Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[JDM Nissan GT-R benefits from U.S. market tweaks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/jdm-nissan-gt-r-benefits-from-u-s-market-tweaks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/jdm-nissan-gt-r-benefits-from-u-s-market-tweaks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/jdm-nissan-gt-r-benefits-from-u-s-market-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R in action.

While sitting through what felt like the longest press conference ever before we got some seat time in the Nissan GT-R, one of the engineers on hand mentioned that Godzilla's suspension would be tweaked for the U.S. market. When asked why, the response wasn't entirely clear, so we assumed that the changes would be made to adapt the GT-R to our less-than-perfect road surface. Apparently, that's not the case.

The suspension revisions, which involved modifying the spring rate by 0.1kg/mm to make the GT-R's coils a bit stiffer, will be accompanied by three harder engine mounts and a firmer transaxle mount that limits movement of the engine and gearbox under cornering forces. However, these changes aren't just for vehicles bound for Stateside consumption. The tweaks have also been implemented on the latest batch of JDM vehicles and are going to be ported over to the UK models when they arrive next year. While the changes are minimal, it's proof that Nissan's engineers are dedicated to improving every facet of the GT-R to ensure that it remains on top. Or, to quote the GT-R's chief vehicle engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno, who spoke with Car, "The GT-R is my son... a son grows up and it's my duty as father to keep improving it."

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan GT-R


[Source: Car]

JDM Nissan GT-R benefits from U.S. market tweaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 May 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changesgt-rgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrsuspensionThu, 01 May 2008 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/small-changes-for-big-range-rover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/small-changes-for-big-range-rover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/small-changes-for-big-range-rover/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on the image above to view our high-resolution image gallery.

It's had a lot of challengers, and to stay at the top, Land Rover has been rolling out consistent updates to its flagship Range Rover model. Last year it was the upgraded engines: the 305-hp 4.4-liter V8 and the supercharged 400-hp 4.2-liter V8. For this year, the Range Rover gets upgrades to the interior and to its traction systems.

Inside, the Range Rover's luxurious cabin has been updated with a new instrument panel, air-con unit, new airbags and new trim, switchgear and storage compartments. The front seats have been outfitted with new head restraints designed to minimize whiplash, as well as an in-seat air-cooling system (optional on HSE and standard on Supercharged models). Underneath, the Land Rover's Terrain Response system has been fitted as standard equipment, as well as an electronic rear differential (which, like the seat cooling system, is optional on HSE and standard on Supercharged models) to supplement the center e-diff. There's also a new electronic parking brake that automatically disengages when you start driving.

The new changes might not amount to much, as Land Rover draws up plans for the Range Rover's all-aluminum replacement, but with heavy competition from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Land Rover can't afford to rest on its name alone.

Press release after the jump, and high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2007 Land Rover Range Rover

Continue reading Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008

Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changeshselandmodelnewrangeroversuperchargedupdateupgradesTue, 24 Jul 2007 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[VW post-Bernhard getting major changes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/vw-post-bernhard-getting-major-changes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/vw-post-bernhard-getting-major-changes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/vw-post-bernhard-getting-major-changes/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Audi has raided the castle at Wolfsburg and changes are in store. New boss Martin Winterkorn has ordered that the new Scirocco, Golf and Passat be presented for scrutiny. Rounding out the new royal court at Volkswagen will be a coterie of raiders from Ingolstadt, among them Walter de'Silva. de'Silva will be tweezing the look of the new cars until Winterkorn is satsified. Also, the petrol-powered V10 returns to the Touareg, giving back a unique offering and hopefully enticing sales. We're not sure what Mr. Winterkorn doesn't like about the styling of the new cars, but we're hopeful that de'Silva will be allowed to stretch his legs and stun us when the re-designs start trickling out. As Winterkorn consolidates and centralizes power in Wolfsburg, we're sure to see bigger changes coming out of Volkswagen and its brands. We're all for it - what's the worst they can do, screw up? Judging from de'Silva's portfolio, that's not bloody likely.

[Source: Germancarblog]

VW post-Bernhard getting major changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audichangescoupedede'silvadesigndeSilvagolfmartin winterkornMartinWinterkornpassatsciroccosedansilvasuvtouaregv10volkswagenvwwinterkornFri, 19 Jan 2007 09:34:00 EST