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Nissan GT-R – The Secret Revealed

The production version of the Nissan GT-R debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and was launched in the Japanese market December 2007. The U.S. launch is scheduled for June 2008. Europe will be the third market for the GT-R, where it is expected to be launched late 2008. Production will be held to about 1,000 cars per month. Sony PlayStation’s “Gran Turismo (series)”Gran Turismo creators “Polyphony Digital”Polyphony Digital were involved in the development of the Nissan GT-R by designing the performance car’s multifunction display. This powerful performance automobile was a legend even before production started, thanks in part to this popular car racing video game.

Underground car racing trials from Japan report that the 2009 Nissan GT-R boasts a 0-60 of 3.5 seconds with the aid of launch control, technological wizardry that Nissan has been keeping secret. It has an 11.7-second quarter mile with a 192 mph top speed; a true performance car. The price, less than $70,000 for the base and Black Edition, makes it a reachable dream for the upper middleclass car racing enthusiast. The larger-displacement 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 produces approximately 450 horsepower; and makes for exciting car racing on drifting videos.

Activation of the Nissan GT-R’s launch control is a matter of configuring the transmission, dynamics control and damping adjustments properly. Then you pin the brake with your left foot and throttle with your right like the technique used to produce burnouts in those monster performance cars of byegone times. The results are somewhat different though. The GT-R‘s computer holds the engine at 4,500 rpm waiting for your foot to let off the brake pedal. When you do the GT-R accelerates faster than virtually any production performance car in the world. It is comparable to the Porsche 911 Turbo which hits 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and blasts through the quarter-mile in 11.6 at 118.5 mph.

Audi S4 Luxury and Performance

Spy photographers spotted the next Audi S4 out for underground testing. Based on the Audi A4 that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new S4 promises even more performance than the previous model. While the front bumper remains unchanged a few subtle changes can be seen. Audi’s signature chrome side mirrors found on Audi S models are also absent. Compared to the A4, the new S4 has bigger wheels and brakes, new side skirts and quad-exhaust. Powering the S4 will be a 354 horsepower V8. Mechanically, the S4 is expected to be identical to the S5.The 2008 S4 has a base price of $48,610 which keeps it affordable to the upper middleclass performance enthusiast and it is likely the new S4 will be in the same price range.

It has been reported that the new Audi S4 runs at 11.37 @ 122.43 MPH at the drag strip. Looking more like a luxury car than a racing car, the S4’s performance and power are hard to beat. The Audi S4 will use the S5’s 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine that delivers 354 Hp (compared to 340 Hp of the current S4’s 4.2L V8). Power will be transferred to all wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The new S4 is anticipated to get a slight power boost to keep its rivals including BMW at bay. In usual Audi fashion, the range-topping S-models are equipped with the Quattro four-wheel drive technology.

We can look forward to seeing more of these two exciting automobiles as the U.S. debut gets closer. For the latest underground sports cars auto news and to view the hottest drifting and car racing videos, join the Car Racing community. GTChannel.com offers professionally produced drifting and car racing video features, underground racing and news, new vehicle tests, motor sports events and car comparison races. GTChannel is a one stop location for breaking car racing news.

To buy or not to buy — that is the question on many peoples mind these days when it comes to purchasing a new car. With gas prices being as astronomically high as they are, a great many people are looking at hybrid cars to solve the “grump at the pump syndrome.” Hybrid cars may be money-saving for drivers and a grand “pollution-solution;” however, there are things you may not know that might influence your choice. The following represents examples you should seriously consider as some of the “bad news” about hybrid cars:

1. Hybrid cars incorporate new technology. When technology is new and minimally tested, there always exists the “reboot” scenario. As an example, until all the glitches are resolved, a hybrid car “vehicular reboot” in the middle of rush hour traffic could be a nightmare. Another hard-to-imagine example is being alone and losing power late at night;

2. Hybrid cars are lightweight. Hybrid cars have to accommodate large battery packs making the lighter materials necessary. There may never be “just a fender-bender” in a hybrid car. You should consider that what was once just a minor collision in an ordinary car may be much worse in a hybrid car;

3. Hybrid cars are small. If you have a long Christmas list and wait until the last minute, don’t try to take the kids with you in a hybrid car to the mall. Hybrid cars, at the present time, have very limited cargo and seating space;

4. Hybrid cars are too quiet. Taking a silently golden ride down a country road in your hybrid car sounds lovely. BUT – hybrid cars run so silently that a child getting ready to dash across that county road may not hear you coming. While driving any vehicle demands great attention, it is even more important in the quiet hybrid car for the safety of all pedestrians and surrounding traffic; and,

5. Hybrid cars are slow on the “take off.” Forget about gunning the engine to beat a train in a hybrid car. Entering onto a freeway or merging may not be as easy with a hybrid car. This issue alone has had many drivers wondering about safety problems.

The above examples were, or could have been, said about conventional automobiles at one time. Skepticism about anything new is common. However, skepticism is important to any decision regarding all large investments. It was probably more daunting to decide to buy an automobile in 1920 than deciding on buying a hybrid car today.

You probably have heard all the catch phrases touting the hybrid car. The “good news” is that hybrid cars are very fuel-efficient, truly environmentally-friendly, and, technologically cutting-edge—not to mention really cool. Before you write the check, though, take your time; do more research; talk to hybrid car owners; take a hide-and-watch stance. When, and if, you decide to buy, know your decision is based on information you have gathered. You wouldn’t want buyers’ remorse over a hybrid car.