It’s time for us to apologize. We sample factory material, expert analysis, manufacture’s websites, industry rumors and other blogs, but sometimes we still just can’t get it right. Our predictions had the Nissan 370Z rated at 330 hp, and today we got the news that the official rating is 332 hp — we understand if you never want to read this site again.
As part of the specifications for the LA Auto Show lineup, Nissan revealed official details about the car. The new 370Z features a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, larger engine with 26 more horsepower, a new 7-speed automatic transmission and the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual transmission.
The same release revealed the full list of manufacture’s debuts for the 2009 LA Show. The list includes: Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Ford Mustang, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid concept, Infiniti G37 Convertible, Kia Borrego FCEV concept, Lincoln MKZ, Mazda 3, Mercury Milan/Milan Hybrid, MINI E, Nissan 370 Z, Nissan Cube, Porsche Boxster and Cayman, Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid concept and Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI.
n2a Motors has been teasing the auto world with the Anteros since the 2006 SEMA show. But now it seems like the company may have gotten it together as a final version will be at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Anteros is built using a 2009 Corvette platform, and base versions are powered by a LS3 V8 engine that delivers the same 430 hp and 424 lb.-ft. of torque as the standard Corvette coupe. The Anteros based on the Z06 platform gets a little extra sweetening from Lingenfelter with a 630 horsepower performance package. The company will start taking orders for the car in 2009 and will be priced at $149,500 for the coupe version and $154,500 for the convertible version. The Anteros based on the Z06 platform is priced at $176,500.
n2a takes a donor Corvette, strips it down, and then reassembles the body using carbon-composite body panels. This sleeker, lighter body is then matched with new wheels and exhaust system to give this a custom car look outside.
If you already like the Corvette’s interior, then the the Anteros won’t disappoint. For the rest of us (although n2a says that there are new leather seats, leather dash, Italian carpeting, and leather-wrapped interior panels,) the lineage of the donor Corvette is unmistakable.
Press release after the jump
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A couple of weeks ago we saw leaked official images of the refreshed 2010 Porsche Cayman and Boxster. At that time we knew it didn’t mater much because the car would be in the flesh this month at the LA Auto Show. Now we have further proof that Porsche hasn’t shied away from the show, as these Caymans were caught coming out of cargo on the tarmac at LAX airport.
The new Cayman will feature redesigned front bumpers with LED lights and revised rear bumpers with new tail lamps. Like the 2009 911, the 2010 Boxster and Cayman will be offered with the new PDK dual-clutch transmission.
The CC Gold Coast was presented at the SEMA Show. Based on the Passat CC, the Gold Coast edition adds luxury and performance extras like tri-coat paint, high-end interior appointments, and ground affects that enhance the sportiness of Volkswagen’s newest sedan.
The CC Gold Coast edition is powered by the 3.6L FSI, rated at 280 hp and 265lbs.-ft of torque, with the innovative DSG double-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic.
The CC Gold Coast features DuPont’s Pepe Pepper, large-surface dual taillights, a spoiler with additional rear-end ground effects, 19-inch Lugano polished propeller style wheels, which provide a combination of sharp style and improved curb appeal.
Press release after the jump.
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Galpin presented at the SEMA Show a customized version of the Honda Accord Coupe. Galpin lowered the ride height and added huge wheels next to a blue paintjob with a carbon fiber hood and a GT wing at the rear.
Mobil1 and Bulletproof Automotive presented at SEMA their own customized version of the Nissan GT-R. The car is painted with exclusive OEM “Midnight Purple” paint, straight from Nissan Japan.
The Mobil 1/Bulletproof Automotive GT-R will be the first R35 GT-R in the world to be adorned with the Midnight Purple color scheme, but there are a lot more unique attributes that make this car something truly exceptional. On the exterior, you can’t miss the one-off Carbon Roof and Full Zele Carbon Aerodynamic Package with Amuse Wing, highlighted with graphic design by world famous designer Manabu “Mana-P” Suzuki of MS-R and Option.
There are a few modifications under the hood too: a COBB AccessPORT ECU and a Powerhouse Amuse Full Turbo Back Exhaust System helping the extra air exit out the back. Bringing this GT-R to a hault, is an Endless Mono-6 Racing Brake Conversion on all 4 corners while an Amuse Suspension with Electronic Integration, BBS LM Limited Wheel and Toyo Proxes R888 Tires keep the R35 planted firmly to the road.
The 2009 Honda Fit equipped with Mugen accessories was revealed at the SEMA Show along with the announcement that beginning next spring, Honda will make a complete new line of Mugen accessories available for the 2009 Fit on an a-la-carte basis through authorized Honda dealers.
Available Mugen accessories for the Fit will include: 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminum oil filler cap, front sports grille, front under spoiler, side spoiler, rear under spoiler, sports silencer, rear emblem, quick shifter, shift knob, sports pedals (MT), sports floor mats and a mirror cover.
The Dodge Challenger can provide big power and torque to the rear wheels, which makes it a great starting point for drift competitions. So it only makes sense that Chrysler’s parts guys, Mopar, would create for SEMA the Drift Dodge Challenger.
Exterior modifications include a variety of safety components such as a full roll-cage and a five-point harness. A front carbon-fiber splitter and rear carbon-fiber wing were added for improved aero dynamics, and weight was trimmed off the Dodge Challenger SRT8 chassis by utilizing a custom carbon-fiber body by NuFormz Racing.
The powerplant of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger features a Mopar A8 aluminum engine built by Gary Stanton Racing Engines, with Mopar W9 raised port heads, pumping out an estimated 850 hp and 849 lb-ft of torque.
Press release after the jump.
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Even the little Toyota Yaris is getting in on the fun of SEMA with a concept called the Tailback. Toyota says that the suicide doors added to the pint sized five door are for functionality, but it’s obvious it is just going for cool points. Other modifications include front and rear fascia with a center exit exhaust, grille, and widened front and rear fender flairs that incorporate new full length side rocker panels.
The car does have some practical function, too. The Yaris 5 Door Tailback is powered by a compressed natural gas system (CNG) and offers the possibility to switch from the vehicle’s combustion engine to its CNG system with the push of a button.
Press release after the jump.
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Nissan, in cooperation with Steve Millen Sports Cars revealed at the SEMA Show a customized version of the 2009 Maxima.
Nissan likes to think of the Maxima as its "4-Door Sports Car", so it receives the full aftermarket treatment from well-known Nissan race driver and builder Steve Millen. Modifications include engine airflow management improvements, rear roof and deck lid spoilers, custom wheels and tires and a two-tone black-and-silver paint treatment. Like any good SEMA project, many of these parts can already be purchased for your commuter 2009 Maxima.
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