brand name stands for Gran Turismo Racer. A hyphen was added to separate and make emphasis on the 'racer' part of the name.

Soon, the car gained a reputation on the market, breeding additional models. The next GTR brought the public the PGC10 2000 GTR, which offered four doors. A two-door version of the automobile was created next and given the name, the KPGC10. The car also became a fixture on the racing scene. In a timeframe of one and a half years, the car had 33 victories under its belt. By the time the car was discontinued in 1972, the car had earned a total of 1000 wins. In Zama, you may visit the last of the original GTRs, which faired rather poorly in sales due to an energy crisis that stretched across the globe. Less than 200 sales of the KPGC110 2000GT-R were noted.

In 1989, after a spell from production, the KPGC110 Skyline GTR was reintroduced to the public as the Nissan Skyline R32. Advanced technology set it ahead of the competition, including on-demand four-wheel drive capabilities. The car was also reasonably priced at about $31,000. Throughout the 90's, the Skyline GTR model blossomed, gaining a wealth of popularity, which was mostly in part to real wheel drive. To date, a new GTR has yet to become released. The last time a renovated version hit the scene came in 2002.

The Future of the Nissan Skyline GTR Line

As news traveled, it is said that an international Nissan GTR model will appear on the market by the end of 2007, showcasing a 2008 model. The traditional formula that once graced previous GTR versions will be no more. Many different modifications will be made, including deviations from the body type and sedan-style. The 'Skyline' will also become absent from the naming of this new car model.

The slight changes that appeared in the R32 through R42 models of the Skyline GTR will also fade. An aggressive approach towards design will also be seen through the newer model. Nissan plans to introduce a car that no longer presents the traditional straight-6 engine, but offers consumers a twin-turbocharged V6. As for the registration of trademarks, the new GTR models will appear in Japan, Australia, Canada, and Europe, offering models to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed drivers. Also, in Japan, for the newer GTR models to thrive, they must also pass newer, tougher emission laws.

When it comes to marketing, the newer GTR models like the Skyline will carry along advertisements that promote the vehicle as being able to provide many advancements in car technology. During the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, Nissan revealed a prototype for their new GTR line. Only a couple of changes to the unveiled concept is said to take place.

If you've ever owned or fell in love with the design and characteristics of the Nissan Skyline GTR, you might want to take a look at some of the enhancements that the new GTR will provide. To view the production version of the latest GTR, you should keep an eye out for the press coverage involving the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, as the car is primed for a final launch within the Japanese market during the fall of 2007. In Spring 2006, the latest GTR will make an appearance in the United States market.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/nissan-skyline-gtr-a-racer-that-is-affordable-96969.html