Nissan Ninja Hauler Kicks Ass and Takes Names Silently

Take caution before reading this Craigslist posting, otherwise the gushing torrent of testosterone contained within this buffet of manliness will give you washboard abs and an unstoppable craving for beef jerky faster than you can say Chuck Norris.

This "four-wheeled hellcat from Planet Kickass" Nissan Xterra promises "special blood/gore resistant upholstery" and "a tow hitch to pull your 50 caliber anti-Taliban, self cooling machine gun." How can anyone resist such badassery?

NINJA HAULER: 2005 Nissan Xterra - $12900 (Ronan / Lake County)

OK, let me start off by saying this Xterra is only available for purchase by the manliest of men (or women). My friend, if it was possible for a vehicle to sprout chest hair and a five o'clock shadow, this Nissan would look like Tom Selleck. It is just that manly.

It was never intended to drive to the mall so you can pick up that adorable shirt at Abercrombie & Fitch that you had your eye on. It wasn't meant to transport you to yoga class or Linens & Things. No, that's what your Prius is for. If that's the kind of car you're looking for, then just do us all a favor and stop reading right now. I mean it. Just stop.

This car was engineered by 3rd degree ninja super-warriors in the highest mountains of Japan to serve the needs of the man that cheats death on a daily basis. They didn't even consider superfluous nancy boy amenities like navigation systems (real men don't get lost), heated leather seats (a real man doesn't let anything warm his butt), or On Star (real men don't even know what the hell On Star is).

No, this brute comes with the things us testosterone-fueled super action junkies need. It has a 265 HP engine to outrun the cops. It's got special blood/gore resistant upholstery. It even has a first-aid kit in the back. You know what the first aid kit has in it? A pint of whiskey, a stitch-your-own-wound kit and a hunk of leather to bite down on when you're operating on yourself. The Xterra also has an automatic transmission so if you're being chased by Libyan terrorists, you'll still be able to shoot your machine gun out the window and drive at the same time. It's saved my bacon more than once.

It has room for you and the four hotties you picked up on the way to the gym to blast your pecs and hammer your glutes. There's a tow hitch to pull your 50 caliber anti-Taliban, self cooling machine gun. I also just put in a new windshield to replace the one that got shot out by The Man.

My price on this bad boy is an incredibly low $12,900, but I'll entertain reasonable offers. And by reasonable, I mean don't walk up and tell me you'll give me $5,000 for it. That's liable to earn you a Burmese-roundhouse-sphincter-kick with a follow up three fingered eye-jab. Would it hurt? Hell yeah. Let's just say you won't be the prettiest guy at the Coldplay concert anymore.

There's only 69,000 miles on this four-wheeled hellcat from Planet Kickass. Trust me, it will outlive you and the offspring that will carry your name. It will live on as a monument to your machismo.

Now, go look in the mirror and tell me what you see. If it's a rugged, no holds barred, super brute he-man macho Chuck Norris stunt double, then contact me. I might be out hang-gliding or BASE jumping or just chilling with my ladies, but I'll get back to you. And when I do, we'll talk about a price over a nice glass of Schmidt while we listen to Johnny Cash.

To sweeten the deal a little, I'm throwing in this pair of MC Hammer pants for the man with rippling quads that can't fit into regular pants. Yeah, you heard me. FREE MC Hammer pants.

Rock on.

[Craigslist]

Nissan 370 Nismo

Recently in a network there were images of version 370 Z Nismo S-Tune from Nissan which, possibly, have been given by the developer, but the absolute guarantee of it was not. Now with confidence it is possible to tell that version Nismo will appear after the base version of model 370 Z. The presentation of tuning car Recently has taken place, and to public details about a new special offer became known. On court two tuning packages will be presented all admirers of the Japanese sport coupes: Nismo S-Tune Aero Package and Nismo S-Tune Performance Package. Nismo S-Tune Aero Package it is aimed at aerodynamics improvement, therefore consists of a new modesty panel, lateral weather-cloths and a rear spoiler. Functional set Nismo S-Tune Performance Package it is concentrated to improvement of productivity of the car, therefore he can brag of new final system, 19-inch wheels from Nismo, a special suspender of series S-Tune and the improved braking system.

Nissan phasing out production of Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs

Nissan is reportedly phasing out production of a number of its large vehicles at its Mississippi plant, including the Nissan Quest people mover, Nissan Armada SUV and the Armada-based Infiniti QX56. Production in the Mississippi plant will instead focus on a new large vehicle inspired by the NV2500 Concept unveiled just last month.
While Nissan is yet to confirm the demise of its fullsize SUVs, vehicles like the Armada and the Infiniti QX56 have all performed poorly in terms of sales this year, making it more and more likely that they will be dropped soon – plus the fact that strict CAFE regulations are just around the corner. Currently, the Nissan Armada is selling around half the units it did compared to last year, while the Infiniti QX56's sales are down by over a third for the year to date, reports MotorTrend.

Nevertheless, the news could just mean that Nissan will be shifting production of these models to other plants, and that the NV2500 will be joining this lineup. When Nissan unveiled the NV2500 last month, it was described as a preview of the company's entry into the North American Commercial Vehicle (CV) market.
Nissan's entrance into the commercial vehicle market may see the Japanese company sacrifice production of its poorly performing consumer SUVs and minivans, however there is still no official word from Nissan regarding this yet.

Nissan: Note the changes for 2009

First seen at the 2008 Paris motor show, the compact and spacious family car from Nissan is about to grow up, with changes made to the exterior and interior providing a new look with innovative and friendly technology. Note is the first vehicle in the Nissan [...]

Nissan Launches The All-New Infiniti G37 Coupe In China

Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (NCIC) today launched the all-new Infiniti G37 Coupe in China. Priced at RMB 660,000 (USD: 96,360), the all-new G37 is the first coupe from the Infiniti brand in China. The all-new Infiniti G37 Coupe strikes a perfect balance between organic beauty and dynamic visual impact. Its designers were inspired by the [...]

Nissan GT-R Smashed In Texas-Sized Wreck

Given the relatively limited number of Nissan GT-Rs produced, they sure seem to get wrecked a lot. And now the horror comes to Texas.

A poster at the Strictly European Autosport forum snapped these photos of a crunched GT-R at a collision yard in the San Antonio area. It's been wet and foggy in the region lately, so it's possible the vehicle lost traction and was hit in the driver-side quarter panel and then smashed into something else with the front of the vehicle From the looks of it, most of the car is intact. Maybe for $500 someone could have an awesome LeMons car.

Local Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi dealers to takeover their company’s Detroit displays

We already know that Nissan and Infiniti will be taking over displays abandoned by their respective automakers at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. It was announced on Thursday that Mitsubishi dealers will also occupy auto show space that was originally allocated to their company before it pulled out.

Nissan and Infiniti won’t have any bells or whistles, high-tech video displays or spinning platforms.

“The cars are going to be the stars,” Joe Serra, the show’s senior co-chairman told Automotive News. “It’s not going to be an elaborate exhibit. We’re going to make it work.”

Serra said that Mitsubishi will be pitching in to help its dealers by providing the auto show display stand. Mitsubishi dealers will supply the vehicles.

“The dealers wanted to be here,” Serra said. “They know it’s a great value.”

In addition to Mitsubishi, Nissan and Infiniti, Porsche, Suzuki, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari will be skipping the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Honda will attend but will not hold a press conference.

600hp Godzilla Package for Nissan GT-R from Hennessey

Now why in the world would you want to take something as finely balanced as the Nissan GT-R and modify using it a tuning kit that is named ‘Godzilla Package’? The Texas-based tuner Hennessey, released a 600 hp upgrade for the GT-R along with air induction system, electronic boost control, an improved wastegate actuator, and front-mount intercooler system. That seems to put the GT-R more out of balance than enhance its aerodynamics and while we also get turbo down pipes, mid-pipe exhaust, and rear section exhaust in stainless steel, we could still use some slimming down of the whole package. Available with installation for $14,500 and on shipping for $11,500, this is where the ‘beast meets the beauty’.

Nissan 370Z SyncroRev Match Stick Shift Tech Turns Average Joe Into Super Driver

Heel and toeing is one of the hardest-to-master and most rewarding driving techniques, and now the Nissan 370Z’s manual transmission will do it for you.

Heel and toeing is the confusingly named term for using your right foot to hit both the brake and gas pedals while downshifting. The idea is to match the engine revs to what they’ll be in the lower gear before you release the clutch in that gear, all while braking to slow for a turn. If you get it right, the shift into the lower gear (or gears, it’s most rewarding doing this as you shift down through two or more gears) is incredibly smooth and allows you to brake later and harder as you turn into the corner. This means more speed, less chance of spinning and an easier time for your engine and transmission. Before racecars went all paddle shifty, you had to heel and toe or you’d blow up the engine.

Sound complicated? That’s because it is and that’s where the new-for-2009 Nissan 370Z comes in.

When you downshift, it uses the ABS sensors to read the speed of the tires, compares that data to the speed of the engine and the gear being selected, and then actuates the electronic throttle to bring the revs up to the appropriate level. It does all that faster than a human driver could, guaranteeing perfectly rev-matched downshifts every time. This means that, as long as you know how to drive a stick, you’ll look like and sound a heroic racecar driver every time you get behind the wheel.

By now, if you’re in the majority of casually enthusiastic drivers, you’re thinking this sounds pretty good. It’ll help you go faster, be safer while doing so and, most importantly, look good. The problem is that if you’re a hardcore driver, you’ve spent years developing the ability to heel and toe and don’t want to share it with the everyman, nor have it done for you. The system does have an off-switch, allowing keen drivers the ability to challenge themselves, but it does represent a further erosion of voluntary control and thus the skills necessary to go fast being removed from the driving experience.

[Source: Nissan]

Nissan GT-R Tuned by Cobra N+ with up to 620HP

German tuning firm COBRA N+ has announced the development of a new performance package for the GT-R that will be available just in time for the Japanese sportscar's European market launch in the spring of 2009. In standard form, after its recent facelift that is (see details here), the four-wheel drive GT-R comes equipped with a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 485HP. COBRA N+ is readying two performance packages for the GT-R.
Nissan GT-R Cobra N+ The first tuning stage is projected to deliver 550HP, with an increase in torque to 680 Nm. To achieve this, the twin-turbocharged engine electronics were reprogrammed, boost pressure was increased by 0.15 bar and the air intake was modified with sport air filters. Also under development is a free-flow COBRA N+ stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts.
With this package the Nissan GT-R from COBRA N+ will sprint to 100 km/h (62 km/h) in less than 3.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of some 320 km/h (199 mph). The second tuning package which is still under development, will boost output to a hefty 620 HP and peak torque to approximately 800 Nm.

Nissan GT-R Cobra N+ COBRA N+ will also offer an array of suspension, wheels and brake upgrades that promise to better the sportscar's handling. These include three-piece lightweight 21-inch alloy wheels, eight-piston brake calipers and 405-mm brake discs on the front axle as well as a coil-over suspension that features a multitude of selectable settings for ride height and damper rates.

The aerodymanic package for the GT-R includes a front apron with larger air dams, rocker panels, a rear apron with integrated diffuser, and a larger rear airfoil. For the adventurous types that don't mind being finger-pointed on the road, there's also a stripes decal kit.

For the interior COBRA N+ offers two different options, a luxury kit with specially sewn upholstery for seats and doors, made from a high-quality combination of leather and Alcantara, and a racing kit with ultra-light carbon-fiber racing seats, six-point seatbelts and roll cage.

Nissan GT-R Stomps Viper ACR On Drag Strip

In an indisputable victory for technology over brute force, this video shows the Nissan GT-R laying down a seriously impressive 11.12 second 1/4 mile time, easily outpacing a Dodge Viper ACR.

This is inverse to the two vehicles' Nurburgring laps, where the ACR managed a ZR1-defeating 7:22 lap record; the GT-R’s time is only 7:29.

So how does a 480 HP car weighing 3,814 Lbs accelerate faster than a car with 600 HP that weighs only 3,408 Lbs? We’re guessing the warranty-voiding launch control has something to do with it. [via Autoblog.nl]

2009 Nissan 370Z Base Price SHIFTs_ Up To $29,930

It looks like the most powerful Z ever produced is also going to be the most expensive. Prices for the 2009 Nissan 370Z start at $29,930. But that’s before you start checking boxes.

Customers can start placing orders for the new 370Z today, to do so, they’ll need to spend at least $29,930 for the base 6-speed manual transmission. The price then goes up to $31,230 with the 7-speed Autobox or $35,760 if you plunk down for the auto Touring model with leather seats.

There’s two options packages: the $3,000 Sport Package brings 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, front and rear spoilers, bigger brakes, the controversial SynchroRev Match system and the limited slip differential; the $1,850 Navigation Package ads satellite navigation, a 9.3 GB hard drive to store music on and an iPod interface.

Today also marks the start of a new ad slogan for Nissan, “SHIFT_the way you move.” Previous slogans used “SHIFT_” but with different phrases for each product.

Nissan's press release follows:

Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New 2009 370Z Coupe
Revised Marketing Tagline "SHIFT_the way you move" Also Revealed

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Dec. 30, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) gets an early start on the new year with the announcement of pricing of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe and a revised marketing tagline. The new Z® goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* starting at $29,930 for the 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and $31,230 with the new 7-speed automatic transmission. The new Z® is also offered in a 370Z Coupe Touring model, which is priced at $34,460 with the 6-speed manual and $35,760 with the 7-speed automatic transmission.

Two option packages are offered: the Sport Package, priced at just $3,000, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoiler, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, priced at $1,850, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and Interface System for iPod®.

As the most powerful Z® ever produced, the new 370Z hits dead center in the sports car "sweet spot" of performance, design and value – with less weight, more power and enhanced handling, quality and style. With a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, choice of two advanced transmissions and a full array of driver-oriented interior features, the new 370Z is designed to be one of the top performance values in the world.

Also today Nissan announced the rollout of a revised marketing tagline: SHIFT_the way you move. Previously, SHIFT_ was used with multiple complement words, which varied by product or media application. The move to one set phrase "the way you move" reflects alignment of the direction Nissan is taking to meet changing consumer needs and wants.

"SHIFT_ has always been the core of Nissan's DNA. It is rethinking the ordinary, changing your point of view, and being original, forward thinking and challenging," said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA. "Our commitment to the philosophy of SHIFT_ has become even more critical as we look to the future and the pressures of economic and environmental change that are affecting consumer behavior in how they interact with and impact the world."

All Nissan national marketing materials will include the new SHIFT_the way you move tagline beginning in January.

[via Nissan]

Back In Black: Nissan Unveils GT-R Spec V

This is the stuff dreams are made of. After months of speculation and prototype testing, Nissan has finally pulled the wraps off of the new GT-R Spec V, which is set to go on sale in Japan in the very near future. This street-legal race-ready GT-R features boosted engine dynamics, lightweight materials, and a stealth/bold appearance, sure to knock the socks off of many 911 owners.

Outside, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, brake ducts, and grille have been added, as well as carbon ceramic brakes set behind twenty-inch Nismo wheels. The carbon fiber carries over to the interior, as well, on the instrument panel, center storage compartment, and most of the interior trim, including the standard Recaro buckets. The GT-R's rear seats have been removed in order to conserve weight, as well.
As for power, no substantial upgrades have been done to the GT-R's twin-turbo V-6, but a new high gear boost controller delivers more torque in mid- and high-range revs. A reworked suspension is put in place to improve handling dynamics, and a titanium-coated exhaust rounds out the whole package.

There's still no word if the top-shelf GT-R will make its way across the pond to America, but consider us on the edge of our seats. Click through the post to read Nissan's full press release.
    Nissan Announces New GT-R SpecV Model
    TOKYO (Jan. 8, 2009) -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
    NISSAN GT-R SpecV

    Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original's "ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime" philosophy - taking it to an entirely new level of "oneness between man and machine." The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R's unmatched performance to even higher levels.
    The GT-R SpecV's new exterior features include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body color. Inside, the SpecV's unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats, while carbon fiber insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
    Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine's twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
    The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tires, combine to deliver the SpecV's exceptional performance.
    The SpecV will be sold at the following seven dealer outlets, each of which is staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and who are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving.
    Dealer outlets selling the SpecV
    Ibaraki Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Mito Sennami Outlet
    Nissan Prince Tokyo Sales Co., Ltd. Kamedo Outlet
    Nissan Prince Nagoya Sales Co., Ltd. Fukiage Outlet
    Nissan Prince Osaka Sales Co., Ltd. Horie Kawaguchi Outlet
    Nissan Prince Hyogo Sales Co., Ltd. Nada Outlet
    Nissan Prince Kagawa Sales Co., Ltd. Takamatsu Outlet
    Yamaguchi Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Ogori Interchange Outlet
    Suggested nationwide retail price (including consumption tax) 15,750,000 yen

Nissan GT-R Spec V On The Racetrack (new video)

From all of the new carbon bits, upgraded brakes and slightly more torque, the Nissan GT-R Spec V should (technically) make it around the Nurburgring faster than the normal version of the GT-R. Below is a recent video clip of the Nissan GT-R Spec V making it’s rounds on the Nurburgring. We can’t wait for the new numbers, oh boy!

Check out the over-boost light on the dashboard avobe. That is actually a feature that Nissan has included on the new GT-R Spec V. The over-boost will give you some additional torque but the system only engages from a steering wheel button and lasts for about 80 seconds. I guess this is like your little NOS button for your ricer fans. HAHA

Nissan GT-R - the new pace car for V8 Supercars

In a move that is certain to bring some irony to the sport, Nissan’s iconic GT-R is coming back to the V8 Supercar series.
Why irony? Well, for those of you old enough to remember, the GT-R simply flogged the home made metal years ago, leading to the infamous “pack of arseholes” quote from Gentleman Jim Richards - not so gentlemanly at the time, though.
Click here if you want to know what we’re on about.
This time, however, the GT-R won’t be racing - although a few of us would like to see how competitive it would be.
The GT-R will be the new V8 Supercar Pace Car for the 2009 series. The reason? Well according to Nissan spokesperson Jeff Fisher, GT-R could use the exposure.

Mr Fisher has said, “We’re looking at numerous ways of giving GT-R continued exposure over the life of the vehicle. The V8 Supercar program could be an appealing way to do that.”

Wald Tunes Nissan GT-R and Lexus IS-F For Tokyo Auto Salon

Styling specialists Wald are showing upgrades for both the Nissan GT-R and the Lexus IS-F at this years Tokyo Auto Salon, the ramen-flavored version of SEMA.

Wald only really does exterior modifications, so don't expect go-faster parts on either of these cars, but the parts they did bring are pretty slick. The GT-R gets a restyled grille in flat-finished carbon fiber, a much more aggressive bumper cover, a CF bumper vent, carbon fiber side skirts and huge carbon fiber fender flares. and a carbon fiber insert in the rear spoiler, topped off with two-piece Wald wheels and rubber band tires.
The Lexus IS-F is gets a carbon fiber schnoz and side skirts, it wears an all carbon fiber spoiler and rear splitter. it does not on the other hand wear a crooked promotional license plate at the rear.[via Nihon Car]

Nissan/PlayStation® race team reach their ultimate goal

After nine months of hard work, challenges and successes the Nissan/PlayStation® race team have achieved what they always believed to be possible. GT Academy has found a talented virtual racer and turned him into a real racing driver with the skills, determination and talent required of a GT champion. Having been described as ‘an idea somewhere [...]

South Side Performance releases 820hp GT-R upgrade

America’s South Side Performance, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has released for the first time a new tuning kit for the R35 Nissan GT-R supercar, which the company claims is capable of delivering 820hp (612kW) at the crankshaft. The new kit is based around a custom turbocharger upgrade that exhibits greater efficiency and faster spooling than the stock set-up. This efficiency means that owners will be able to run lower boost than the stock GT-R yet still achieve more power. South Side Performance has chosen a pair of bolt-on Garrett ball bearing turbochargers for its kit.
Nissan GT-R in depth

Tokyo Auto Salon 2009: Blitz Nissan GT-R Goes RWD and Manual Transmission

The Nissan GT-R is already a great performer from the factory and many would really wonder how you could improve it anymore or even change the infamous lighting fast transmission and remarkable AWD system. Blitz, a performance aftermarket firm, ripped out the all-wheel-drive system and transmission for a rear wheel drive setup and manual gearbox. Sounds like someone will be doing some serious drifting. Actually, that is exactly the goal in this project, to drift in Japan’s D1 drift series.

This is supposedly the very first rear wheel drive Nissan GT-R R35. In addition to adding a new transmission the car obviously went on the biggest looser coming back slim and trim. The gearbox is a Hollinger sequential unit.

Check out the custom gauges on the center console. Wonder why they didn’t just program a new setup on the LCD information display… I think they may want to have some dedicated gauges when you are on the circuit doing some serious drifting.

Wald Tuned Nissan GT-R Unveiled at 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon

Japanese tuners Wald International has released their body-kit for the Nissan GT-R. The kit comes in a choice of wet or dry carbon fibre, and is not unreasonably priced.

European trademark filing reveals Nissan 370Z Roadster sketches

Europe's Office for Harmonization of the Internal Market (OHIM) maintains a trademark database that helps to ensure a minimum of conflict and easy filing for claims. That same database also lets slip basic sketches of car designs before their official unveiling on a regular basis, and this time the Nissan 370Z Roadster gets its unofficial debut. Though the simple line drawings reveal nothing in terms of materials, the key details of profile, function and outline are all present. The last-generation 350Z Roadster was often criticized for its top-up looks, with a soft top that looked like a complete after-thought, ruining the good lines and meaty proportions of the car. This time around, the Roadster appears to have been designed as such, and though none of the examples give the car's profile in top-down mode, it looks remarkably more svelte and thought out than its predecessor.
2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe

2010 Nissan Cube Gets Accidental Unveil On Japanese Transport Truck

The 2010 Nissan Cube, bound for US sales and an LA Auto Show unveil tomorrow, has been revealed in these pictures of a car transit to somewhere in Japan posted on the Motive Mag forum. The new Cube retains its asymmetrical look while at the same time managing to look a bit sleeker than its predecessor. The grille shrinks a bit and the headlights get a more high tech look. The roof goes from pure flat to a slight curve and the rear of the vehicle retains the same backwards "S" sweeping across the glass from the rear door. We'll be looking for more details tomorrow at the official unveil, but enjoy these pics for now and wait in anticipation for the pending angry washing machine van wars to come.
[Newcar-Network via TTAC via MotiveMag]

Nissan To Offer S-Tune Version Of Versa... For China

Photos appearing on China Car Times this morning suggest the new Nissan 370Z is not the only product to get a Nismo S-Tune sports package. The 2009 Nissan Versa, known as the Tiida in China, is seen here sporting NISMO colors and a badge proclaiming the S-Tune. Other than the paint and badge, the only hint this is a special model is the sharp body kit. Could we get one here?

The Nissan offered in the People's Republic of China is similar to the Nissan Versa 1.6 in that there's no option for the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Nissan could put the 1.8-liter engine in the PRC Tiida and they'd go nuts over the performance. Here they would have to offer a bit more to the vehicle, maybe a transplant from the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, than paint and a sweet badge. Given the existence of the Sentra SE-R and move to make the Versa cheaper we're not holding our breath. [China Car Times]

2009 Nissan GT-R to get 5-hp bump and tweaks in Japan

The Nissan GT-R will benefit from a few engineering and cosmetic tweaks for the 2009 model year in Japan, beginning with a slight bump in performance that brings output up from 480 to 485 PS (just under five hp). Other modifications include a larger fuel tank - expanded from 71 liters to 73.8 liters - a slight increase in fuel economy (about .3 km/l), "Nissan" replacing "Brembo" on the brake calipers, a new mounting location for the front license plate and a new paint code for Storm White (changed fro QX1 to QAB).
Pricing will also increase by another 5% in 2009 and it's expected that most of these changes will be adopted on U.S.-spec vehicles when the "Series II" production run begins next year.

Mystery Nissan Minivan-ish Wagon Down On The Austin Street

This is Down On The Street Bonus Edition, where we check out interesting street-parked cars located in places other than the Island That Rust Forgot. Since it's Maximum Minivan Day, we need a Maximum Minivan Down On The Street Bonus Edition. This mysterious Nissan vannish wagon (or wagonish van) was spotted in Austin by Schnog; his theory is that we're looking at a Mexican-market Tsuru wagon. Make the jump for the rest of the story.

What is the age cutoff for DOTS? While it may not be old, it deserves a look for sheer lost-a-bet-in-the-womb homleyness.

I spotted this odd creature in the wilds of Austin Texas today, and I'm thinking third generation Nissan Tsuru, wagon, manufactured in Mexico, of course. I've never even seen one in Mexico. Note the Texas plates, so someone loved this little monster enough to import the thing.

Points for the Pomegranate orange paintjob and the 'Fear This' sticker right above the Department of Public Safety (Texas State Police) booster sticker.

I'm thinking repainted white with a 2.0 L SR20DE I4 engine, lowered 2' on 17''s, a surfboard permanently attached to the roof, with a girl you met last night in the passenger seat and a bag of mescaline in the center console.