Archive for the ‘Latest articles on auto industry’ Category

Auto Launch: 2010 Suzusho Surpasse V

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Suzusho Surpasse V, which is powered by a turbocharged Mazda engine, and this Japanese kit car could ‘Surpasse’ the Audi TT.

Along with the big car and bike manufacturers, such as Nissan, Honda, Suzuki, Toyota et al, the Tokyo Motor Show will also make few niche cars makers showing their wares.

Nagoya-based kit car company Suzusho will unveil its fast-looking Surpasse V.

The Surpasse V, which is based on what looks like a bespoke chassis, is a mid-engined super light sports car.

Surpasse V is weighing just 850 kilograms and outputting roughly 190kW at 5500rpm and 380Nm from 3000rpm, the Surpasse V is powered by a famous Mazda mill, namely the 2.3-litre engine from the Mazda3 MPS.

With a mid-mounted engine and almost 400Nm of torque at 3000rpm, the vehicle should be capable of eye-watering standing starts, not to mention the favourable handling dynamics.

Although it looks shorter than the models such as a Ferrari Enzo or Porsche Carrera GT, it is specifically described as the supercar influenced. There is also a touch of Lotus Elise in the design and diagonally hinging doors are icing on this compact but exotic cake.

The Suzusho Surpasse V will make its public debut at the Tokyo motor show on the October 24, and is expected to be on sale in Japan in the second quarter of 2010.

Auto Review: 2010 Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Nissan, the Japanese automaker has announced that the new Fairlady Z Roadster is already on sale in the sports car’s home market.

The Fairlady Z Roadster is a two-seat convertible with a fully automatic power-operated, soft top. Along with providing the exhilaration of open-air driving, Fairlady Z Roadster offers high performance, dynamic design and excellent value.

The Fairlady Z Roadster, with its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and advanced VQ37VHR 3.7-liter engine, it gives remarkably high levels of acceleration and handling, while also providing a comfortable interior with minimum wind buffeting, even with the top open.

The key highlights of the Fairlady Z Roadster are:

• Optimal balance of sports car performance and open-top convertible exhilaration
• Signature Fairlady Z styling with an advanced, fully automatic canvas top
• Air conditioned seats for added occupant comfort, even on hot days
• Available advanced technology, including HDD CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment features and premium Bose® audio system
• Uncompromised Fairlady Z performance

The Fairlady Z Roadster looks equally attractive with the top open or closed. With the roof open, the fully lined canvas top stows completely out of sight beneath a metal storage lid. When the top is in the up position, the roofline accentuates the Fairlady Z’s classic long nose/short cockpit proportions.

Like the Coupe, the Roadster’s aggressive exterior design features a dynamic arch-shaped character line that runs from the headlights to the waistline and continues back to the iconic Fairlady Z LED brake lights.

The 18-inch cast aluminum wheels optimally balance sportiness and elegance. Larger 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels are offered as an option with the Version ST.

The front window moldings optimize the airflow around the cabin. A rear deflector helps minimize wind buffeting when the top is open. With the top closed, a full fabric inner lining helps provide a quality look and feel, while also helping reduce the transmission of outside noise into the roomy cabin.

Using the Intelligent Key, the soft top can be opened and closed without getting in the vehicle by pressing the request switch located on the driver and passenger door handles.

The interior also features a luggage area that can hold a 45-inch golf driver set bag and a space behind the seats suitable for storing items.

The Fairlady Z Roadster includes HDD CARWINGS navigation system which features enhanced entertainment functions, including an advanced map update system which can be downloaded from the PC or via mobile communications, an iPod connection system and terrestrial digital TV receiver.