FW: 2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR - Car News

>> Monday, March 16, 2009

 

 

Feed: Automotive News Blog at CARandDRIVER.com - Car News Resource
Posted on: Friday, March 13, 2009 4:46 AM
Author: Car and Driver
Subject: 2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR - Car News

 

It’s fun to play dress-up.

BY JON YANCA

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We’re huge fans of “sleeper” vehicles here atC/D. You know, cars like the 507-hp Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon that can assassinate an Audi R8 while taking the kids to soccer practice. However, some automakers choose to let their vehicles venture in the opposite direction, where looking formidable trumps having the actual gusto to back up a flashy exterior. Enter Nissan’s 2009 Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR.

Forget the alphabet-soup name, because all you need to know is the SR is nothing more than a standard Sentra 2.0 S trim gussied up in SE-R-style drag. The SR adds most of the exterior enhancements from the SE-R, including front and rear fascias, side skirts, rear spoiler, grille, and smoked taillight bezels, to complete a sporty look without the dynamic spunk or price. It’s even available in several unique SE-R and SE-R Spec V colors, but retains the standard 140-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, mated to either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.

Keep Reading: 2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR - Car News

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FW: 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec V - Car News

 

 

Feed: Automotive News Blog at CARandDRIVER.com - Car News Resource
Posted on: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 5:25 AM
Author: Car and Driver
Subject: 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec V - Car News

 

Dirt road.

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The long-rumored high-performance version of Nissan’s GT-R is now a reality. We’d hoped that a major carbon-fiber diet would be used to reduce the curb weight of the nearly 4000-pound supercar, but it appears everybody’s favorite racing composite has been used more to dress up the exterior than reduce weight. More serious weight reduction is achieved by the carbon-fiber seats, lighter forged wheels, and carbon-ceramic brakes. Chassis settings are tweaked to be more race-car-like. Engine output is up by a paltry five horses via a temporary overboost feature. On sale in Japan this spring; no word on a U.S. version yet.

Keep Reading: 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec V - Car News

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FW: The Quickest Cars of 2009: $25,000 to $30,000 - Feature

 

 

Feed: Automotive News Blog at CARandDRIVER.com - Car News Resource
Posted on: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 2:35 AM
Author: Car and Driver
Subject: The Quickest Cars of 2009: $25,000 to $30,000 - Feature

 

Some Subies, a couple of Mitsubishis, and the Mustang GT are among those that make the grade.

 

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When we last presented an installment of the quickest cars from $25,000 to $30,000, the group admittedly had a tighter range of 0-to-60-mph times. They were also bunched closer to the $30K mark. Most of those cars have received price bumps in the intervening time, however, that remove them from the running. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Pontiac Solstice GXP/Saturn Sky Redline, and Chevrolet Impala SS, among others, have climbed above the $30K mark and are ineligible for this year’s list. Keep in mind, too, that a car’s base price always includes the unavoidable destination fee, so brand-new models like the Nissan 370Z aren’t included because they actually cost more than the advertised base price.

But losing all those cheap-speed superstars from the list doesn’t mean this group is any slower; in fact, the quickest time for 2009 blows the doors off the reigning champ by a whopping 0.4 second. We were skeptical that the new titleholder, the 4.7-second 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, was a ringer, but that time was verified after testing another example.

The rules are the same as before: quickest to 60 mph wins, eligible vehicles must boast a base price (including destination charges) between $25,001 and $30,000, and must be available in showrooms throughout the bulk of calendar-year 2009. Only production cars allowed—no aftermarket tuners or parts, although that remains an option for owners should they crave even more power or speed. If two cars post identical 0-to-60 dashes, the car with the quicker quarter-mile sprint gets the nod. If they're still tied, then the winner is the car that first reaches 100 mph, then 110 mph, and so forth.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

10. Hyundai Azera

Base Price: $29,645
0-to-60-mph time:
6.1 sec
Quarter-mile time:
14.8 sec @ 96 mph

Highs: Eager engine, excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Lows: Generic styling and handling best described as floaty.

The Verdict: We’re as surprised as you are.

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

9. Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart

Base Price: $28,144
0-to-60-mph time:
6.1 sec
Quarter-mile time:
14.8 sec @ 97 mphHighs: Meaty V-6, roomy interior, stiff structure.

Lows: Touches of cheapness abound, no folding rear seat, needs to lose a few pounds.

The Verdict: Under the bland exterior lies a good athlete.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

8. Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe

Base Price: $29,630
0-to-60-mph time:
6.0 sec
Quarter-mile time:
14.7 sec @ 96 mph

Highs: A fine engine, smooth-shifting automatic transmission.

Lows: Embarrassing styling, substandard skidpad numbers.

The Verdict: A base Pontiac G8 GT drives better and costs about the same.

Keep Reading: The Quickest Cars of 2009: $25,000 to $30,000 - Feature

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FW: 2009 Nissan 370Z - Down-Shift SynchroRev Match What?

>> Sunday, March 15, 2009

 

 

Feed: Automotive Addicts
Posted on: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:02 PM
Author: Larry
Subject: 2009 Nissan 370Z - Down-Shift SynchroRev Match What?

 

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Kid Racer: Look Ma, I am only using two feet instead of two-and-a-half. No more heel-toeing!

Mom: What’s heel-toeing?

The days of calling any type of transmission found in cars “Manual” are almost over. Only 15% of the driving population even knows how to drive a manual transmission equipped vehicle let alone know how to heel-toe or “double clutch” in an attempt to match a rev during a down-shift.

Sport mode, launch mode, S5, S6, SMG, DSG, Single Clutch, Dual Clutch, CVT, Sequential Manual, Triptronic, paddle shift, throttle blip, and now I am getting a serious headache. The list goes on as to the technological advancements when it comes to shifting gears. Who would have thought so much thought would be put into gear changing.

Now we have something that I have honestly never seen or heard of in a full manual transmission which is found in the new 2009 Nissan 370Z, a SynchroRev Match system. Basically, from what I have understood from my research, this system automatically blips the throttle when you attempt to up-shift to a higher gear using the shifter. Of course you find a throttle blip system built into many of the new, what Jeremy Clarkson calls them, floppy paddle gearboxes, in new cars today. This is the first full manual setup that incorporates an automated throttle blip and remains to be a full manual tranny.

If you ask me, once you say the word “automatic” or “automated” to describe a manual transmission it no longer is considered a “manual” transmission. But not the case with the 370Z, it is still a full manual transmission with an actual clutch foot-pedal. You have the option of disabling the SynchroRev Match computerized system so you can heel-toe to your heart’s content… provided that you even know how to do it.

In the old days transmissions did not have synchronizers and they required that you double-clutch when down shifting to match the rev or you were left with a nasty gear grind. Now all manual trannys have synchros virtually eliminating the need for Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto in The Fast And The Furious) yelling at you for “not double clutching”.

I have provided a video below demonstrating what exactly this SynchroRev Match system does in the new Nissan 370Z. Enjoy and feel free to post your comments. I know some of you won’t like this system despite that fact that in 10 years or so only about 5% of cars will even be available with a manual transmission. Gosh, I dread the day when that happens… give me my Manual Transmission!

From Nissan 370Z Owners Manual

The SynchroRev™ Match Mode (S-MODE) automatically adjusts the engine speed by controlling the engine throttle. This helps provide accurate engine speed control that will help achieve smooth gear shifting and reduces shift shock on clutch engagement.

WHEN DOWNSHIFTING
-The engine speed is automatically increased to the target engine speed before the clutch is engaged.

WHEN UPSHIFTING
-The engine speed is automatically kept during and after the engine speed lowers to the target engine speed.

DEACTIVATING THE S-MODE SYSTEM
-To deactivate, push and hold the S-MODE switch for
more than 1 second. The S-MODE indicator will
turn off.

-To reactivate, Push the S-MODE switch .The S-MODE indicator on the instrument cluster will show S.

Image removed by sender. 2009-nissan-370z-500

2009 Nissan 370Z Specs:

Price: MSRP $29,930
Type: Compact Coupe
Where Built: Japan
EPA Class: Two Seaters

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 167.2 in. Width: 72.8 in.
Height: 51.8 in. Wheel Base: 100.4 in.
Curb Weight: 3232 lbs. Gross Weight: 3968 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.2 in. Front Hip Room: 54.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 54.4 in. Front Leg Room: 42.9 in.
Luggage Capacity: 6.9 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 7 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 2

Performance Data

Number of Cylinders: 6
Engine Size: 3.7 liters
Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 332 hp
Max Horsepower: 7000 rpm
Torque: 270 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 5200 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 32.8 ft.
0-60mph: 4.7 - 4.9 seconds
1/4 mile: 13.7 @ 103.6mph

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Manual: 18 mpg / 26 mpg / mpg
Range in Miles:
Manual: 342 mi. / 494 mi. / mi.

 


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FW: 2009 Nissan 370Z - Down-Shift SynchroRev Match What?

>> Friday, March 13, 2009

 

 

Feed: Automotive Addicts
Posted on: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:02 PM
Author: Larry
Subject: 2009 Nissan 370Z - Down-Shift SynchroRev Match What?

 

Image removed by sender. nissan-370z-synchrorev-match-500

Kid Racer: Look Ma, I am only using two feet instead of two-and-a-half. No more heel-toeing!

Mom: What’s heel-toeing?

The days of calling any type of transmission found in cars “Manual” are almost over. Only 15% of the driving population even knows how to drive a manual transmission equipped vehicle let alone know how to heel-toe or “double clutch” in an attempt to match a rev during a down-shift.

Sport mode, launch mode, S5, S6, SMG, DSG, Single Clutch, Dual Clutch, CVT, Sequential Manual, Triptronic, paddle shift, throttle blip, and now I am getting a serious headache. The list goes on as to the technological advancements when it comes to shifting gears. Who would have thought so much thought would be put into gear changing.

Now we have something that I have honestly never seen or heard of in a full manual transmission which is found in the new 2009 Nissan 370Z, a SynchroRev Match system. Basically, from what I have understood from my research, this system automatically blips the throttle when you attempt to up-shift to a higher gear using the shifter. Of course you find a throttle blip system built into many of the new, what Jeremy Clarkson calls them, floppy paddle gearboxes, in new cars today. This is the first full manual setup that incorporates an automated throttle blip and remains to be a full manual tranny.

If you ask me, once you say the word “automatic” or “automated” to describe a manual transmission it no longer is considered a “manual” transmission. But not the case with the 370Z, it is still a full manual transmission with an actual clutch foot-pedal. You have the option of disabling the SynchroRev Match computerized system so you can heel-toe to your heart’s content… provided that you even know how to do it.

In the old days transmissions did not have synchronizers and they required that you double-clutch when down shifting to match the rev or you were left with a nasty gear grind. Now all manual trannys have synchros virtually eliminating the need for Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto in The Fast And The Furious) yelling at you for “not double clutching”.

I have provided a video below demonstrating what exactly this SynchroRev Match system does in the new Nissan 370Z. Enjoy and feel free to post your comments. I know some of you won’t like this system despite that fact that in 10 years or so only about 5% of cars will even be available with a manual transmission. Gosh, I dread the day when that happens… give me my Manual Transmission!

From Nissan 370Z Owners Manual

The SynchroRev™ Match Mode (S-MODE) automatically adjusts the engine speed by controlling the engine throttle. This helps provide accurate engine speed control that will help achieve smooth gear shifting and reduces shift shock on clutch engagement.

WHEN DOWNSHIFTING
-The engine speed is automatically increased to the target engine speed before the clutch is engaged.

WHEN UPSHIFTING
-The engine speed is automatically kept during and after the engine speed lowers to the target engine speed.

DEACTIVATING THE S-MODE SYSTEM
-To deactivate, push and hold the S-MODE switch for
more than 1 second. The S-MODE indicator will
turn off.

-To reactivate, Push the S-MODE switch .The S-MODE indicator on the instrument cluster will show S.

Image removed by sender. 2009-nissan-370z-500

2009 Nissan 370Z Specs:

Price: MSRP $29,930
Type: Compact Coupe
Where Built: Japan
EPA Class: Two Seaters

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 167.2 in. Width: 72.8 in.
Height: 51.8 in. Wheel Base: 100.4 in.
Curb Weight: 3232 lbs. Gross Weight: 3968 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.2 in. Front Hip Room: 54.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 54.4 in. Front Leg Room: 42.9 in.
Luggage Capacity: 6.9 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 7 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 2

Performance Data

Number of Cylinders: 6
Engine Size: 3.7 liters
Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 332 hp
Max Horsepower: 7000 rpm
Torque: 270 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 5200 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 32.8 ft.
0-60mph: 4.7 - 4.9 seconds
1/4 mile: 13.7 @ 103.6mph

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Manual: 18 mpg / 26 mpg / mpg
Range in Miles:
Manual: 342 mi. / 494 mi. / mi.

 


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FW: Nissan GT-R Wagon - Is It Real?

 

 

Feed: Automotive Addicts
Posted on: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 12:12 AM
Author: Larry
Subject: Nissan GT-R Wagon - Is It Real?

 

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The fastest Wagon on the plant! Well, not really. This vehicle of which appears to be a Nissan GT-R Wagon (Station wagon) is actually a Nissan Stagea/M35 (Autech Stagea) made in the year 2001 to 2007. This one is, obvious, fitted with a Nissan GT-R front end which is nicely molded into the rest of the Stagea’s body. The vehicle was spotted at the Nagoya Auto Trend 2009 (Auto Show) and first posted by gtrblog.

The M35 Stagea did sport a turbo charged engine (an older sibling of Nissan’s twin turbo charged engines) dubbed the RB26DETT but I seriously doubt that this one anything near the performance of a real Nissan GT-R. I hope this is not be beginning of Faux GT-R’s running around. All I can think of is a boy-racer in his riced-out Honda Civic with a full Nissan GT-R body kit. Gross!

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Nissan Stagea/M35 (Autech Stagea)

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FW: 2010 Nissan Cube S - Road Test

>> Friday, March 6, 2009

 

 

Feed: Automotive News Blog at CARandDRIVER.com - Car News Resource
Posted on: Thursday, March 05, 2009 11:03 PM
Author: Car and Driver
Subject: 2010 Nissan Cube S - Road Test

 

A smash hit in Japan, the Cube finally wends its way to America. But is it still hip to be square?

BY JOHN PHILLIPS

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In the early 1900s, cubism was the avant-garde movement pioneered by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. Sadly, this provocative artistic trend was quickly rendered obsolete by the invention of the cardboard box, an art form later perfected and made affordable by the movement that would become known as Federal Express.

And then, in 1998, Nissan likewise dabbled in cubism with the Cube, curiously keeping it hidden within its own borders—this despite fantastic sales—for fear that Americans might paint the vehicle UPS brown and turn it into a joke for NASCAR fans, who would exhort Dale Jarrett to "Race the Cube, Dale, race the Cube!"

Three generations into the Cube's existence, it has finally reached our shores, having been beaten to the boxy punch by Honda's Element, Scion's xB, and Kia's Soul. It rides atop a shortened Versa platform—a Versa cubed?—and all four model iterations are front-drive only and fitted with a 122-hp, 1.8-liter four. Alas, we won't get "e-4WD." Too pricey, says Nissan.

Speaking of price, it ain't much, starting at $14,685, which includes stability control and A/C (an iced Cube?). The cost rises as it works its way through the "Ginormous Package"—really—then peaks at $20,815 for a loaded Cube Kr ¯o m. Which makes the Kr ¯o m, we guess, Cube steak. The top two models eschew the six-speed manual for a CVT identical to the Versa's.

Keep Reading: 2010 Nissan Cube S - Road Test





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