Nissan suspected of cheating in record setting Nurburgring GT-R run.

Nissan Skyline GT-R at Denver Auto Show.

After purchasing an American GT-R Porsche set to the task of recreating the run, but evidently was unable to achieve a time with the car with 25 seconds of the record time.

It isn’t surprising that Porsche would go to these lengths to stand by their record set on home turf, what is surprising is how Porsche suspects Nissan cheated.

“For us, it’s not clear how this time is possible. What we can imagine with this Nissan is they used other tyres.”

Reasoning that tires would make such a large difference begs the question as to whether a Porsche GT2 would set an even more impressive time granted the stickier rubber.

Nissan has yet to comment, but I would assume that Porsche is not pulling any punches as Japanese companies have been famous for stretching the rules for their own benefit.

You may all well remember the SAE revisions that took place back in 2005 in which several major Japanese manufacturers took hits on their horsepower and torque figure for some of their best selling cars.

Or if you choose to look further back and will remember the rumored “300 horsepower agreement” many of the Japanese brands would simply underrate the horsepower and torque figures for their respective supercars.

In my opinion there is no honor in cheating, but if you never get caught then who is the wiser?

Comfort, convenience, style, and speed; America has a hot new hatchback……Sort of…

Since the 2005 model year, the HHR (GM speak for Heritage High Roof) has been gaining ground with people looking for more versatility and style for a day to day commuter.

However, the HHR has, as of yet, been anything but a sporty model. The hottest engine choice being the 2.4 litre twin cam mill producing 175 BHP, and 165 lb./ft. of torque, the HHR held the blandness of the “styled by the same guy” PT Cruiser.  Even the HHR Panel, which has been well received by small business in need of an economic courier, has yet to stir the loins of the tuner faithful.

GM front man Robert Lutz has made a habit out of injecting performance even in the lowliest econoboxes, and this event is no different. Using the LNF Ecotec Turbo I-4 from the Pontiac Solstice GXP, and Saturn Sky Redline, GM has infused 260 horsepower and 260 lb./ft. of torque channeled through a 5 speed manual.

This puts the quirky styling of the HHR and mates it to the high end tuner world of the Cobalt SS. Now suburban housewives, and upstart business owners can rocket down the road with the speed of a C4 Corvette or run an impromptu  race with any riced out WRX they happen to find.

While using the same engine and transmission setup as the Cobalt SS, some of the techno goodies come along for the ride. So now, while hauling a load of groceries, or a set of wheels for your customers new whip; you can blast through the gears without lifting, or play with the launch control feature for a quick light to light jaunt.

Whether the HHR’s styling in Panel or standard, and the infusion of power will steal more customers from their SUV’s is unknown; yet I’ll say I love the idea and would love an HHR Panel for a daily driver. 

The 2009 Ford Flex

Ford Motor Company has seen better days,

With record losses, bland new models, giant rebates on older models, and only the mustang to anchor the drifting company; many might think back to the iconic models of Ford’s yesteryears.

Enter the Ford Flex.

After years of production for the boring and sales lacking Ford Freestar and Mecury Monterey minivans, Ford has entered the world of the elite crossover.

Crossovers have existed for a decade in one form or another and were tipified with the introduction of the RX300 from Lexus. So, Ford entering this growing segment is needed but with every other manufacturer entereing the game as well, the waters ahead are rocky to say the least.

Luckily, Ford chose with this new model to draw on interesting styling and functionality rather than overall technology (as found in the Acura RDX) or sci-fi trechie styling that perforates most asian based crossovers.

What we end up with is the 2009 Ford Woodie…. whoops, should I say FORD FLex.

Accidentally harking back to the kitchy surf mobile made popular by california hippies in the 60’s, the Flex is immediately recognizable. It stands out in a sea of boring seemingly submersible blobs and razor edged SUVs.

With available seating for 7 and a choice of engines that can receive up to 26 mpg highway it should be gobbled up by the young adventurous family.

My only gripe with this particular mode of transportation with its slab sides and upright windshield is the lack of interior style. Ford continues to create bland uncomfortable looking interiors with bland panel fits and uninspired layouts.

Earlier today, GM unwrapped the vehicle that they feel is the key to the company’s survival.  That vehicle is the Chevy Volt.  It is a vehicle that is powered by an electric motor upto 40 miles, and then a small gasolin engine kicks in to help propel the electric motor.  Some features include: an all-black roof, solid front grill, and in the interior, a bright white center stack and customizable LCD displays.

According to GM, the Volt’s lithium-ion battery can be charged in eight hours on a 120-volt plug. Using a 240-volt outlet cuts the time down to less than three hours. The claimed 40-mile all-electric range is based on the EPA city cycle, but GM has not said how power accessories and components like air conditioning will affect it.

It will enter the market in late 2010 as a 2011 model.  Is it too little too late for GM?  What do you think?

Mazda Kiyora

The concept of “Kiyora” helped the designers to imagine a city car cutting cleanly through an urban landscape, with water as the design theme.  The car achieves excellent fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions because of the fact it is equipped with Mazda’s next generation 4 cylinder direct injection engine and featuring the company’s unique Smart Idle Stop System. The new Mazda concept car is newly redesigned in order to maximize weight reduction and a high level of safety, in pursuit of enhanced driving excitement. It also features an interior design and new functions that support a youthful exuberance.

As said, on 5th September, Toyota had launched its 10 generation Corolla Altis. The new Toyota Corolla Altis hopes to give a good competition to the segment leader Honda Civic! By launching the Corolla Altis, Toyota makes its first step of gaining atleast 10% market share by 2015. The launch of the Toyota Corolla Altis took place at the Noida Expo Ground and it is available in the showrooms now.

The Toyota Corolla Altis comes with a 1.8L, 4 cylinder gasoline engine which produces 132bhp @ 6000rpm and torque of 170Nm @ 4200 rpm.. The new Corolla comes with MacPherson Strut suspension in the front and Torsion Beam at the rear. The front is equipped with ventilated Disc brakes and solid disc at the rear along with 15″ Tubeless tyres. The Corolla comes in standard 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Corolla comes in 3 variants - 1.8G (manual), 1.8GL (manual) and 1.8VL (automatic). The new Corolla comes in 5 colours - Silver Mica Metallic, Light Blue Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic,Champagne Mica Metallic and White Pearl Mica.

Priced between Rs 10.83 Lakhs and Rs. 12.86 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom Delhi), the Corolla Altis competes with the recently launched Volkswagen Jetta and segment leader Honda Civic.

The top-end version comes with world class features like HID Lamps, 8-way power adjustable driver seats with electric lumber support, Auto Dimming inside rear veiw mirror, headlamp washers and cruise control. Along with these features the car is said to have 22 storage areas for comfort and convenience.

Variant Prices

1.8 VL (automatic) Rs. 1,286,000
1.8 GL (manual) Rs. 1,209,000
1.8 G (manual) Rs. 1,083,000

The corolla is priced very well. The new Corolla is bigger and wider than the previous generation, which increases the legroom and headroom in the interior. The comfort in further increased by creating a flat rear. The car comes with audio controls in the steering wheel too.

For safety, the new Corolla is equipped with ABS and dual airbags in front for the driver and co-driver. An advanced seat called WIL concept seat protects your body from extra strain and impact.

The all new Honda City will be on its way soon. The Honda City is a great car in India and is a great competition to the Maruti Suzuki SX4 and Ford Fiesta. The City sells well even though its priced a lakh above the rest of the cars in the segment. The new City will be Honda’s third launch this year after the Accord and Civic hybrid.

The car is inspired from the existing Honda Civic and the Honda Airwave. The new City will come with an i-Vtec engine that will come with a manual and automatic transmission. If you look at the interior pictures, you will find paddle shifts in the steering wheel, which could be an option for us.

Honda was critisized of not having Airbags and ABS even as an option in the current City. But they will overcome that in this generation. The new City comes with an integrated Stereo that goes well along the dashboard. The prices are however still a mystery, but I hope it to be a little extra from the current generation City.

Here are the latest pictures of the Honda City completely uncovered.