Archive for the ‘Latest articles on auto industry’ Category

Auto Launch: 2011 Nissan GT-R

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd has unveiled the latest version of the Nissan GT-R, which will go on sale on December 7th at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan.

The updated version of the Nissan GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst system.

The Nissan GT-R has gone under continuous evolution after its introduction in December 2007, remaining on the cutting-edge of multi-dimensional performance.

More than 50 top awards have been won by the GT-R in various categories since launch. Nissan also supports GT-R owners with exceptional after-sales service.

The latest revisions to GT-R include a new HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment functions. And the passengers can enjoy their favorite music in the car with the help of a USB port with iPod connectivity, creating an even more pleasant interior environment.

The GT-R’s suspension has been retuned to offer enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while still providing the driver with a feeling of direct contact with the road surface.

Front shock absorbers and springs, the accuracy has been increased and the stiffness of rear suspension radius rod bushings has been strengthened. The GT-R SpecV previously has rear diffusers with cooling ducts, which have been expanded to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor area.

The updated exclusive Nissan GT-R SpecV model receives the revised rear shock absorber settings, enhancing the characteristic combination of supple ride comfort and flat, predictable handling. SpecV now comes standard with Dunlop tires and the standard Bridgestone tires are available as a factory-installed option.

Nissan’s both the vehicles GT-R and GT-R SpecV achieves improved low- and mid-range engine response, thanks to newly adopted hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that reduce ventilation/airflow resistance.

Auto News: Mitsubishi EV struck by static

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Australia’s first fully electric car to go on sale, but it appears that it was only a temporary glitch.

Mitsubishi’s boss, Robert McEniry told that the i MiEV electric car would go on sale in the middle of next year following another trial early next year.

The president of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Osamu Masuko cast some doubt over the car’s arrival at the Tokyo Auto Show, saying the export deal to Australia was not yet formally approved.

According to Masuko, the getting of electric car depends on how electric vehicles’ evaluation in Australia.

According to Mr McEniry, it will be the first manufacturing company to introduce an electric vehicle in Australia and the discussions with the i MiEV team at [Mitsubishi Motors Corporation] are progressing very positively to achieve that.

McEniry said the confusion may have arisen because the i MiEV export deal to Australia is yet to pass through some final internal checks and balances.

The electric car will be available in Australia, depends on the global demand for the car, and the success of a second trial phase early next year.

Mitsubishi preferring the countries where the government can support for the i MiEV, including infrastructure and some form of tax incentive.

Current estimates put the price of the i MiEV somewhere between $50,000 and $70,000 — about four times the price of a conventional petrol-powered car of similar size and performance.

But the i MiEV has a driving range of up to 130km without using a drop of petrol — and can be fully recharged in eight hours from a regular power point, or recharged up to 80 per cent capacity in about 45 minutes on a fast-charger.