Getting to Know Nissan’s 2009 GT-R

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With applied knowledge on the earth’s natural forces including gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics, the new 2009 Nissan GT-R 35 assures a fun and exciting ride. Nissan GT-R is unique not only with its state-of-the-art design but most specially with its production process in which carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components underwent a distinct high-precision process including a series of vibration tests.

The new Nissan GT-R promises a quality performance by reducing driving limitations like poor climate, rough road and driving techniques through advanced and dynamic technology. Never mind if it has an AC receiver drier.  What matters more is that this car has twin turbocharged engine and an electronically controlled all-wheel drive and steering - a common trademark of GT-Rs.  But take note: This Nissan 2009 GT-R has a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 that can produce 473 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque.  Also, it gets a GR6 dual-clutch six-speed automatic and leather-wrapped aluminum paddle shifters.

It can accelerate up to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and meet a top speed of 192 mph.
This Nissan GT-R already went on sale in Japan last year at 7.8 million yen ($68, 150).  It is yet to be available in US this June while its European release is set on March 2009.
Road Test Editor Brian Moody described Nissan GT-R as plain and simple as well as affordable compared to other car models of its type. "The GT-R will solidify Nissan’s reputation as a company that puts top-notch performance in the hands of every man," Moody added.  

Formerly known under the Datsun brand, Nissan Motor Company had grown to be the third largest Japanese car manufacturers in the world and is now among US’ "big three" rivals.

2008 Car Of The Year Pawed By The Big Cat

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During the first public appearance of the 2008 Jaguar XF, millions of eyewitnesses made their predictions loud and clear… it will absolutely stand out among its competition! It is obviously distinguished by the car’s appearance, from the inside and outside, from the turn signals down to its luxurious interior - the Jaguar XF definitely gets the “W”!

According to Ford’s press release, the big cat proved its superiority during the latest What Car? Awards a few days ago. The Jaguar XF won the 2008 ‘Car of the Year’ and seized top honors in the ‘Best Executive Car’ category as well.      

"For us, the XF goes straight in there with the very best cars from Jaguar’s past. And given that the car market today is more competitive than it’s ever been, it’s fair to say the XF is the best car Jaguar has ever built,” says Steve Fowler, the group editor of What Car?

"The XF really does have it all – a sensational exterior and dramatic interior combined with a drive that will delight and pamper in equal measure. On top of that, it stacks up as a sensible buying and owning proposition, too,” added Fowler.

"All of us at Jaguar are delighted that we’ve taken the top spot at these awards, and that What Car? has named the new XF Car of the Year.  It’s especially gratifying as What Car? has such a great reputation for representing the British consumer. Jaguar is creating a new generation of cars that started with the XK, and now continues with the all-new XF – a four door, five passenger car that has the heart of a sports car and the looks of a grand tourer.  Like the XK, XF is visually striking and thrilling to drive,” says Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars.

"We’re very pleased with the reaction the car has received, and our customer order bank is growing fast.  We’re grateful to What Car? for this wonderful award."

Iced Nova: An Unusual Work Of Art

You want some unusual work of art? Well, you have to witness the encasing of a Chevy Nova in a block of ice!

You find it weird? Why would artists do such a strange thing? You might be asking: Why can’t they wait for the snow to shower their cars?

There must be an artsy reason behind this. Artists Sue Wrbican of George Madison University and Mary Carothers of the University of Louisville will give you the reason. And if you want to be a part of the event this Tuesday, visit Michigan Tech University in Houghton. The display will be made in front of the university’s library.

The Nova is reminiscent of the remnants of the late 1970s. Artists said the car was built in the late ’70s before fuel efficiency was considered.

According to reports, the shop class at Hancock High School created a frame for this purpose. The car will be placed inside the frame, and water will be poured around it to make a colossal ice cube. The ice base for the project was started on Tuesday and is expected to be finished in time for Winter Carnival.

Do they worry about oil filter, engines and more? I don’t think so. Once the ice is 18 inches thick, the students intend to lower the Nova onto it.

The artists and some other students want to involve the community in their artwork, they will freeze a few inches each day. "We’re going to keep on putting layers of ice, water, and it’s going to keep on building up. And we’re going to keep on moving the form up until it’s built," said Blake Erickson of Hancock High School.

[credit: wluctv6.com

Most Decorated Korean Vehicle

Kia, a brand which I think only a few will give a chance of grabbing an award from under the nose of larger and more "prestigious" automakers such as Volkswagen, and Renault. But the Korean automaker has created a vehicle which did that and more.

The Kia cee’d, a small family car designed for the European auto market and manufactured in Europe has garnered multiple awards in Europe.  The Auto Channel reported that the vehicle has won the Family Car of the Year in Sweden, (that’s one), the Car of the Year in Greece (two), the Fleet Car of the Year in Poland (three), The ING Business Class Lease Car of the Year (four), two Car of the Year-like awards in Romania (five and six), in the Canary Islands (seven), and in Lithuania (eight).  Wow!

That’s not all though.  The cee’d also received the Best Hatchback Award in the United Kingdom and in Denmark.  The leading European auto magazine Autobild also named the cee’d as the Best Wagon.  And in The Netherlands, it was given the Innovation Award.  That just shows that this car is much more valuable than brake calipers on an Integra.

As can be expected, Kia is proud of the cee’d’s achievements.  With all those awards, the Kia cee’d is officially the most decorated Korean vehicle.  "We are delighted that the Kia cee’d has been so widely acknowledged around Europe as a genuine contender for C-segment ‘best-in-class’ honors," said Mr. Jean-Charles Lievens, senor vice president of Kia Motors Europe.

"Everyone at Kia, in Korea and in Europe, made a huge effort to ensure that the Kia cee’d family is exceptionally well styled, well built, keenly priced and has immense appeal for many different groups of European consumers. With its 5-Star EuroNCAP safety rating, cee’d has played a key role in raising Kia brand awareness. Positive media reports, a stream of ‘best car’ awards and a growing number of delighted Kia owners are accelerating demand for cee’d as we enter 2008. "

2008 Lancia Phedra to Debut at the Brussels International Motorshow

Lancia will launch its new Phedra SUV equipped with 170 hp 2.2 liter Multijet diesel engine at the upcoming Brussels International Motorshow in Belgium scheduled on January 17 to 27, 2008. The new Phedra has been redesigned inside, out.

The new Phedra was developed by Lancia in cooperation with Peugeot and Citroen. It measures 4.75 meters long by 1.86 meters in diameter and 1.75 meters in height. This 2008 Lancia Phedra is given a new front end with an exclusive grille and chromes bumper inserts.

The main highlight of the new Phedra is its 2.2 liter Multijet engine that revs up 17- horsepower at 4,000 rpm with 370 Nm of torque. The engine’s sequential parallel twin turbo enables the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just a matter of 10 seconds. Its top speed is 200km/h.

The new Phedra is offered in three variants the Argento, Oro, and Platino in three turbodiesel powerplants that includes 120 hp 2.0L Multijet, 136 hp 2.0L Multijet, and 170 hp 2.2L Multijet. There are also three seating configurations offered for the Phedra—the standard 5 seat, the optional 6-seat and 7-seat.

Interior of New Mercedes CLK and E-Class Spied

Spy shots of the new CLK and E-Class Wagon were released and that’s just about it. Fortunately, photographers of WorldCarfans.com were able to get close and managed to obtain photos of the interior to reveal some of its astounding details.

The CLK’s center instrument panel is given a built-in navigation monitor instead of the flip-up unit found at the C-Class. Also the gear shift lever on the E-Class that was seen with a shining chrome button on the end was moved to the right side of the steering column.

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Maserati Quattroporte Spied

Photos of a well covered Maserati are circulating on the net. Despite the heavy cover up the prototype seems to be sporting a new front end, bigger headlamps and bigger air-intakes in what seems to be a revised front bumper. New engines with direct fuel injection to ensure better fuel economy are also expected to be added on the new Maserati. The rear was also taped which means there would be some alteration to be done on the back bumper as well. It is expected that new Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide will become the tough competition for the new Maserati Quattroporte. Unfortunately for us we will have to wait until 2012 before we finally get to see the next-generation Quattroporte.

Charleston.net wants us to welcome 2008 safely so the site offered some helpful driving tips for the New Year. Over the years, these tips were proven to prevent accidents that usually happen when the year says goodbye and a new one arrives. You wouldn’t want to spend the rest of 2008 in a hospital wing right? Try these tips.

Keep in mind, driving is a full-time job.

–The most dangerous times on the road are from midnight to 3 a.m. on the weekends. Not surprisingly, drunken drivers are out and about during those hours.

–Make certain you and your vehicle are properly prepared for even short trips: Check for adequate gas; know the route; adjust mirrors; fasten seat belts (air bags are not a substitute for belt restraints); check tire pressure; and be calm and alert.

-For drivers over 55, be extra careful at intersections: 60 percent of all crashes for drivers in this age group occur at intersections due to improper left turns and failure to yield right of way.

–Remember this startling fact: In a recent survey, one-third of drivers (that would amount to 47 million motorists) said they would drink and drive even though they suspected they were over the legal limit. Use a designated driver or take a taxi — or a rickshaw!

–Scan ahead down the road for potential problems; dim instrument panel lights; dim headlights for oncoming traffic; and try to keep a "space cushion" around your vehicle in the front, to each side and at the rear.

–Signal your intent to turn well ahead before turning.

–At a traffic signal, check cross-traffic for speeders running red lights.

–Do not use a cell phone while the vehicle is in motion.

–Avoid tailgating; slower drivers should use the right-hand lane.

–Watch out for bicyclists, even at night. They have a right to be on the roadway. Be alert for pedestrians. It’s a fact: Pedestrians have the right of way on crosswalks.

–Give aggressive drivers plenty of leeway. In a survey, 50 percent of the motorists said they occasionally drive aggressively. Be courteous; respect the rights of others.

–Be well-rested; 100,000 crashes occur every year due to driver fatigue.

–Consider using the 4 and 8 o’clock hand positions on the steering wheel. This can prevent injury to hands and arms if the air bag inflates.

–Do not exceed the speed limit. (This point will generate controversy. Check next week’s column for details.)

Remember to follow these tips when heading on the road aboard your Acura CL model equipped with Acura CL bumper bracket.

Most Expensive Vehicles to Own

 
Forbes Autos with its never ending top lists has revealed its Top 10 Most Expensive Vehicles to Own list and it includes:

10. Porsche 911 GT3
Starting MSRP: $106,000
Five-year cost of ownership: $129,458
Depreciation: $53,467
Interest and opportunity cost: $31,268
Fuel: $13,211
Maintenance and repairs: $5,523
Insurance: $19,025
Taxes and fees: $6,964

9. Audi S8
Starting MSRP: $92,000
Five-year cost of ownership: $136,368
Depreciation: $62,840
Interest and opportunity cost: $28,147
Fuel: $15,020
Maintenance and repairs: $5,215
Insurance: $17,353
Taxes and fees: $7,793

8. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Starting MSRP: $83,700
Five-year cost of ownership: $137,314
Depreciation: $59,848
Interest and opportunity cost: $28,913
Fuel: $19,183
Maintenance and repairs: $5,375
Insurance: $17,783
Taxes and fees: $6,212

7. BMW M6 Coupe
Starting MSRP: $99,100
Five-year cost of ownership: $144,265
Depreciation: $62,586
Interest and opportunity cost: $30,357
Fuel: $18,313
Maintenance and repairs: $5,349
Insurance: $18,201
Taxes and fees: $9,459

6. Porsche 911 Turbo
Starting MSRP: $122,900
Five-year cost of ownership: $149,574
Depreciation: $66,771
Interest and opportunity cost: $35,557
Fuel: $12,551
Maintenance and repairs: $5,622
Insurance: $21,045
Taxes and fees: $8,028

5. BMW Alpina B7
Starting MSRP: $115,000
Five-year cost of ownership: $149,809
Depreciation: $67,409
Interest and opportunity cost: $33,868
Fuel: $14,538
Maintenance and repairs: $5,047
Insurance: $20,100
Taxes and fees: $8,847

4. BMW M6 Convertible
Starting MSRP: $104,900
Five-year cost of ownership: $150,565
Depreciation: $65,416
Interest and opportunity cost: $32,054
Fuel: $18,313
Maintenance and repairs: $5,349
Insurance: $18,895
Taxes and fees: $10,538

3. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible
Starting MSRP: $94,800
Five-year cost of ownership: $168,203
Depreciation: $75,060
Interest and opportunity cost: $37,639
Fuel: $16,461
Maintenance and repairs: $5,874
Insurance: $22,535
Taxes and fees: $10,634

2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan
Starting MSRP: $85,750
Five-year cost of ownership: $171,130
Depreciation: $82,368
Interest and opportunity cost: $36,661
Fuel: $15,807
Maintenance and repairs: $5,130
Insurance: $21,161
Taxes and fees: $10,003

1. Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Coupe
Starting MSRP: $99,900
Five-year cost of ownership: $174,264
Depreciation: $83,703
Interest and opportunity cost: $36,076
Fuel: $16,370
Maintenance and repairs: $5,359
Insurance: $20,940
Taxes and fees: $11,816

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