HONDA CITY 2009

The all-new Honda City will make its European debut at the Istanbul Motor Show in October 2008.

The compact sedan is a radical departure from the previous generation car, with a totally new exterior style, featuring some visual elements of the stylish Accord. The restyled exterior is joined by a new 1.4 i-VTEC engine, which gives the Honda City significantly more power and better performance.

The new engine, which is also shared with the new Honda Jazz is fitted with Honda's acclaimed i-VTEC system, which provides excellent performance and flexibility, without compromising fuel economy or emissions. The new engine gives the Honda City 100PS, a healthy 17 PS increase over the previous model. This extra power helps the new Honda City complete the benchmark 0-100 km/h in just 11.8 seconds for the manual version, an improvement of 1.6 seconds. The automatic version hits 100 in 14.7 seconds, almost half a second quicker than before.
The manual transmission for Honda City is a modified version of the current gearbox, with carbon synchromesh for smoother changes, improved refinement and a new set of optimised gear ratios. The Automatic transmission is all-new and adds the option to shift gears with steering wheel mounted paddles for the first time. With a sport mode, improved shift logic and ratios the new transmission better compliments the new car's more powerful engine.
The all-new model has been further enhanced over its predecessor with a higher quality of materials, improved aesthetics and functionality. Increased storage capacity around the cabin including a bigger glove box improves practicality, while a new design of seats improves passenger and driver comfort.

The design changes are complimented by several improvements to the Noise Vibration and Harshness technologies applied to the car. A host of new features in the body, interior, suspension, engine and mountings have been included to bring further refinement to Honda's newest sedan. The NVH enhancements allow customers to make the most of the new audio system which offers iPod connectivity and better sound quality.

The new Honda City is based on the platform of the award winning new Honda Jazz, and benefits from the many of the technologies seen in the new hatchback. The longer wheel base gives a significant improvement in interior space as well as the associated ride and handling benefits. Safety performance is also enhanced with the adoption of the ACE Body Structure (Advanced Compatibility Engineering), which better protects occupants of both cars in the event of a collision between vehicles of different heights.

2004 Nissan Terminator 350Z by Craig Lieberman

2004 Nissan Terminator 350Z by Craig Lieberman Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:R19

Engine

Type:V6
Displacement cu in (cc):213 (3500)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:n.a.
Redline at RPM:n.a.

Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:n.a.
Weight lb (kg):n.a.

Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:n.a.
Top Speed mph (km/h):n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):n.a.
Base Price: 2004 Nissan Terminator 350Z by Craig Lieberman - n.a. (last update: 2/20/2007)


Terminator 350Z
The car features custom built 19" HRE Wheels, Falken Tires and a VeilSide Version 3 body kit. For audio/video, the Terminator theme was integrated into the car which now features an assortment of Bazooka products. Other electronics include racing compass and switchgear by Ignited. The final touch was a 100 shot of nitrous, courtesy of Nitrous Express.

The New Garrett GT Racecar is Here!

PHOENIX (AZ) - After a pair of testing sessions on 1/8 mile tracks, the Garrett Turbochargers/Bothwell Racing Team were ready to step up and race the brand new Garrett GT Mustang. The venue would be the Pacific Street Car Association's Outlaw 10.5" Tire class. It would be a test of the new engine program, the Garrett GT55R, a new platform and rear-wheel drive racing against competitors who have had all season and, for some, years to shake down their cars. The freshly-wrapped hauler pulled into the parking lot at Firebird Raceway and unloaded a stunning 2006 Mustang GT sporting a matching blue and red vinyl wrap. Immediately, competing racers were stopping by to question the newcomers and find out what the team was bringing to the table.
What the Garrett GT Mustang brought was a number one qualifying position with an ET of 7.568 seconds at 180.50 mph during the second round of qualifying in which driver Ron Lummus gained his PSCA license. Two competing cars would take notice and push themselves past Ron's time in the final round of qualifications, but Ron would still enter Sunday's eliminations mid-pack at the #3 spot.

The first round would pit Ron against the yellow Camaro of driver S. Zeinaty, the #4 qualifier. Ron would dispatch the competition with an ET of 7.722 seconds at 180.26 mph to Zeinaty's 7.794 seconds at 193.10 mph.

Round two scheduled Ron for a battle against top qualifier Ron Weems and his Pontiac Grand Am. When Weems failed to make the call due to mechanical issues, Ron took the bye run and powered the car down the track in 7.872 seconds at 176.21 mph to take him to the finals against R. Zehring and his super-consistent Camaro.

Zehring's times had been faster than the Garrett Mustang's all day by half a second. Zehring was having difficulty making the staging lanes, but the Garrett/Bothwell team, always good sports, decided to wait for their opponent and have the Outlaw 10.5 class conclude the event rather than make a run without a competitor. Finally, Zehring's rust-colored Camaro was pulled to the line. As the Garrett GT55R spooled on the line with the sound of a jet fighter preparing for launch, the team knew it would be a tough race. Though Ron got the holeshot, it would not be enough to fend off Zehring's charge as last year's class champion raced past to finish in 7.147 seconds at 200.41 mph. Ron lifted and cruised to 8.284 seconds at 127.71 mph.

All in all, it was a great weekend.There is much more to learn about the new racecar and the Bothwell team is sure to examine the data and test ways to improve speed, traction and power before the next event in Fontana, CA on October 20. Making the finals at the first race is a promising start for the Garrett GT Mustang!

2009 Nissan GT-R (Skyline)

2009 Nissan GT-R (Skyline) Specifications

Drivetrain
Transmission: 6 Speed DSG Manual
Layout:Front Engine, AWD
Final Drive Ratio: 3.70:1
Differential: 1.5 Way Mechanical Limited Slip
Brakes: Brembo 4 Wheel Disc - 15 in. Front and Rear

Engine
Horsepower: 480 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 430 ft-lbs. @ 3200 rpm
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Engine Type: Twin Turbo 24V V6

Exterior
Length: 183.3 in
Width: 74.6 in
Height: 54 in
Wheelbase: 109.5 in
Performance: Acceleration 0-60 mph s3.3 sec
Drag Coefficient: 0.27
Base Price: 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R - $69,850

The Evolution of Skyline: 2009 Nissan GT-R
The 2009 Nissan GT-R, the first Skyline GT-R model to be released in the United States, offers performance unlike any Nissan sports car in the history of the Japanese automaker. The "Skyline" moniker has officially been dropped, but the 2009 GT-R, which was delivered to its first US customers in July 2008, represents a new era for the Skyline GT-R, the most storied sports car in Japanese automotive history.

With exterior styling that is a departure from Nissan Skyline GT-R models of the past 20 years, the 2009 Nissan GT-R places performance function on the level with styling. Classic Skyline GT-R touches are found in the taillights and rear end, as well as in the flared rear fenders embracing 20 x 10.5 in. rear wheels.

No stock Skyline GT-R model in Nissan's history can touch the performance ability of the brand-new 2009 model. The Skyline, like other critical darling sports cars such as the BMW 3-Series, has always been about outputting greater performance than spec sheets and dyno numbers would indicate. The 2009 GT-R offers some of the most sophisticated electronic engine and drivetrain management found on any sports car in the world. Offering a stellar bang-for-the-buck ratio with a base price a hair under $70,000, the 2009 Nissan GT-R is already commanding siginificant price gouging over MSRP. All the official details appear below, direct from Nissan..

Turbochargers Explained: Blow off valve

HKS S.SQV KIT BLOW OFF VALVE

The HKS Super Sequential Blow-Off Valve (SQV) is a dual stage pull type relief valve. Unlike other blow off valves that are push type, the SQV will not leak under high boost conditions or under vacuum at idle. Being of a pull type valve structure, the SQV cannot physically leak under any level of boost because boost pressure also keeps the valve closed against its seat. The SQV is actuated by pressure alterations only, not by the rate of pressure or vacuum in the line, which ensures a quick valve response and complete closure during idle. On typical blow-off valve designs, a large valve is utilized in order to accommodate high boost / high horsepower applications. However, these large valves tend to react slowly and require high activation pressure to open, therefore are not able to activate and prevent compressor surge at light-load conditions. On the other hand, smaller, fast reacting valves do not discharge the airflow capacity required for high horsepower applications and tend to creep open and leak as the boost pressure overpowers the spring on these push type valves. For maximum performance, the HKS SQV incorporates both a small primary valve for ultra quick activation, along with a larger secondary valve for additional discharge capacity. The SQV is engineered to initially open the small primary valve at light throttle and load conditions, then sequentially opens the secondary valve for additional relief capacity under high boost and load conditions. The SQV is constructed of polished billet aluminium, which ensures long-term durability and visual appeal. The mounting base utilizes a circular mounting flange that provides exception flow and complete secure mounting via a C-clip snap ring and O-ring gasket. The triple-fin discharge port design produces a powerful and unique aggressive blow-off sound along with added visual distinction. The HKS SQV is available as a universal unit for custom applications and also by vehicle specific kits for bolt-on applications. Vehicle specific HKS SQV kits come complete with all needed mounting flanges, brackets, and miscellaneous hardware for a bolt-on installation. For Universal SQV applications, weld-on flanges are available in steel and aluminium for custom installation.

HKS Super SQV 2(Super Sequential Blow Off Valve)

Uses a unique sequential valve structure and a differential pressure control system, which allows for a broad operation range from low boost to high boost. (Latest Model)

Blitz Blow Off Valve

Turbochargers Explained: The Wastegate

Without a wastegate, the amount of boost that a turbocharger creates varies with the pressure of the engine's exhaust. This happens because exhaust pressure varies with relation to the engine's speed (measured in RPM's). This implies that as an engine reaches higher RPM's, increasing amounts of boost will be created by the turbocharger. The problem with this is that an engine can only accomodate a given amount of boost. Most stock engines are only meant to take about 10 PSI if not less. In order to regulate the amount of boost that comes into the engine, a wastegate acts as a door only allowing a given amount of exhaust to hit the turbocharger's exhaust turbine. Once the engine starts producing more exhaust pressure then the wastegate system will allow, a flap is opened to redirect excess exhaust away from the turbine blades. In turn, this is where a wastegate gets it's name. It's a gate to carry away waste. In order to regulate when a wastegate opens, a boost conroller can be used.

There are two types of wastegates. The first one is an internal wastegate (right). An internal wastegate is a component on the turbo unit itself. The gate is opened via an actuator which is a diaphram type system (see left picture). Excess exhaust is then fed directly into the exhaust system. We also have what is called an external wastegate (left), unlike an internal wastegate, it is seperate from the turbo unit and does not require an actuator. Excess exhaust can either be fed into the exhaust system or it can be vented straight out and into the atmosphere. High performance set-ups typically follow the latter alternative. Most stock systems come with an internal wastegate as this set-up is better suited for low boost applications. However most aftermarket systems perform better with an seperate external wastegate assembly making it an ideal choice for those generating boost in the range of 20-30 PSI.