Autoblog

Video: Godzilla versus the Ducati 1098 superbike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Motorcycle

Ducati 1098 versus Nissan GT-R - Click above to watch the video after the break

What happens when you line a motorcycle up with a car on a racetrack? As always, the answer is up for debate and depends on the vehicles being compared, the track they are running on, track and weather conditions and the skill of the pilots. Still, it's an age-old battle of four wheels versus two, good versus evil - and somehow we just know that the video from Autocar pasted after the break will only serve to drive the two camps further apart than ever before.

First, the combatants. A stealthy black Nissan GT-R carries the turbocharged, all-wheel drive torch on the four-wheeled side, while a Ducati 1098 ably handles the motorcycle duties. As you probably expect, the superbike has no problems whatsoever leaving the GT-R for dead in a straight line, while the car's two additional contact patches allow it to brake and turn with much more authority than the Ducati. And the winner is? Click past the break to see for yourself.

[Source: Autocar via Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Godzilla versus the Ducati 1098 superbike

Video: Godzilla versus the Ducati 1098 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan GT-R class action suit over transmission failures settled

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Nissan

It was nearly a year ago when we reported on a NAGTROC forum user getting hit with a $20,000 bill to replace his toasted transmission after using Launch Control (LC1) on his GT-R. In time for the second model year of the car, Nissan first dropped Launch Control, then they decided to include it, but with safeguards (LC2). In the meantime, a growing number of owners of the initial batch got together and filed a class action suit against Nissan in the hopes of receiving some compensation for their transmissions.

That suit was settled last weekend in California. The verdict: any owners with LC1 will have their warranties reset for 5 years/60,000 miles once they upgrade to LC2, and the LC2 transmission and internals -- including VDC -- will be fully covered by Nissan. If you use the LC2 with VDC on and something breaks, everything's covered. If you turn the VDC off and use LC2 and something breaks, you're in the poo.

However, if you turn the VDC off and use LC2, then turn VDC back on and everything is fine, then you drive for a while and then a few weeks later something breaks, Nissan will have to prove that turning the VDC off weeks earlier is what caused the breakage. Previously the burden of proof was on the owner; now it's on Nissan. Owners of 2009 cars will also get a $75 coupon for service at a GT-R-approved dealership. Owners will receive notices in the mail with the details. Whew. Glad that's over. Now can we get back to enjoying one of the finest cars on the roads today? Hat tip to Matt

[Source: NAGTROC]

REPORT: Nissan GT-R class action suit over transmission failures settled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO]

Michael Harley — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Nissan 370Z

Nissan dropped the final cover off its all-new 2009 370Z at the LA Auto Show today. While we've been looking at pics of the two-place coupe since last month, today Nissan gave us pricing (base MSRP of $29,930) and a slew of technical info at the roll-out (follow the jump for the details). Regardless of how you feel about the new styling, it will be hard to dismiss the significant improvements Nissan made to the interior of the new car. The materials, fit, and finish are all excellent... especially if you compare the new car to the old side-by-side. Addressing poundage (another significant complaint about the previous-gen 350Z), Nissan put the new car on a serious diet. Paying close attention to the little things, engineers dropped several hundred pounds off the curb weight compared to the outgoing 350Z. The svelte standard model with a 6-speed manual now tips the scales at just 3,232 pounds (the 2008 350Z Enthusiast Model was about 3,350 pounds). More power, a stronger chassis and a much improved interior. Enthusiasts will find a lot to like with the new model.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Nissan 370Z LIVE

Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z

Continue reading LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO]

LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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