The new GT-R is quite an impressive piece of machinery. Utilizing the worlds first ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive system with an independent rear axle. This layout allows for the transmission, transfercase, and final drive at the rear of the car for greater weight distribution.
Top that with an all hand built 3.8 liter twin turbo V6 capable of 480 HP with 430 ft. lbs of torque, and you have quite the tarmac eater on your hands.
Styling is bold, daring, and dare I say....Sexy. This Nissan has a look all its own. And while it looks great in stock form it will be interesting to see what the aftermarket is able to come up with.
A new feature to the GT-R is a anti-chip dual layer clearcoat paint system. There is also a seven coat silver paint available that is baked 5 times and polished by hand. Sounds good to me. Where can I get my VW painted like that?
Pricing is set at $69,850. So it's up there in price, and I'm sure the car is well worth the wait. Cars should start showing up at dealerships starting in June of 08. Finally no more skyline ownership through video games.
PRESS RELEASE:
All New 2009 Nissan GT-R Comes To North America – Multi-Dimensional Supercar Available in June 2008
The all-new 2009 Nissan GT-R, the fifth-generation of the legendary Nissan supercar, makes its North American debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, following its worldwide debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007. No longer the unobtainable object of desire on a video game or in the movies, the GT-R will be available on sale for the first time in North American in June 2008.
GT-R is a multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere" and achieved a lap time of 7:38 around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the fastest times achieved by a production-spec vehicle to date.
Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The new Nissan GT-R is built on an exclusive all-new Premium Midship platform. This new platform enables the use of a world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. This layout places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, without the use of traditional torque tubes, allowing the suspension to operate independently and optimizing tire grip at each corner.
Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new hand-built VR series 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 480 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm and 430 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 to 5,200 rpm, while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards.
The all-new VR38 engine, named VR38DETT, features innovative plasma-sprayed bores replacing cast iron liners for reduced friction, lighter weight, enhanced cooling, power output and fuel efficiency; a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system featuring twin high-performance IHI turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system. All GT-R engines are hand-built in a clean room environment at the Nissan Yokohama engine plant.
The VR38DETT is backed by an all-new, paddle-shifted GR6 sequential 6-speed dual clutch rear transaxle, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds. The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for immediate shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines.
Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low center of gravity, the unique offset input and reaction shaft design of the GR6 rear transaxle enables a shorter design profile versus a typical manual transmission, moving the concentration of powertrain weight lower in the vehicle.
Putting the power to the ground is an electronically-controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system specifically developed for GT-R. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate. Of note is a special GT-R-specific yaw-rate feedback control, which measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from steering angle and actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor to adjust torque bias.
Handling duties are managed by a sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension system mounted to high-precision six-point front and rear subframes.
A special Bilstein DampTronic driver adjustable shock absorber system utilizes multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations. The DampTronic system features three driver selectable settings - Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or "R," for ultimate handling. The same three-stage adjustability is available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation, which also includes a Snow mode.
Stopping power is provided by Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with large 15-inch Brembo full-floating cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel high-stiffness brake pads which minimize fade and provide intense stopping performance. The calipers utilize race car-style radial mounting to minimize caliper flex during extreme braking.
GT-R-specific lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, with special knurling to assist with securing the tires during hard acceleration or braking, are shod with nitrogen-filled Bridgestone high-performance summer run-flat tires specifically designed for the GT-R, sized 255/40ZRF20 front and 285/35ZRF20 rear. High-performance Dunlop all-season tires are also available.
GT-R's Signature Functional Design – High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R's styling follows the "function over form" theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience – as well as suggest GT-R's "supercar" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, GT-R's aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.
The all-new GT-R's hybrid body construction is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness, precision and lightness. The body features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27 while achieving high front and rear downforce, providing stability and handling performance in a wide range of driving conditions.
GT-R's front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The vents in the fenders' trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimizing side air flow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single central air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed air flow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wide illumination spread.
The Nissan GT-R's four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The signature rear view of the GT-R is provided by its hallmark four-ring taillights, while air flow above and below the vehicle is managed by the functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips.
GT-R's advanced technology is present even in the vehicle's paint, which utilizes a durable anti-chip paint and "double clear coat" process. A special seven-coat silver paint color is available, which is baked five times and is also hand-polished by craftsman.
An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance machine is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality and comfort. It provides comfortable four-passenger seating and trunk capacity of two golf bags or suitcases.
Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and both doors to give an extra level of comfort. The rear transaxle layout of GT-R, with a flat floor and narrow center tunnel, allows GT-R to have an optimal driving position.
A cockpit-style instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.
Functional style is also evident in GT-R's interior – each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features an ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button.
The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired multi-function display. Eleven pages of information are available on this system, including mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback. Additional on-screen information includes a Navigation system, enhanced entertainment system with a Music Box Hard Drive and a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.
An available specially-designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel-mounting of all speakers allowed Bose engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system.
High-Performance Safety Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplights, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade windshield wipers.
Standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat belts with pretensioner and load limiters and tension reducers, and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are also available.
Source: Nissan
Photos: Autoblog.com
We recently picked up our first long term test cars for review. So expect to see much more about both cars in the coming weeks. First is a 2008 Mini Cooper. We opted to test the base Cooper rather than go with the Cooper S that you see tested every where else. 
th cars stack up. Look for future updates.
nt began in 2006, and development for the 2009 season car is already underway. 
We've posted a lot about the 2008 Dodge Challenger in the last few days, so there's not much more to go in to. So here are some new sneek peek picture fresh out of Auburn Hills. The biggest changes from the prototype are the wheels, and the lack of a cross hair grille. There is also the addition of new exhaust tips, external fuel filler, slotted disc brakes and a classic Challenger T/A style rear spoiler. Soon we should see full car shots. We can't wait!
Looks like the Challenger is going to be REALLY popular. Dodge has already announced that they will build 5,000 Challengers as 2008 models. Yet 6,000 orders were taken since Monday. So it looks like Dodge is either going to have to plan for another 1,000 cars, or there will be 1,000 people that won't get their Challengers til 2009.
Well it looks like the MSRP for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 was a little bit off. The Challenger ends up getting slammed with a gas guzzler tax of $2,100. That's now going to bring the price of the hot muscle car up from the $37,995 originally announced yesterday, to $40,095. Oh well. I guess that's the price you pay to play.
We have anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new Challenger since we saw the Concept in Detroit in 2006, and had some time to spend with the concept again in Pittsburgh this past spring.
Holy cow! We had a chance to spend some seat time in a regular C Class a few weeks back and were very impressed in the new Baby Benz. But the newest offering from the AMG headquarters is going to be out of this world for any car in its class. Los Angeles was the debut for the C63. Pricing or a release date were not made available at the unveiling.
d. The 6.3 liter V8 is the first engine to be developed entirely in house at AMG. Horsepower is set at an astounding 451Hp with 443 lb. ft. of torque. 0-60MPH is a respectable 4.3 seconds. 
The C63 is also the first AMG model to offer a 3 stage ESP program. ESP Off, ESP Sport, & ESP Off. Sport mode allows for more aggressive driving and higher drift angles. Excellent for race track use. The rest of the suspension has been given the AMG treatment as well. Stiffer shocks and springs are used in all four corners. A limited slip differential is used in the rear end. 18 inch wheels, and AMG designed composite disc brakes. 14.2 inches in the front, 13 in the rear. With 6 piston and 4 piston calipers round out the package.
The WRX STi is an awesome car. Always has been . The brans new 2008 Impreza WRX STi is no exception.
Pricing is set at $34,995 MSRP, though a release date has not been mentioned.
Here in the US we have not been privileged to buy a Nissan Skyline GT-R, that is of course you imported one from Japan and went through the lengthy process to legalise the car. Now we finally get our chance to buy a legit US Spec GT-R. Today Nissan unveiled the all new 2009 GT-R at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. This of course being the official US Spec car, unlike the worldwide debut at the Tokyo Auto Show last month.
Pricing is set at $69,850. So it's up there in price, and I'm sure the car is well worth the wait. Cars should start showing up at dealerships starting in June of 08. Finally no more skyline ownership through video games.
BMW released a lengthy press release on the new revised 650I, so we'll cu to the chase and layout some of the more interesting details.
es. 
From the looks of what we've read and seen of the new redesigned Honda Fit. It looks like a vast improvement on the previous model. And the buying public has spoken. 20,000 orders for the new car over a period of 2 weeks. The Fit is a very impressive car for its size. And can be customized to quite a quick little ride. I for one look forward to seeing more about this car in the future. We should see the revised Fit sometime in 2008.
06.
BUCKLE UP AND BRACE FOR ACTION, McQUEEN FANS:MUSTANG BULLITT™ RACES TO THE STREETS in 2008
"The 2008 Mustang Bullitt embodies the true spirit of the 1968 movie car," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Like the original Bullitt, this car dials the driving dynamics up a notch for Mustang enthusiasts who love the performance, handling and the sweet sound of Ford power that only Mustang can deliver."
Stock Mustang GT shocks and struts were swapped out for new units that allowed engineers to dial in a more aggressive driving dynamic while still maintaining the outstanding ride and balance of the base Mustang GT. A tower-to-tower brace designed specifically for the Bullitt lends additional torsional and lateral stiffness to the chassis for improved cornering and holds a unique serial number for each Bullitt.
Bullitt packs firepower under the hood. The 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 delivers 315 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm.
The system can sense, within a few seconds, what type of fuel is being injected into the motor and adjusts the spark to provide maximum torque at any given speed – and as much as 10 pounds-feet more between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm.
The custom-designed exhaust system continues Mustang's traditional use of a true dual-exhaust system with a new H-pipe specifically developed for Bullitt. The all-new mufflers, featuring larger 3.5-inch chrome tips (versus the 3-inch tips on the standard Mustang GT) are tuned to minimize backpressure, maximize horsepower and provide the Bullitt with its powerful exhaust note.
Few will deny that the 1968 movie Bullitt staring Steve McQueen, is undoubtedly one of the greatest car movies ever made. Images of a black 68 Dodge Charger R/T and a green 68 Mustang GT tearing up the streets of San Francisco are engraved into the mind of every car nut. Thanks in part to both the movie and McQueen's popularity, Ford built a special edition Bullitt Mustang GT in 2001. The retro styled Mustang packed the punch and overall look of the the 68 GT used in the movie. But it wasn't quite what the doctor ordered.
The 08 Bullitt will have a ground stomping 315 Horsepower with 325 Ft. Lbs. of torque. All of this is routed through a 6spd manual trans and the same rear end at the GT 500 Shelby with 3.73:1 gears.