Australian Car Advice | News Blog

Read more…

Source: NAGTROC via GTRBlog

Hide It

Read more…

All of a sudden, in the time it took for my synapses to register that statement, my plans for that week changed. I had a clean slate. “When did you want to get together for it?” Jones asked.

No one would give up a chance to go along with Steve Jones, who, along with his navigator, Ruari Sauter-Dawson, recently won the 2008 Quit TargaWest tarmac rally in Perth. Working for Fabcar, a dealership in Perth that imports GT-Rs for private buyers, Jones is possibly the best qualified person in Australia to run us through the capabilities of a GT-R.

With that, we booked ourselves a time and a place.

Jones suggested that the best place to test Nissan’s latest and greatest car, was the very spot that its mettle was tested. A TargaWest stage? There couldn’t be a better location. As they say on Millionare, “Lock it in, Eddie.”

There was a problem looming though. The period we had set for the drive coincided with a gloomy weather forecast. The prediction was showers, with an afternoon thunderstorm risk. Perfect, if you’re wanting to test out grip levels in the wet.

However, on a road where rocks, trees and branches are being cleared by only centimetres, and in a car that costs more than $180,000, and goes from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, sitting on what can only be described as loose bitumen - well, let’s say we weren’t too keen to add water to the equation.

Next page…

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Hide It

Read more…

Current reports suggest it will be powered by Nissan’s HR16DET 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with power output anticipated to be as high as 180kW.

Mated to a six-speed manual transmission and weighing in at just 1,250kg, it promises to be an affordable and thrilling sports car for the masses.

According to Japan’s Best Car, the FR is being developed around the “54″ type platform which should make it slightly wider and shorter than the current 200SX.

These images are merely artists impressions based upon insider information which suggested the new model would appear “similar to the V36 Skyline Coupe”.

However logic suggests it will follow the styling cues of Nissan’s current sports range in the upcoming 370Z and current GT-R.

Source: 7Tune

Hide It

Read more…

Boasting the brand’s 3.7-litre V6 engine from the Infiniti G37, power is expected to rise by at least 20kW to more than 246kW.

Its namesake will also be derived from its engine displacement much like its predecessor, with the new model likely to be named the 370Z.

Currently this replacement model is due to be released in 2010 as a 2011 model boasting an evolutionary new design.

From these images we can see the new model will largely retain much of its proportions, and feature much sharper ‘whisp’ head and tail lamps.

Disappointingly it does not appear that the new model will adopt the flush GT-R style door handles but rather maintain the awkward oversized vertical handles from the 350Z.

Hide It

Read more…

With a potential maximum range of 250km from the two 50kW electric motors. The futuristic laminate Lithium-Ion batteries are quick to recharge; from discharged to fully charged takes between 20 and 40 minutes, or less time than the average lunch-break.

Mixim has a 2530mm wheelbase, and is just 3700mm long, 1800mm wide and 1400mm high. Thus it is shorter and lower than a Nissan Micra, though slightly wider. The lightweight composite body allows a kerb weight of just 950kg.

Inside, the driver grasps a U-shaped steering wheel and there are rear view cameras in place of door mirrors, relaying the view from behind onto screens at each end of tes a virtual representation of the front wheels.

This is linked to real-time movement of the steering wheel to give the driver the impression of being in control of a single-seater racing car. From a steering input point of view that’s not too wide of the mark: Mixim needs just half a turn to go from lock-to-lock.

The U-shaped steering wheel resembles a computer race game controller. As with F1 racers, the wheel incorporates switches for control functions. The Mixim concept was shown for the first time at Frankfurt in 2007 and was designed by Nissan’s Japanese think-tank that’s looking well over the horizon, to cater to the needs of the young drivers of 2020.

These drivers will have been brought up in the age of computers and the internet and will be comfortable with virtual friendships and relationships, according to Nissan’s futurologists. They will not feel as passionate about cars as previous generations; rather to Inoue, the chief designer of Nissan’s exploratory design studio, led a design team with an average age of just 25 to create Mixim, a new merging of the most up-to-date electric vehicle technology in a svelte and distinctive coupé shape.

“We wanted to create an icon for this digital generation… something that went far beyond the stereotypes to which their parents tend to be attracted,” he said.

The ‘Super Motor’ features dual rotors inside and outside, a single stator coil and, as a result, can output power through two shafts at the same time. By controlling the power output of each shaft separately, it is possible to drive right and left wheels independently.

Thanks to the use of compound current, the ‘Super Motor’ offers greater power density than conventional motors. As well as powering pure electric vehicles, the ‘Super Motor’ has application potential for petrol/electric hybrids and fuel cell vehicles.

Unlike a conventional Lithium-Ion battery with its bulky cylindrical cells, Nissan’s Lithium-Ion battery uses thin laminated cells and has fewer components overall. This boosts its power by a factor of 1.5 at the same time as halving its physical size.

The cell construction, in turn, means a thin modular design is possible with a commensurate improvement in battery cooling efficiency. Higher power outputs are also achieved through material improvements made to its lithium manganate positive electrode and carbon negative electrode.

This small yet more powerful battery also provides packaging advantages. Locating the compact cells under the floor of the car not only lowers the centre of gravity, but also permits the development of a low, flat floor with commensurate gains in interior space.

Hide It

Read more…

The Muster celebrated its tenth anniversary this year, so the expectation was that this was to be a big one. Just a few short clicks from Melbourne that sentiment was confirmed with the road to ‘Deni’ paved nose to tail with utes big and small - and of course the obligatory Mr Plods.

Driving in convoy is great fun. Nods and waves from window to window, chats at the road house sharing the love and adoration these guys and gals have for their utes, and of course the request for a look under the bonnet. It’s an admirable and instant comradeship, the kind you only seem to get in the bush.

The convoy also attracts its own records with one group leaving from just outside Melbourne doubling the previous US held title with 600 registered utes.

When we arrived bright eyed and bushy tailed at the main gate for the 5am unveiling, the scale of the Muster really grabbed our attention, it is quite a staggering site. In fact it’s so big, you have to see it from the air to truly appreciate just what 7242 utes (and any number of other vehicles) in the one spot looks like.

The queues extended for kilometres in each direction leading to the main gates and given the dawn opening, an early start is required to secure a spot close to the action. Good spirits, prominently ‘Bundy’ flavoured, were enjoyed to pass the time with entry a surprisingly smooth flowing affair given the populous number of utes on hand.

The event brings not only utes to Deniliquin, but much needed revenue in this time of drought. Last year’s turnover exceeded $10 million and with the tenth year celebrations seeing the 50 hectare site overflow into neighbouring paddocks, that amount is sure to set a record of its own this year.

With the utes parked, camp sites pegged and the gates to the Festival Arena thrown open, the crowd was treated to a fly over from the RAAF’s Roulettes signalling Deni 2008 was open for business.

The CarAdvice team even managed a quick chat with Roulette #7, Flight Lieutenant Ben Miedecke. Trained at #2 Training School (Advanced Training School), and as the only full-time Roulette (the others are weekenders and are mainly flight instructors), Ben commentates for the Roulettes at events such as the Deni Ute Muster.

He was kind enough to run us through the Roulettes normal performance and told us that during maneuvers the team can pull up to 7g which means Ben weighs roughly 700kg during this time.

His Australian built  Pilatus PC-9 is good for 950 shaft-horsepower (de-rated from 1200) and weighs in at just 1800kg. To prepare, a few loops and barrel rolls are done to increase blood pressure and prepare blood vessels for high G. The team will typically fly three 90 minute sorties a day.

Back on the ground though, the fun had begun in earnest with Lawn Mower racing kicking off proceedings in the main arena. These things are manic and require not only forged steel wedding tackle to race, but a sixth sense to know where you’re going with the drought making the powdery Deni dust diabolical.

In keeping with tradition, and the organiser’s belief that “behind every good looking ute is a good looking Aussie wearing a blue singlet”, the Bluies are also tallied each year with 2702 Bluies counted in the one place at the one time, just over one-tenth of the overall population at the Muster.

But it’s not all Bundy, Blueys and Blunnys, the Muster also has a carnival atmosphere with competitions, concerts and a huge array of stalls and supplies catering to any discerning ute driver.

A lot of the non-wheeled events are family orientated too with farming families coming from as far as Western Australia and New Zealand to enjoy and compete in the festivities and competitions.

Go-to-whoa and the ever popular circle work championships were of course an event highlight with entrants presenting utes of all ages for a crack at the title.

The often elaborately dressed utes really don’t hold back out here with some of the prizes up for grabs almost worth risking an engine for, and before you ask, no the F6 didn’t make an appearance in the ring.

If the four wheeled entertainment wasn’t to your liking there was also shearing demonstrations, bush poetry, whip cracking, wood chopping and country music featuring artists including The Living End, Kasey Chambers, James Reyne, Mark Seymour, Paul Greene, Lee Kernaghan, The Songbirds, Steve Forde, The Sunny Cowgirls, Morgan Evans and Deniliquin locals The Lincons, just to name a few.

The always popular Holden “Grunt Off” saw some very hung-over competitors race to tow a Holden ute on Saturday morning, which given the 7mm of rain Friday night made for a challenge across a course now ankle deep in wood chips.

Saturday arvo saw the Yamaha boys put on freestyle motorcross demonstrations in the main arena and in keeping with the theme of the show, they jumped two massive tractors.

“It’ll be very unique to jump over New Holland tractors, and a great spectacle for the crowd”, lead rider Matty McFerran said.

The circle work finals and bull riding led the evening into a close before the final concert and fireworks wrapped up the night.

So if Deni sounds like something you wouldn’t mind checking out next year then be sure to circle October 2 and 3 on the 2009 calendar, polish up the ute and shake the red backs from the swag - it’s sure to be a big one.

Hide It

Read more…

In a press conference today the Managing Director of Nissan Australia, Mr Dan Thompson, ended the speculation about just how much the GT-R will cost Australian buyers, announcing that their would be two grades of GT-R

The Nissan GT-R will cost $148,800 and the Nissan GT-R Premium will cost $152,800.

He said these would be the only versions of the GT-R to be imported into Australia and they would be sold through 11 Australia-wide Nissan High Performance Dealers, which he said would have 200 cars to sell next year.

Mr Thompson admitted that demand for the GT-R was expected to be much greater but that number was “supply constrained”.

He said the Australian vehicle would be on display at the Sydney Motor Show and described today as a “very exciting day for Nissan in Australia.”

He said that although Nissan was building 1000 GT-Rs a month, there was unprecedented demand for the vehicle in Japan and the United States, adding that European sales would be launched at the same time as Australia.

Although the GT-R will be on pre-sale from next week actual deliveries in Australia will not commence until April 2009.

Mr Thompson said that the 11 dealers would be required to have dedicated sales and service personnel to deal with Nissan GT-R customers “ so that the whole GT-R experience is something special.”

He added that Nissan would in no way be supporting “grey market” imports of the GT-R and he said buyers of these cars would not be able to obtain parts, service or support from the Nissan dealer network.

Asked how it was expected these imports would impact on official sales National Marketing Manager, Ross Booth, said that indications were that as few at five or six cars had been brought into the country and these cars would receive no support from Nissan.

Mr Booth also responded to recent claims by Porsche that the GT-R’s official Nurburgring sub seven minutes 30 second lap time was not accurate by saying that Nissan stood by the vehicle and its performance at the Nurburgring.

“We are not going to comment on what other manufacturers claim our cars can or cannot do,” he said.

Mr Booth also told CarAdvice that there was no chance the suggested V-Spec model would be officially sold in Australia, adding that Nissan expected the majority of sales to be the GT-R Premium.

The Premium model adds black forged 20-inch aluminium wheels, Nitrogen-filled Bridgestone Potenza Run-Flat tyres, BOSE audio system and front black leather sports seats with red leather inserts.

All models have a rear wing and carbon fibre rear diffuser, and a dark grey front grille.

The standard equipment list features leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, adjustable steering column, high-back driver’s sports seats, with six-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way power adjustment for passenger. Front seats are heated and there are aluminium interior trim accents.

An intelligent key system allows access to the car and integrates with the push-button for engine start and stop.

Safety equipment includes ABS with EBD, dual front, side and curtain airbags, while the sports-oriented dynamic stability system, VDC-R, is adjustable through Circuit, Normal and Off settings, selectable by the driver to suit prevailing conditions.

Mr Thompson said that no adjustments had been made to the GT-R suspensions for Australia, adding that the level of adjustability that was built in meant that drivers would be able to achieve an ideal suspension setting for Australian conditions.

There will be a choice of six colours, Super Silver, Vibrant Red, Gun Metallic, Black Obsidian, Titanium, and Ivory Pearl.

The supercar will feature true luxury performance equipment including a driver configurable Multi-Function Meter, which can display lateral G-forces plus acceleration and braking performance among 11 data screens available.

The GT-R is powered by a hand-built twin-turbo VR38DETT 3.8-litre V6 engine delivering a mighty 353kW and 588Nm across a wide mid-range expanse from 3200rpm to 5200rpm.

It also introduces the world’s first independent rear transaxle all-wheel drive system.

The GR6 sequential six-speed has paddle shift control for the dual clutch rear transaxle, while drive to the wheels is via the electronically-controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system.

Brembo Sports brakes are fitted all round, with six pistons in the front callipers and four at the rear. There are full-floating drilled rotors clamped by low steel high stiffness brake pads.

A Bilstein DampTronic suspension control system gives three selectable settings: Circuit, Normal and Comfort.

The 20-inch front wheels are shod with 255/40ZF 20 tyres while the rears are fitted with 285/35ZF 20s, with all tyre pressures monitored electronically.

An advanced hybrid body construction melds steel, die-cast aluminium and carbon fibre for strength, lightness and durability. The GT-R has a super low coefficient of drag of 0.27, while achieving high front and rear downforce.

The Nissan High Performance Centres, where the GT-R will be exclusively available, are spread strategically around the country to maximise service delivery.

They are located at:

•  NSW , Campbelltown, Brookvale
• VIC Ferntree Gully, Werribee
• SA Nailsworth
• WA Melville, Wangara
• QLD Moorooka, Southport, Mackay
• TAS Hobart

Each of the 11 dealers had to meet exacting standards including the allocation of dedicated GT-R sales and service staff: installing specific technical service monitors to communicate with the GT-R “black-box” data recorder and stocking nitrogen to maintain tyres.

Hide It

Read more…

“When we launched the current Z in 2002, it was a symbol of Nissan’s revival, a kind of brand symbol, plus driving performance, this time with the 370Z, we are focusing more on the driving performance, as a pure driving sports car.” , says Tetsuo Shimada, Nissan’s head of marketing in Japan.

According to Mr Shimada, Nissan will take on the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT with the new Zed.

Australian dates for the 370Z are still unknown (we have just asked Nissan AU - so check back later) but rumours suggest it will hit Japanese showrooms in December and go on sale in the United States shortly thereafter.

No other information regarding potential power or performance is currently available, however the new Zed is expected to not only have more power, but weigh a little less and also offer a more advanced transmission.

The current 2008 Nissan 350Z starts from $63,990 (interestingly the same car starts from only USD $29,205 in the U.S.,). The 2008 Porsche Cayman starts at $121,600 (USD $50,350 in the U.S.,) while the Audi TT starts from $68,900 (USD $35,200 in the U.S.,)

• Nissan 350Z Coupe Track Review

Hide It

Read more…

The $20M investment will employ 25 full-time staff and service both the retail and fleet sector with consumer and business loans and lease packaging solutions.

Nissan sells 3.77 million vehicles annually, 60,000 of those in Australia and supports a national retail network of over 200 dealers. It is hoped the new financial service offerings will give Nissan an even stronger brand presence in the Australian market place.

Hide It

Read more…

Once again the options list has been diluted simply to metallic paint, with an extensive level of standard specifications across its two model range.

The distinguishing feature of each model comes down to a mutually exclusive choice, with customers given the option of either an electric sunshine roof or roof-mounted DVD player.

All Murano customers will enjoy 18 inch alloys, Birdview DVD satellite navigation with TMC, rear privacy glass, bi-xenon headlamps, cruise control and an in-dash six-disc CD player with aux-in socket for MP3 players.

This is complimented by Nissan’s Intelligent Key which allows for remote keyless access and custom powered driver’s seat and steering wheel memory setting.

Only one audio system is specified with the new Murano – luckily though it’s a Bose premium system with 10-channel amp and 11 carefully positioned speakers, including a pair of Richbass woofers mounted in the spare wheel well.

The original model helped pioneer the addition of rear-view cameras on all SUVs, the new model takes this concept one step further with a curb camera in the passenger door mirror which displays the area beside the car on screen at low speeds.

The rear seats feature a 60/40 folding design which simply operated by a lever, however restoring them to their original position is even easier – at the touch of a button the seats automatically adjust themselves back into position in just 8 seconds.

This functionality extends to the rear tailgate which can be opened or closed electronically via a button on the key fob, dashboard or tailgate itself.

Under the bonnet is Nissan’s VQ 24-valve twin cam 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which now features variable induction and continuous valve timing control systems, returning a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.0-litres per 100km.

Performance has been increased by 16kW to 188kW while peak torque rises to 334Nm at 4400 rpm, the end result is almost a full second shaved off its 0 to 100km/h sprint which now takes just 8.0 seconds.

An all-mode 4×4-I technology system has been closely integrated with the ESP and distributes torque on demand to where it’s needed – under normal driving conditions that means predominantly to the front wheels, but up to 50 per cent can be sent to the rear if required.

Australian specific specifications and pricing are yet to be revealed.

Hide It