The Japanese automaker Nissan has just released pricing information regarding their factory tuned, Nismo version of the latest interpretation of the Z car. With an MSRP of only $39,130 “The new NISMO Z is a tuner and Z enthusiast’s dream – straight from the factory,” said Pat Steiner, Director of Specialty Vehicles, at Nissan North America. “With its dramatic exterior, custom interior, sport-tuned performance and under $40,000 price, this new NISMO Z is possibly the best ‘bang-for-the-buck’ sports car available today.”
The Nismo treatment consists of more than just body mods. Thanks to a free flowing exhaust and reprogrammed ECU the Nismo 370Z makes 350 HP 276 lb-ft of torque, that is 18 HP more than the standard 370Z Coupe’s 332 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Nismo Z will only be offered with the company’s close-ratio 6 speed manual transmission with the heel-toe replacing SynchroRev Match. The chassis receives some additional bracing thanks to a reinforced strut tower brace. The Nismo car rides on unique 5 spoke RAYS forged aluminum alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter and wrapped with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high-performance rubber. Inside of the rims, Nissan engineers have utilized a set of the company’s sport brakes and there is a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential in between the rear ones.
The most striking aspect of the Nismo car is the functional and fully integrated aerodynamic enhancing body kit that is made up of an extended nose complete with canards at each corner for improved down force and a fully integrated chin spoiler to keep air from getting underneath the vehicle at speed. The modifications don’t stop at the vehicles exterior, inside you will find a pair of red and black racing buckets wearing the NISMO name across its back. There is also a special edition NISMO tachometer in the gauge cluster and a smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel complete with red stitching. The one item that will truly set the Nismo Z apart from all imitators is a small tag that identifies the car as a genuine product of Nissan Motorsports.
Press release after the jump.
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Volvo has just announced pricing for the 2010 XC60 3.2 SUV that will go on sale this summer. The Volvo will be offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, each priced at $32,395 and respectively $34,395.
The 3.2 means the XC60 is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.2 Liter poer plant that makes 235 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Standard equipment on the XC includes: 17-inch alloy wheels; auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, Bluetooth with hands free capability, dual zone Electronic Climate Control, front fog lamps, HD Radio, high performance audio system with 8-speakers, a 4x40 amplifier, CD player with MP3 capability, cargo area load cover, power driver’s seat with memory function including the outside mirrors and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Press release after the jump.
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Nissan’s luxury arm will be selling their 2009 Infiniti EX35 crossover on May 29 starting at just $33,800 for a rear wheel drive version and $36,000 for the one with all wheel drive. The more comfortable Journey models will be priced at $35,200 and $37,400 respectively for rear or all wheel drive. The Journey trim adds a six-disc CD changer, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, coat hanger on the back of the driver’s headrest and dual-zone automatic temperature control all standard.
For 2009 Infiniti is bringing back the popular Around View Monitor that gives the driver a satellite-like bird’s eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, Lane Departure Prevention system, Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist and Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning. All these features are standard when opting for the Bose Sound and Navigation Package.
Just like the previous version, the 2009 EX has the venerable 3.5 Liter VQ35 six cylinder engine under the hood mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission; sending the 297 HP to either the rear or all four of the vehicle’s 18 inch wheels.
Press release after the jump.
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General Motors has just announced that the 2010 Cadillac SRX will go on sale later this summer starting at $34,155. The new crossover will come from the factory with a 3.0 Liter V6, featuring fuel saving direct injection, putting out 265 HP. There will also be a turbocharged 2.8 Liter V6 available as an option; the boosted engine will make 300 HP.
No matter which power plant you choose, gears will be shifted via a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic that lowers the engine’s RPMs when traveling at highway speeds, further increasing fuel mileage.
The all new 2010 Cadillac SRX is a welcome addition of style, performance and fuel economy into the more often than not dull crossover market. According to Steve Shannon, the Executive Director of Marketing for Cadillac, the SRX “offer[s] new dimensions of versatility and fuel efficiency, along with Cadillac’s signature design and technical features…we believe the Cadillac SRX offers emotional appeal to a segment previously devoid of much of that
Press release after the jump.
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The drop top theme continues today on Top Speed with the latest addition to the Lexus line-up - the Lexus IS-C – has just gone on sale in Japan. But here in the U.S. we will have to wait a little bit longer. Domestic sales will begin in early June, and the automaker has high hopes for the new car: they are planning on moving 1600 units a month.
The 2010 IS250C will start at $38,490 equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and an automatic will bring the price up to $39,660. While the larger engine bearing IS350C will have an MSRP of $43,940.
The only other convertible in Lexus’ line-up is the SC450 priced at $67,680. With more than $20,000 between them, Lexus expects that car buyers looking to get into a Japanese luxury convertible will find the IS-C to be a very attractive option.
Lincoln announced today pricing for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ that was revealed at last year’s Los Angeles International Auto Show. Competing with models like mid size luxury sedans Lexus ES350 and Cadillac CTS, the 2010 MKZ is priced starting at $34,965 for the base vehicle and $36,855 for the AWD model.
The MKZ is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 263 HP and 249 lb-ft of torque. The Duratec power plant is mated to a smooth shifting six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
The new Lincoln MKZ mid size sedan offers segment-exclusive safety features, like the Blind Spot Information System that is part of the Cross Traffic Alert function, these systems make everything from highway driving to pulling out of parking spaces much less dangerous. BLIS tracks vehicles in the blind-spot just behind either side of the vehicle using two multiple-beam radar modules behind the rear fenders just like the back-up sensors found in the bumpers of luxury automobiles. The CTA uses the BLIS radar sensors to alert the driver to approaching traffic while in reverse and backing out of a parking spot and just like the BLIS system warns the driver with and LED warning light in the side view mirror.
Press release after the jump.
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General Motors hopes to satisfy the needs and wants of both minivan and SUV buyers with the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse CUV. The crossover that debuted last year at the Chicago Auto Show has 10 cup holders, seating for 7, a potent direct injected V6, optional 4 wheel drive, third row seating and promises return on average 20 miles per gallon. Starting at just under $30,000 the Traverse is an attractable package that offers the amenities of a minivan with the outward appearance of an SUV.
The large grill is the first thing that you see on the Traverse and it is distinctly Chevrolet. The opening is cut in half by a horizontal bar that displays a bowtie front and center. The piece is almost identical to the grill of the Chevrolet Malibu and hints at a possible design theme for the future.
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The 2010 Lexus RX 350 will go on sale this month at a price of $36,800 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $38,200 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) version.
The 2010 RX 350 teams a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine with an all-new six-speed Multi-Mode Automatic Transmission. Horsepower is increased to 275 at 6,200 rpm from 270 in the previous generation, while ninety percent or more of the 256 lb.-ft. of peak torque is available from 2,300 to 6,100 rpm, an optimal range where torque is most utilized. The new six-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous five-speed, and the Multi-Mode allows the driver to shift manually when desired by first moving the gated shift lever to the “S” slot and then pushing it forward ("+") to up shift and backward ("-") to downshift.
Press release after the jump.
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Audi USA announced that the 2009 Q5 crossover will go o sale next spring at a price of $37,200. Pricing for the Audi Q5 Premium Plus starts at $41,500, and the Audi Q5 Prestige starts at $48,200. It will compete with models like Lexus RX, the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK.
The Audi Q5 is derived from the same Audi-exclusive platform first developed for the A4 model range. The versatility of that vehicle platform gives the Q5 the driving comfort and performance characteristics of a luxury performance automobile and the longest wheelbase in its class. The efficient engineering and design of the Q5 also translated into shorter front and rear overhangs for better weight distribution to help stability. Audi also widened the vehicle platform to increase shoulder room inside the Q5 and to optimize the driver’s seating position for a more commanding view of the road.
The Audi Q5 will also lead the segment of AWD, gasoline-powertrain crossover vehicles in fuel economy. According to the U.S. EPA, the Audi Q5 achieves 18 mpg city mileage and 20 mpg combined - both tops in the category - along with 23 mpg highway mileage.
Press release after the jump.
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Volvo today announced US pricing on the 2010 XC60 crossover that will go on sale this March. Prices will start from $37,200. At this price you can add a Climate Package for $1,000, a Technology Package for $2,700, a Collision Avoidance Package for $1,695 or a Convenience Package for $1,000.
The XC60 is Volvo’s entry into the growing small premium utility segment. Features such as leather seating surfaces with a power driver’s seat, SIRIUS satellite radio (with complimentary six-month subscription), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports are all standard. As a special introductory offer, the unique Panorama moonroof will be offered at no charge. Customers may also opt for Volvo’s DVD-based navigation system with integrated back-up camera and two new colors: Lime Grass Green or Terra Bronze.
Press release after the jump.
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