Nissan Skyline GTR: Godzilla in the making

ok guys, here is going to be a quick overview on some topics floating around the automall/internet these days. Everyone is a fan of the GTR or can at least appreciate the fact that nissan has continued to keep manufactuering such a fine car. Since the GTRs conception from the days of the drawing board to the first one rolled off the assembly line back in february 1969 it was introduced to be a fun sporty car that your every day person could enjoy. It made an impressive 160hp, which may sound like a small amount however, which was more than enough to compete with japans super cars at the time. Such rivals as the Mazda RX-2, R100, and Isuzus bellett with the same power we out matched on japans racing circuit. The Skyline earned it keep and respect in the racing world with 33 wins out of 50 in the course of the two years it had been out. it was from then on known as Hakosuka (ハコスカ) to the entusiast and racer . Hako (ハコ) means Box in Japanese, and suka（スカ） is short for Skyline (スカイライン; Sukairain).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAXGuD_f3Kw

As the years went on Nissan like most manufacteurs started to fine tune its weaker points providing us the public with a more enjoyable road experience without the sacrifice for performance. The next generation benefited from a much need refinement. The public although impressed with the the performance capabilities of the skyline craved a more “family” oriented car, with the public demand for a less race car feel nissan unveiled the C110 skyline or as it was known to the exported world the Datsun K car (160K, 180K and Datsun 240K.)

Sadly shortly after the release of the hardtop GTR Nissan ceased production due to the economic shift. Even though they had followed the publics demand for an affordable sports car with tasteful design, the gas crisis was felt even in japan. The Sports car industry took a heavy toll as peoples pocket books shrank, their desire to own the latest and greatest nissan had to offer was pushed to the back burner. The general understanding and feeling was that owning a sports car was looked down upon, and as a result, no sales means a company has to cut where it can. Nissan dropped out of the racing scene as the GTR had come to a screeching halt and was no longer needed as a production piece to compete in the japanese racing circuits. Only 197 GTRs were fortunate enough to make it off the assembly line, and were only sold in japan by Nissan Performance division (soon to be called NISMO). The GTR would remain dormant til i was brought back in 1989.

A FOUND RESPECT FOR BOOST AND A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Though the GTR was not produced Nissan pushed through with the continuation of the Skyline effectively detuning the engine and change its shape once again in 1977. The chassis code was give as C211. The skylines has still been split into the 2 engine categories. The original 4cylinder which gave the consumer the choice of either a 1.6L with a paltry 95hp or the 1.8L with an equally as pathetic 115hp. For those who prefered the traditional skyline borne Inline 6 it was offered with 130hp, not a huge increase but a jump none the less. There was one option left which was a first ever in the skylines native land, a turbo charged engine. The Inline turbo 6 cylinder released under the name 2000GT-EX. The turbo although not as strong or as versitile as we think of them now, created an impressive more gas friendly 145hp. Now having said that and i know you’re thinking that, “good lord that is pathetic my grand mothers buick makes at least twice that.” Remember that this car had no intercooling system and was not adapted with a blow off valve system, only an emergency pop off valve.

LONG LIVE THE R! THE R30: A CULT CAR IN THE MAKING

Fast Forward to the 1980′s and the Skyline was introduced into a whole new ball game as it was marketed in a different way. The skyline was rolled into the same package as the Nissan Laurel or R30. The Skyline also under went a small body change between the lower base models and the more expensive six cylinders now sharing a front end of the same length. The new skyline was now available in 2 door hardtop, four door sedan, five door hatchback, and station wagon there were 26 variations of the R30 Skyline available.

All versions with the exception of the wagon were usually fitted with the four round tail lights that had become a regular feature to the Skyline’s design. The wagon was the ugly duckling of the range, having different tail lights, headlights and no turbo or 6-cylinder versions available. It was sadly known as the outcast of that generation.

This new generation of these skyline hybrids and what not were now available with as many engine choices as your heart could imagine. The tuned to a stout 200hp and 235tq I6 FJ20ET to the old lady friendly 105hp of blistering terror. The skyline was making a new name for itself in the tuner crowd as well, with the introduction of the 2000RS DR30 released in 1983.

The introduction of the DR30 was a crutial piece of history in the Nissan books. A new model on the horizon and a rejuvenated sense of race car tactics with street civility, Nissan struck back with the DR30 Skyline. This skyline was Nissans chance to come back and show the public what they had been missing from the years before and do to that nissan revised the interior, exterior and over all appearance. Interiorwise the car was a night and day difference from previous generations and whats more even the same year but lesser models. Equipt with the latest electronic gadgets: electric windows, air conditioning and power steering as standard; no longer did you have the feel of a stripped-out race car todays skyline was a refined street machine adding an acceptable 1250 kg. The exterior recieved a IRON MASK treatment, this name was thought up by the very consumers Nissan had sought to impress, and impress they did. A chopped out grille, slimmed down headlamps, vented from bumper for improved cooling and an agressive front bumper made this car an easily recognizable car on the road. The fun didn’t stop there had you waited to purchase your DR30 in 1984 you recieved even more goodies, with the addition of a intercooler for raised psi levels, adjusted compression ratios, and a exhaust housing for the turbo charger; power, reliablity, and over all performance jumped to exceed expectations with such simple additions.

 R31: BRING ON THE BOOST

The R31 was the preclude to the GTR HCR32 we all know and love, the body styling changed from a small rounded vehicle into a bigger and boxier beast. The new generation boasted leaps and strides over its predeccessor, from its new RB series engine to the famed HICAS suspension. This car was meant for one thing, driving. The RB series engine was a corner stone in nissans racing series and was drastically different from its previous L series engines. with the changing of the Intake runners from 12 smaller ones to a larger 6 design, in later years. To the addition of an engine control system dubbed NCIS and ECCS, which controlled air flow and runner characteristics. All these little additions were a great engine selling point but we all know what we care about… the boost. the addition of a subsiquently larger turbo with perhaps an extra PSI or two here and there couldn’t hurt right? 215 horsepower doesn’t hurt when you’re racing around the local mountain passes or the race track. The combination of all these elements together provided the driver with a sense of victory no matter where he went and what he raced.

HICAS – for those who don’t know the history of HICAS we’ll do a quick review and run down. HICAS in its most basic form is a four wheel steering system. Under certain circumstances the HICAS will either react by turning the wheels in the same direction for quicker cornering and manuevering or a tighter turning radias and lightning quick reflexes in an opposite direction corner. HICAS was revolutionary addition to the automotive world and was sold on as many as 5 of the nissan models for the following years, it was a great success and an even great technological advance.

R32: all hail GODZILLA!

From the moment of its first breath, there was obviously something different about this car. Having driven one, its an indescribable feeling, it could be the low gutteral rumble of the exhaust, the sound of 6 individual throttle bodies at full sing enclosed in a state of the air intake manifold, or even the feeling of invincibility as the HICAS controlled your every move on the pavement below. Either way this car has an aire about it as if it was meant to drive, and drive fast.

Originally designed by Naganori Itoh this car was made to produced in the upper levels of 400 or even 500 horsepower factory. However emissions standards of JASMA, a gentlemens agreement with the automotive board, and the fact that it was unheard of and possibly unsafe made this car a bottled up snake waiting for someone to release the top. It was settled upon that the car made 276 hp (when in reality it was 320) and that it was just an untapped keg ready to go. The car was sold as such and even sold as such that with a few “key” modifications you could easily take the jump from 276 hp to 350+. Nissan made it so easy with even the factory boost line color coded so you would know which line to cut to relieve the excessive pressure and raise boost levels. The boost restriction, ECU de tune, and the exhaust system only a Geo metro could breathe out of brought Godzilla to a more tame street animal, but we all knew how long that would last. Even in street trim factory the car was quick enough to manage a 14.0 quarter mile and 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, but, un cork the monster waiting inside you would achieve a 12.7 second quarter mile and a 0-60 in a blistering 4.6 seconds.

The GTRs exterior was equally as equipped for street battle, with an agressive front end, boxed and strong widebody fenders, larger brakes, larger intercooler, and larger wheels, it was plain to see that the GTR meant business when it drove down the street. Though the interior wasn’t over looked either, with race inspired high boulstered seats, digital clock and climate control were replaced with more important things; such as oil, temperature, and boost to make sure you’re still within psi limit. the climate control readings are handy but still whats more important? being a little chilly inside or making sure you’re still running in perfect condition to make the guy in his BMW next to you jealous?

NISSAN SUPERIORITY: GODZILLA IS BORN 

quoted directly from wikipedia because I couldn’t have written it better:

“The Porsche 959 was Nissan’s target when designing the GT-R. The chief engineer, Naganori Itoh, intended to use the car for Group A racing, so the design specification was drawn up in conjunction with a copy of the Group A rules. The Nordscheilfeproduction car record at the time of development was 8’45″ – set by a Porsche 944. Nissan test driver Hiroyoshi Katoh reset the record with a time of 8’20″. Best Motoring managed 8’22″38.

The R32 GT-R dominated Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC), winning 29 races from 29 starts, taking the series title every year from 1989-1993. It took 50 races from 50 starts from 1991-1997 (latterly R33) in the N1 Super Taikyu.

The R32 GT-R was introduced in to the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1990 and promptly ended the reign of the previously all-conquering Ford Sierra Cosworth, winning Bathurst 1000 classic in 1991 & 1992. This success led to the Australian motoring press nicknaming the car Godzilla due to it being a “monster from Japan”. As Australia was the first export market for the car the name quickly spread. Such was GT-R’s dominance that it is seen by some as a significant factor in the demise of Group A Touring Car racing, the formula being scrapped soon after. JTCC was similarly blighted by the R32 GT-R, and splintered soon after, leading to the switch to the Supertouring category and also indirectly to the GT500 category of today.”

 R33: More boost, More differentials, More Doors

More, More, More…. thats all the next generation of the GTR had to offer. More boost, more differentials, more doors, more litres, just plain more. The GTR still continued on with its evolution into a world icon of speed and style. Nissan Decided that it was time to make the Skyline something greater than what they had offered before, this can mainly be seen in the suspension and active differential controls.

 

Super HICAS – as discussed above and now that you have a general understanding of HICAS Nissan decided it was time to turn the monster into a corner carving machine. Able to inspire courage in the timid and nerve shattering cornering speeds available to those who dare. The changes Nissan made to HICAS were smaller but key improvements to prevent issues in reliablity and a quicker reaction to save you in the event of a slide or spin. The changes came in the form of electronic actuators instead of hydraulic lines. For even further stability Nissan offered an Active Rear differential to replace its standard OEM Viscous type. As opposed to the standard type this new LSD locked in the event of tire slip, AND as an added bonis for those of you who are just like me and enjoy the simple little gadgets and accessories you got a little light on your gauge cluster that reads, “SLIP A-LSD” that turns on and blinks when the differential engages…you know, just in case you were unaware that you were in a full slide or spin.

ATTESA ETS – Ok so now you’re probably saying, ” What?! ANOTHER suspension thing i gotta learn about for this car?!” well yes, but forget HICAS, If there was one feature that would save you no matter what, god forbid your already inches from the wall or cliff, it was this one! ATTESA ETS consider it your saving grace, it was an active yaw (lateral movement) control limiter/controller. It made sure when you wanted to be sideways you could, and when you, “oops too far too far not the rail not the rail” it pulled you outta the fire with a little wiggle and sent you along your way. The secret to this system? How about 3 Y axis G sensors, a 16 bit processor that checks your brakes and movements over 100 times PER SECOND, sensor that will manage your Slip angle in a slide, an ECU that will dictate where the power goes with a spilit ratio from 50:50 at a stand still, to 2:98 on your hardest of running starts. ATTESA running its best meant you could slide like Ken Nomura or drive like miss daisy in a rain storm, so what does all this mean? You’ve just unlocked a small piece of heaven, the feel of all time 4wd, the fun of RWD, and the power of angels sitting on your shoulder making sure you don’t get too crazy with it all.

Couldn’t afford the GTR but you still wanted a Skyline. NO PROBLEM! Even though the mythical powers and prowess of the GTR were reaching legendary at this point, the little brother was nothing to scoff at either. Equipped with the potent RB25DET (up from a 2.0 from the R32 generation) NVCS was added for more pep throughout the power band. NVCS was an variable valve timing control system, i know that series of letters doesn’t match the words, i don’t know why. Its on my to do list of things to find out. Either way, it was identifiable by the bulge on the front of the valve cover.

Got a family and the baby just doesn’t sit comfortably in that cramp back seat and the wife won’t let you get yet ANOTHER 2 door sports car. Nissan has you covered! For the first time since its creation Nissan saw this opportunity and seized it, with the introduction of its first ever 4dr GTR. Now these were only available in small numbers and if you wanted one you had to go through AUTECH (world famed nissan factory tuner) or NISMO (Nissan International MotorSports), but the spoils go to those who are quick enough to enjoy a 4 dr cruiser with enough power and speed to make even its german counter parts blush.

but wait… is that the last of the R33. Dream on! the R33 got another kick in the pants in 1996. Nissan in all its wisdom decided that the GTR needed a bit more.. flash, go, reliablity, and stopping power. So where to start? How about with the thing that everyone needs, brakes. The GTR R33 was the first to start the trend that no matter what all GTRs will come equipped with BREMBO brakes to stop Godzilla in the shortest distance possible. After all, stopping a gigantic car with enormous power is a task not left open for the smallest of errors. Now that brakes are handled and we can stop it, why not try and go a little faster…

Nissan revised the engine compartment, mainly the turbo, with nissans awareness that ceramic skyline turbos were prone to breaking in the higher boost levels on the PSI scale Nissan knew that this would eventually come to bite them in the end. So quickly without hesistation they changed the turbo compressor aerodynamics, turbo dump pipe, and intercooler. The turbo core changed from a sleeve bearing to a ball bearing, but the turbine itself remained ceramic. Now you may say, why do all that work just to leave the turbine its ceramic. Well my simple take on it is, with improvements come expense, and the more researched and development comes more money on our side the consumer. So in all i like to consider these minor upgrades to help us, a freebie. Thanks Nissan. Now, if you still weren’t satisfied with the revisions and like all Tuners craved more power without the sacrifice in reliablity. Nissan knew you were going to come back because well, you bought a GTR, the pinnacle of Nissans fleet.

 Welcome to Nissans N1 division, where your Skyline dreams come true and you can build your own little JGTC car while leaving your footprint in the concrete and still able to drive easily on the freeway. Crave more response, a quicker spool, heavier duty, and well just the fact that you can say i’ve got it. Nissan N1 Ball bearing turbos are your new best friend. N1 let you know that what you were putting on your car had been researched and developed by the top Nissan engineers to operation under the hardest conditions at the highest levels of japanese race car endurance. The N1 turbos recieve everything above, but no more worrying about perhaps a compressor blade breaking off into your turbo, no no no. Not here ladies and gentlemen, it was made with the highest quality steel turbine and Sleeved bearings. Confused no need be, all that technobabble means you can put your foot into that pedal like the neighbors cats you know what after it leaves foot prints on your freshly washed cars paint! With the peace of mind knowing that your turbos are all but bullet proof now go to town and enjoy the feeling that all those race car drivers get when they snap on the gas pedal of that same engine on a straight away at fuji speedway.

R34: The Hollywood Super Hero.

So now that we’ve gone through the past 30 years of Skyline history and you’ve gotten a glimpse of it as it started in a humble 4 cylinder form all the way to a fear inline turbo 6. The GTRs final form before it lays dormant for the years to come was the most famous of all. I’m sure some of you have played Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, Forza, watch ANY of the fast and furious movies, or even walked through the magazine stand and see a picture of the GTR R34.

This car would revolutionize how we viewed the affordable super car. I give you, the 1998-2002 Nissan Skyline GTR. The R33 was a sleek and slim car, with smooth body lines, a little disposition for timid almost from its older brother the R32, but Nissan stormed back onto the scene with this power house. Bigger, Badder, and Bolder could have been the 3 B’s Nissan would have chosen. With a bigger body, Bulging fenders, wide open front bumper, and a new legacy on how the sports car should be made it made a giant splash in the automotive world. Now with all this hype i’m sure that you would have expected north of 350hp, well sorry to disappoint but it wasn’t the RB26DETT has remained unchanged for sometime, a slight revision here and there has been about it. But face it, in the looks department, this thing crushes the competition. Everything on this car has been moved to electronic, the entire interior has been adorn with the smoothest materials and classy gadgets. Its exterior suspension soft enough to drive around town, the engine strong enough to surprise even the biggest skeptic and whats more this beast of a car is all wrapped in a seductive package that not even paris hilton could pass up.

The transmission was starting to look like a weaker point to the Nissan engineers one would assume, with all this modifying and the car having always been a classic and desireable piece. Nissan opted for a GETRAG 6 speed transmission to pair with its always popular ATTESA and fire breathing RB26DETT. For a stronger feel and a better gearing.

The exterior was a complete 180 from the R33, with the cars many different trim levels offereing everything from Naca ducts on a carbon hood, rear diffuser, brake ducting for added cooling, Leather interior, Ripple control technology suspension, to heated seats on those colder nights. Face it, you could either be a VIP CEO and drive it to work as a status car, or Buy it to be a track superstar. This car was versitile in everyway with no compromise or cutting any corners. The Skyline had put its name in concrete for the years to come and had become one of the staple pieces in the Japanese car hierarchy, it had become king of the mountain and the view was nice. Little did we know, our famed giant would come crashing down with a move to luxury and a new engine design.

V35: What happened to the R?

Where to start? the V35 was a move in well… a different direction from Nissan. The G35/350GT was the death of the skyline. No longer did it possess the inline turbo 6, no longer was it menacing and feared, and no longer did it offer the captivation GTR. Now don’t get me wrong, the G35′s and 350z’s are cute and nice cars, but when comparing apples to apples. they don’t stack up. Now, thats not to say the V35 platform didn’t have some upgraded parts which made it a potential car, additional bracing, slightly more power with a NA power band, additional aerodynamics, and less weight. I bet your saying, “well that right there makes it a better car already”. Maybe so, but the GTR still out performed it on all sides. This refined V35 was made to sit a person in the lap of luxury with a starbucks latte in your cupholder while listening to celine dion compared to the previous generation that begged you to throw it into a corner, jam the brakes, upset your girlfriend who’s trying to put on her makeup, and exit the corner with a full blown power slide that stops all by passers who are in awe of your superior grace and technique. Having said that, both have their good and bad points, but over all there was no GTR.

 Now if that wasn’t enough to convince Nissan that we the public demanded to get the GTR back, the Tuner scene and aftermarket slapped them in the face with an insult. No one, NOT ONE, enter the Tsukuba Super Time trial laps during the following years with a SINGLE entry of the New V35 skyline. All Nissans major following companys those the likes of: Mines, Amuse, Hosaka, Garage Defend, M Speed, Nagisa, MCR, HKS, & Top Secret. Nissan took this to heart one would guess as Nissan unveiled the Godzilla they had originally intended to create…

GTR: REBORN AND CRUSHING THE COMPETITION

Remember back a few months to October 24, 2007…Tokyo Motor Sport, the mecca for the japanese car enthusiast.  Nissan unveils, the GTR. no longer produced under the Skyline name nissan though it fitting to bring back the GTR the name that has long been respected and this new monster commanded respect. Say hello to a whole new package of OEM terror. the RB26DETT has been replaced with a much larger and angrier VR38DETT. The inline 6 that was used in the days long past has now been replaced with a V6 most likely to shoe horn this super engine into the back parts of the Skylines’ engine bay. Good bye to the measily 276 hp engine, and welcome the new 480 hp beast*(each and every new GTR engine is hand built so number may vary. there have been reports of anywhere from 475 to 540 hp crank on a stock engine) you know your in super car territory now, when your engines are built by special engineers and not produced on an assembly line. The ATTESA has been kept but not made a huge selling point. The body has been largely changed to keep this giant of a vehicle on the road at all times, with a newly designed rear spoiler, under body armor diffuser, ducting to guide air in all the right places, and big wheels and brakes to ensure a sticky and safe ride.

Nissan had hit the nail square on the head with this package. even with a stifling price tag in the range of a 80k – 100k car. There still isn’t another car on the market that can touch Nissan legendary GTR.

Nissans GTR has bested the Porsche 997 on the ‘ring and in the aftermarket divison as well. If you’re looking for affordable and powerful. Look no further than the Nissan GTR. A car that promises rhode island and delivers texas. Thanks for reading about the History of one of the worlds greatest sports cars. Skyline GTR, from humble beginnings to legendary status.

 http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Cobb-Nissan-GTR-vs-997-GT_191751.htm

 

Through the course of the years, the skyline has developed into a fierce competitor on both the track and the street. Nissan made the decision to push the GTR off the production line for a few years in order to come back with a new, more refined, and even more powerful GTR we are presented with today. Long Gone are the days of HAKOSUKA (Hako meaning box in japanese, and suka a shorter version for skyline) but Godzilla still remains king in the japanese automotive land.

 

More fresh Nissan GT-R news!

 Last week we wrote an overview article on the new Nissan Skyline GT-R, which is due in this year (and is already on sale is Japan).  As it turns out, we are continuously fascinated by the ranks of this beast of a machine! 

Edmunds.com recently made a trip to Japan to find an owner who was willing to let them use their GT-R in the world’s first full road test.  As it turns out, this car is better than anticipated. 

Nissan claims to have  a 0-60 time of 3.5 sec.  However, by using Nissan’s launch control option, were able to obtain times of 3.3 sec!  This car is faster than the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Dodge Viper and the Corvette Z06.  Edmunds.com drivers also beat the Nissan 1/4 mile time/speed at 11.6 sec and 121 mph.  That time ties the Edmunds.com speeds with the Porsche 911 Turbo and leaves everyone else cowering.

We are your Nissan GT-R dealer…call us at 1-800-868-6615 or visit www.keynissan.com

 Check out the video for yourself.

 

2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R R35 is coming!

The all-new 2009 Nissan GT-R is a multi-dimensional performance machine that supremely lives up to the concept of “the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere.”   Afterall, it did beat the Porsche 997 GT3 (7.38 vs. 7.39 around the Nürburgring in Germany).

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque (estimated). The engine is backed by an all-new, paddle-shifted, GR6-type dual clutch rear transaxle . The new Nissan GT-R is built on an exclusive all-new Premium Midship platform. This new platform enables the use of a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, optimizing weight distribution and maximizing handling capability.

The Nissan GT-R’s functional styling utilizes advanced aerodynamics, evoking the lines of a well-trained athlete. GT-R’s hybrid body construction combines steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, and features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, while achieving high front and rear downforce. GT-R’s four-passenger cabin features a sloping “aero blade canopy” roofline and curved C-pillar “sword edge,” as well as GT-R’s signature four-ring taillights, functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips.

GT-R’s interior balances functionality with a sense of ease and comfort. It features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display – which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder.

The suspension is a new Bilstein DampTronic.  The braking system is composed of full-floating Brembo cross-drilled rotors with Brembo 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers, and low steel high stiffness brake pads.  The tires are nitrogen-filled Bridgestone high performance runflat tires or optional Dunlop high performance all season tires wrapped on exclusive GT-R 20″ wheels.

The driver is provided with total vehicle adjustability via a “set-up” switch located in the center console which enables the driver to fine tune the transmission shifts, shock absorbers and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in 3 settings – Normal, Comfort or ‘R’ for ultimate handling. 

The all-new 2009 Nissan GT-R will be available on sale for the first time in North American in June 2008 and will be available at Key Nissan.  If you have any questions about the availability of this car or for any other information, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-868-6615.

So go ahead and feast your eyes on the visual smorgasboard…

 

 

 

Naked test drive at a Washington dealership? Not at Key Nissan!

So I read a bizzare story recently about a naked guy test driving a customers car in Spokane Washington.  Here it goes.

According to the Spokane Spokesman Review, a police officer dropped her Chrysler van off for service at her local dealership for routine service.  Later that day, a random woman driving down the road calls the police to report a van that has been following her, has passed her 5 times and the driver isn’t wearing any clothes.  The woman also reported the van’s license number.  When the police office ran the license number,  they realized the vehicle belonged to another officer. 

Police went to the dealership, found the van and the now-clothed service department employee who had taken the van for a 16-mile ride.

The dealership employee was arrested for lewd conduct and felony taking a motor vehicle without permission.

“We are shocked” said a sales manager at the Chrysler dealership.  “It’s embarassing for the store”. 

On a lighter note, the dealership agreed to give the officer a loaner car while her van was being detailed.

 

Key Nissan offers performance upgrades for all cars

In the quest to create new excitement in that long-lost new car experience, we have asked ourselves how to recapture that feeling when you first drove off the lot in the new Nissan.  At some point, the horsepower feels stagnant, the handling is par for the course and the car may be last years news.  We think one of the ways to bring back passion about your once-new car is throguh accessories, and we don’t mean mud gaurds or spoilers…we mean performance! 

There are plenty of ways to rekindle that spirit of putting the pedal to the floor in the new car, or taking turns at break-neck speeds without spending a load of money.  Simple things like a cold-air intake, exhaust system or even something as extreme as a supercharger will invigorate your inner driving spirit! 

As a result, we have decided to add a new service for our customers that had previously been limited to the aftermarket – where a guy in a shop works on any and every kind of car.  Often times, these shops are the jack-of-all-trades, but the king of none.  We are the “king” of Nissan.  It’s what we do every day.  It is what we know.  So, we now offer speed shop like services from our team of master technicians who will pep it up under the hood for the right price and with the expertice that is second to none.  Whether it is a set of pulleys, a supercharger or spark plug wires, we do it with the help of our friends at Stillen Performance who offers top quality products designed specifically for Nissan.  All their products have a 1 year parts warranty and some have an optional 3 year 36,ooo mile warranty. 

What performance mods are you looking for?  What would you like to see offered for your Nissan?  Us bloggers love feedback, so don’t be shy!  For product information and pricing, call Dominick Thompson 1-800-868-6615.

 

 

The 2007 Sentra SE-R review…it isn’t your mom’s car!

Hello strangers!  It has been quite a while since our last post.  Sorry to keep you hanging.  We are ashamed of ourselves.  This week at The Avenue, we want to make mention about the new Sentra SE-R.  This is a brand new body style that is certainly a visual superior to the base model sedan, but it packs a little heat under the hood too. 

To start, the car has a modified front facia, side skirts and rear diffuser as well as 18″ wheels and 12.5″ rotors on the front!  The rear rotors are 11.5″, which is bigger than most cars have up front and that means more stopping power than the average small sedan.  This car has suspension reinforcements to assist in handling and has 200 horses.  This car will get you wherever you’re going, stop on a dime and keep the rubber-neckers staring all the while. 

Thanks to our friends at Roadfly.com, they have tested this car at Miami Homestead speedway for us to enjoy.  Those guys have a rough life!

 

 

I don’t know many that would say the car is sub-par.  It is priced below the Volkswagen GTI and others in it’s class.  I think it is the best bang for the buck on the market.  What are your thoughts?

 

 

 

Nissan takes steps to prevent drunk driving in future cars

Nissan introduces a new system capable of detecting the presence of alcohol in the perspiration of the driver’s palm as he or she attempts to start driving, monitor the driver’s state of consciousness through the blinking of the eye, monitoring the operational behavior of the vehicle etc.

This concept car was developed as an exploratory platform to showcase breakthrough technologies that could potentially be applied in future production cars, part of an ongoing program from Nissan contributing towards the prevention of drunk driving.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has revealed a new concept car featuring multiple preventative features designed to help reduce drunk driving. Presently integrated on-board a production model Fuga sedan, the various technologies are designed to detect the driver’s state of sobriety and to activate a range of preventive measures including immobilization of the vehicle.

Alcohol Odor Sensors1. A hi-sensitivity alcohol odor sensor is built into the transmission shift knob, which is able to detect the presence of alcohol in the perspiration of the driver’s palm as he or she attempts to start driving. When the alcohol-level detected is above the pre-determined threshold, the system automatically locks the transmission, immobilizing the car. A “drunk driving” voice alert is also issued via the car navigation system.

2. Additional alcohol odor sensors are also incorporated into the driver’s and passenger seats to detect the presence of alcohol in the air inside the vehicle cabin. When alcohol is detected, the system issues both a voice alert and a message alert on the navigation system monitor.

Facial Recognition System

A camera is mounted on the instrument cluster facing the driver to monitor the driver’s face. The system is calibrated to monitor the driver’s state of consciousness through the blinking of the eyes. When the system detects signs of drowsiness, a voice and message alert is triggered via the navigation system. Additionally, a seat-belt mechanism is activated which tightens around the driver to gain his or her immediate attention.

Driving Behavior

By constantly monitoring the operational behavior of the vehicle (e.g. sensing if the vehicle is veering out of its driving lane), the system can identify signs of inattentiveness or distraction in the driver. When the system detects such behavior, voice and message alerts are issued via the navigation system. The seat-belt alert mechanism is also activated, tightening around the driver to gain immediate attention.

This concept car was developed as an platform to showcase breakthrough technologies that could be applied in future production cars, part of an ongoing program from Nissan contributing towards the prevention of drunk driving.

Nissan has already launched and is developing several initiatives to help prevent drunk driving. In June, the company introduced the “drunk driving” message alert on its navigation system. In July, Nissan also began testing of a new on-board breathalyzer system in cooperation with several local government authorities, where an interlock mechanism will immobilize the vehicle if the driver’s breath indicates the presence of alcohol above a specified level.

Nissan is taking holistic approach towards safety that extends beyond the technology built into its vehicles. To achieve a “safe driving environment”, Nissan has embarked on the Intelligent Transport System Project (ITS)  – aimed at helping to reduce road accidents via the analysis of traffic data collected from on-the-road vehicles and traffic beacons. In Japan, the company’s safety vision is to halve the number of traffic fatalities or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by 2015 compared with the level in 1995.

 

A recent visit to a local service shop…yikes

You often hear “horror stories” of bad customer service at various places in our community. I recently had one of my own at a local automotive service center that put me on edge.  I sometimes hear about scenarios such as this, but have never had the displeasure of witnessing the event.  The story goes like this:

     I arrived at the center around 6:45 pm on a weekday.  The lights inside were off, but two employees remained.  As I stood behind the service desk with one of the employees, I noticed that someone had walked in the front door.  When I looked over, it was an elderly man who looked slightly confused as to what to do and asked the gentleman beside me, “Are you open”?  He bluntly answered, “We are closed. The gas pumps are on 24-7, but service is closed.” And that was it. He answered the gentleman as if there were no other response. 

     The man, looking even more-so-confused as to what to do, turned around with his head down, and walked out the door. The employee continued on, as he was before being interrupted by the pesky not-so-customer.  It was as if the customer had never walked in the door. By the look on the man’s face, he did not receive the answer he had hoped for.  Were they technically closed?  Yes.  Was there a technician present to address any concerns the man had?  No.  But could there have been a better answer or simply a little empathy?  Absolutely.

     I am sure that a little empathy would have gone a long way.  Something along the lines of, “Hello. How can we help you? What kind of trouble are you having? Unfortunately, there are no technicians here that can address that at this time of day…can I get you a ride home?  Arrange for a rental?  We can get this taken care of first thing in the morning.  Is there anything else we can do to help?”

     I felt bad for the man who had to leave and try to find someone that could help him.  Hopefully he wasn’t in a dire situation and really needed some assistance. I have never treated someone this way, because it is just rude.  I hope that none of our customers have had an experience like this. Being there to provide help and service to our customers is what we’re all about.

What positive experiences have you had?  Has there been a time that someone went “all-out” for you?  Have you gone all-out for someone else?  Tell us the good news!

 

 

The NISMO 350Z is here!

It has finally arrived!  The 2007 NISMO 350Z.  This car is for the Z enthusiast looking for a higher level of handling, stability, steering precision and response than the base model car.  If it’s overall performance you’re looking for, look no further.  Some folks reach for the “go” and some want the “show”.  This car has it all right from Nissan.

Some of the ”GO” upgrades include a NISMO-tuned suspension that boasts 35% more rigidity, NISMO forged super light alloy wheels by RAYS Engineering (18″ front, 19″ rear), Brembo brakes with 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers and 306bhp engine (unchanged) with a NISMO-tuned exhaust. 

   

 

For “show” there is a NISMO aerodynamics package including side skirts, a new front fascia with chin spoiler, a new rear fascia with rear diffuser, custom rear wing spoiler and chrome exhaust tips.  In the cockpit instrument panel houses a white-face NISMO cluster with enough reading for a commercial airline pilot.  The interior also includes NISMO floor mats, red and black cloth upholstered sports seats, red stitching on the steering wheel and door panels and an aluminum etched numbered plate identifying your exact production number.  How is that for “special edition”? 

 

 

 

The MSRP on the NISMO 350Z is $38,775 and is available for immediate delivery at Key Nissan!  For any questions on this vehicle or any other Nissan product, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-868-6615.

What are your thoughts on the new car?  Leave a comment below or give us a call!

 

New 2008 Nissan models are here!

Well, it’s that time again; when the new car models hit the showroom floor and (for us car nuts) soothes our anxieties.  So now that all the rumors are fact, here is what we do best…offer you the skinny.

Let’s review them one at a time.  First, the 2008 Pathfinder V8.

This model has the same great body style as before, but now has a V8 engine option.  This new engine is a neck-breaking 310hp 5.6L.  Needless to say, when you press the accelerator, you get results!  The LE V8 model starts at $36,500 and  boasts such luxe features as 1st/2nd row leather appointed  and heated seats, wood grain interior trim and heated steering wheel.  Satelite radio is available for $150 (factory-installed), navigation for $2400 and a DVD entertainment system for $1600.   Of course, this model still has the convenient 3rd-row seat, iPOD compatibility and list of other conveniences.  To build your perfect Pathfinder, click here. 

Next in the line-up the the much-talked-about Altima Coupe.  

             

The Altima Coupe is the very first 2-door version of the popular sedan.  It’s stance is somewhat agressive and resembles the Infiniti G35 coupe, but without the same price tag.  The coupe starts at just $20,490…not bad if you ask me.  Check out coverage of the Altima Coupe is this video.

If you have any questions about these or any other Nissan models, feel free to contact us directly.  Click here for all our contact info

 Thanks everyone for viewing and don’t forget to leave comments (us bloggers love that stuff) about Key Nissan, the new Pathfinder, Altima Coupe or anything else!  And don’t forget, you will find the best inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles in the lowcountry at Key Nissan.  For questions about Nissan Service or Parts, please call us at 1-800-868-6615 or email your blog author, Dominick Thompson, at dthompson@keynissan.com.