Nicely Modded Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X

It’s amazing what the right set of rims combined with a lower suspension can do to the appearance of a car. And although the owner of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X, Ryan Gates, is actually setting the car up for track use and in particular, for the NASA TT-A class and the Street AWD class at select Redline Time Attacks, those absolutely stunning black-colored 18-inch rims could make any EVO X look totally sick.

See the rest of the pics here ---> Car Scoop

Nissan GT-R R35 Convertible Concept

Check out these interesting and unofficial Nissan GT-R R35 Convertible Renderings which recently showed up on AutoJunk.nl and DeviantArt.com. With all the hype surrounding the recently released Nissan GT-R and the sold out level of demand it has endured, it’s hard to fathom that Nissan would contemplate a convertible version.

I know most purist or GT-R cult leaders would drop their jaws if a convertible version would ever make its way out of momma Godzilla’s womb. Either way what do you think of the renderings? I think they are pretty slick, however I wouldn’t be caught dead owning or driving one (unless it was the GF’s).

Source: Zimbio

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX: Sorry About Last Year's 'WRX'

The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is a bold statement from the Japanese sport compact maker: We admit our mistakes with the WRX, and we at Subaru are listening to you.

When Subaru unleashed a completely redesigned Impreza and Impreza WRX line for 2008, the reaction from their cult-like following, the Subaru tuner community and the general public was mixed at best. The new Subaru WRX, with its softened suspension, better road manners and smoother power delivery was an attempt to bring in fresh faces to the sport compact scene, those who thought the loud, snarly, outgoing 2007 Impreza WRX was for high school kids only.
Sounds great, right? Not so fast. The die-hard Subaru WRX community gave it a big thumbs down. They did not want a budget BMW, or a glorified Toyota Corolla.

They wanted the evolution of the legendary Impreza line they knew and loved. They saw the old Subaru WRX as much more than the sum of its parts, a ready-and-willing canvass for the thousands of aftermarket parts Subaru AWD sport compacts tend to attract. What they got was a larger, bulkier Impreza chassis that was called all kinds of bad names by the automotive press. The word "Corolla" comes to mind.

The Subaru Impreza sport compact sedan in all its variations, ever in competition with AWD offerings from Mitsubishi and losing market share to the likes of the Mazdaspeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI, needed a shot in the arm. Reaching into the Subaru parts bin, the Japanese company that has become synonomous with all-wheel-drive has given the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX a larger turbocharger and an entirely redesigned Subaru exhaust system, resulting in a huge boost in horsepower for a total of 265.

The other area of attention is in the handling department. Last year's Subaru WRX couldn't even manage the same skidpad and laptime numbers as its predecessor, so for 2009 the Impreza WRX has received some much-needed handling tweaks. The Subaru parts department has made big increases in the rigidity of the suspension, with spring rates tightning up by large factors. Larger stabilizer bars should give the 2009 WRX better composure on the road and on the track.

An all-new standard Subaru WRX bodykit rounds out the package, and while it still looks a little bloated, the new 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX should do more to please fans of the most respected name in AWD sport compacts.

The official Subaru press release, reprinted in its entirety below, makes countless references to each and every way in which the 2009 Impreza WRX is better than the outgoing model. At least they've learned from their mistakes...

Engine

Power bhp: 265

Torque lb-ft: 244

Type: Turbo Intercooled Engine

Source: Rsports Cars

Mazda Kazamai Concept to Premiere at Moscow International Automobile Salon 2008

Mazda will unveil a sporty, compact crossover concept vehicle, Mazda Kazamai, at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 26. Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun and superior environmental and safety performance. Kazamai will be joined at MIAS by the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.

The Kazamai concept further evolves Mazda’s ‘Nagare’ design language by fusing Nagare’s ‘flow’ design cues with aerodynamic proportions. The design features panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness. Its bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheel arches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch wheels, lend it high emotional appeal.

Sporty to look at, Kazamai is meant to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. Kazamai’s four-wheel drive powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct injection engine and a newly developed transmission. It is also aerodynamic, with an evolved lightweight body structure and enhanced the vehicle safety attributes. Were it to be built, Mazda’s latest show car would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.

The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year’s Grand Prix du Design in Paris. Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, it gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover. And in Russia’s growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales.

Source: Tuning News

Top Gear Finally Test Nissan GT-R

This Sunday, Top Gear will finally get to test the mettle of the Nissan GT-R on the track. Well, "tracks" to be specific. Clarkson's appetite for tail-out antics wasn't satiated by last week's race against the bullet train, so he headed to a track in Japan to get a feel for the GT-R's capabilities at the limit and a chance to wring out Nissan's super coupe past its nanny-imposed 111 mph top speed.

Back in the UK, the Stig finally takes the GT-R around Top Gear's test track and that meant that members of the studio audience got a chance to see the GT-R's lap time. Earlier this morning, we received word that the time had been posted on Wikipedia. We saw it, our jaw dropped and then it disappeared. Wikipedia being, well... Wikipedia, means that we're taking the time with a grain of salt until the show airs on Sunday. While the lap isn't listed any longer, Wikipedia does allow users to view the revisions made to an entry. If you want to spoil it for yourself, feel free, just don't post it in the comments out of respect for the rest of us. We're willing to wait a few more days for confirmation.

Source: Top Gear

MUGEN Accessorizes Your All

So you settled for the USDM, factory-built Honda Civic MUGEN Si because: a.) you don't live in Japan and b.) even if you did, you probably wouldn't have gotten your filthy mitts on a limited-edition MUGEN RR anyway. However, if you're still looking to get yourself something related to the RR, you're in luck. MUGEN has found another way to vacuum up fanboy dollars appeal to its enthusiast customers by offering up original artwork. First up in "The Art of MUGEN Power" series is "The Art, MUGEN RR", a 300-piece limited-edition print that shows the car in cutaway form. ¥39,000 ($368) puts one on your wall. Want a numbered plate for the frame? Tack on another ¥2,100 ($19.80). It's art a la carte, courtesy of MUGEN. The company website has all the details (in Japanese, natch -- the English pages are perpetually "under the construction").

2010 Honda S2000 Roadster Rendering

While I still haven’t got any official word on the S2000 replacement, Japanese car magazines are at it again drawing up their own renderings of Honda’s next generation rear-wheel-drive roadster. According to T.L. who sent us this latest scan, the unnamed Japanese magazines says that new S2000 is expected to be unveiled in 2010 with worldwide sales starting in 2011. It is stated that Honda’s S2000 will offer buyers more options in terms of powertrains, including two new engines, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder V-TEC unit delivering approximately 250Hp and a 3.5-litre V6 V-TEC unit with about 350Hp.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart: One Less Reason to Look at the WRX

Filling a performance hole left between the ho-hum 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer and the scorching 2009 Lancer Evolution, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart offers desirable specs in the performance department at a price that fills the sweet spot in Mitsubishi’s lineup and poses the AWD small sports sedan as a direct competitor to the new 2009 Subaru WRX.

The Lancer Ralliart’s engine has quite a pedigree, being the same basic 2.0 liter block and head used in the Lancer Evolution, though detuned, with less boost, for application in the Ralliart. An interesting inclusion at this price point is Mitsubishi’s TC-SST transmission, a paddle shifted, dual clutch sequential manual.

The styling is more Lancer Evolution than Lancer throwaway econobox, and manages to maintain the snarling look of the Evo while staying subdued enough to appeal to compact sports car fans who may be turned off by oversize hood scoops and picnic table rear spoilers.

This is not to say that the Lancer Ralliart is conservative in any way. Think of it as the Lancer Evolution on a diet: plenty of performance, chiseled and eye-catching design, and a price and driving dynamics that anyone can appreciate.

Engine
Power bhp: 237

Torque lb-ft: 253
Type: Turbocharged Inline 4 Cylinder

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.5 Seconds
Fuel Consumption : 17 city /25 highway mpg

2011 Toyota Rear Wheel Drive Coupe Rendering

Earlier this year, Subaru and Toyota officially announced that they will co-develop an all-new rear-wheel drive coupe. While a first batch of scoop images featuring Subaru’s version of the compact sport coupe have already hit the web, we’ve yet to see any spy pictures of Toyota’s variant.

However, one of our readers sent us a scanned image from a Japanese car magazine with an artist’s impression of the forthcoming Toyota RWD coupe. Despite the Lexus-esque styling, we find the rendering quite promising. Hopefully, earlier reports stating that Toyota’s version will only be sold in Japan won’t be confirmed. But even if they prove to be true, here’s a grand idea; how about if Toyota sells its version of the coupe as a Scion in the States?

New Fast and Furious Movie

The Fast and the Furious movie franchise is returning for a fourth instalment, with the stars of the original film making a return.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker reprise their roles as ex-con Dom Toretto and agent Brian O'Connor respectively, with hotties Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster causing some welcome distraction.

This time, Dom and Brian are forced to confront a shared enemy, thus putting past disagreements behind them and, well, so on...
Apparently it also has lots of screaming tires, sweaty bodies and care bear hugs. "This isn't Shakespeare, so we don't take ourselves too seriously," Paul Walker told USA Today.

The new film is due out next year.

Wald Tunes Lexus IS-F

The extrovert of the entire Lexus lineup, the IS-F isn't light on visual or actual horsepower. Japan's Wald Tuning hasn't let that fact get in their way of releasing the Sports Line Black Bison bodykit. Wald's setup adds some visual aggression through an increase in the number of strakes and vents, as well as a trunklid spoiler. Doubtless, this get-up will add weight, possibly offering contradictory real-world performance from a vehicle that certainly looks like it should be fast. The amped-up visuals also help distract from the controversial fender gills, and the Black Bison package for the IS-F manages tack-on without being overly tacky. Well, maybe just a little tacky.

A Kids GT-R

With Nissan’s GT-R coming to North American shores any time now, it’s no surprise that lesser beings want to mimic the much hyped GT-R. What’s surprising though is that Infiniti G35 owners are the ones adding GT-R styling cues. Yes, that’s right: Infinitis that want to look like Nissans. Go figure.

What gets me is that the G35 is already as beautiful as cars come, so why add an ugly misfit GT-R front bumper? Not only does mock the driver, but it also looks terribly tacky. It’s definately not worth the $495 it costs.

Source: Japan Car Blog

2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe

The new Infinit G37 Coupe made it's debut at the International Auto Show 2007 in New York City. It combines performance and luxury, making the ideal sports car. The style, performance, and modern interior is brought to new levels with the 2008 Inifiniti G37. Among the new features it has larger, stronger engine, a V6 that produces 330 break horsepower and 270 pound torque. Handling and ride performance increases for the new model. The G37 was tested in Nürburgring, Germany where it was called a "thoroughbred performance vehicle".

Engine

Power bhp: 330

Torque lb-ft: 270

Type: V6

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

Performance

Acceleration 0-6o mph: 5.2 seconds

My Rating: *****/*****

2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si

The new Civic Mugen Si, is a limited Si powered by Mugen performance parts straight off the production. North Americans, have long been waiting to get a civic as powerful as the Japanese get it. The Civic Mugen Si Sedan is equipped with a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport-tuned exhaust system. The Civic Mugen Si goes from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, with 197 horse power at the front wheels. And a limited production of only 1,000 units in 2008.

Engine

Power bhp: 197

Torque lb-ft: 139

Type: Inline 4

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds

My Rating: ****/*****

2008 Lexus IS-F

Lexus has built a rival that competes with the new BMW m3. The Lexus is also fitted with a V8 just like the m3, produces 400 horsepower from a 5.1 liter engine. It is the world's first eight speed direct sport-shift transmission. The Lexus IS-F produces what it promises, 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds with smoothness provided by the eight speed transmission. The styling is Japanese but with the luxuries of a Lexus.
Engine

Power bhp: 400

Torque lb-ft: 350

Performance

Accelaration 0-60 mph: 4.6

My Rating: ****/******

Base Price: 2008 Lexus IS-F - $56,000

2008 Nissan 350z

The 2008 Nissan 350Z continues to offer sports car lovers high performance excitement and a dynamic driving experience in a range of high value Coupe and Roadster models – including the dramatic NISMO 350Z (Coupe only) that was added to the lineup as part of a major Z® revision for the 2007 model year. Changes for the 2007 model year also included an all-new next-generation 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 rated at 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Enhancements for 2008 include one new premium exterior paint color, Nogaro Red. The 2008 350Z is available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models – five for the Coupe (including the NISMO 350Z) and three for the Roadster.

Engine

Power bhp: 306

Torque lb-ft: 268

Type: V6

Performance

Accelaration 0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds

Top Speed: 155 (with electronic limiter)

Base Price: 2009 Nissan 350Z - $27,900

My Rating: ***/*****

2009 Nissan GT-R

The all new Nissan, probably the best yet import ever made, that is legal in the U.S. It can compete with the BMW M3 and the Ferrari Spyder and at a low price of $69,850. The most anticipated skyline is to come out in 2009.

Engine
Displacement cu in (cc): 214 (3498)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 480 hp /6400 rpm

Redline at RPM: n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 430 tq/ 3200-5200 rpm
Type: Twin-turbo V6

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed mph: 196 mph

Base Price: 2008 Nissan GT-R - $69,850