Nissan 350Z Coupe (2009) CAR

First introduced as a 2003 model, the 350Z is the latest Nissan is a series of "Z" cars dating back to the 1969 240Z. The 350Z was styled at Nissan Design America and has all the design cues you'd expect in the Z-Car family. The car was updated in 2007, including both mechanical and visual improvements. The biggest change came in the form of a new, more powerful, 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque with both the close-ratio 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions. The new VQ engine is built with nearly 80 percent of its major parts redesigned. Reported fuel economy is 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.The 350Z is available in four models: 350Z 6MT, 350Z Enthusiast, 350Z Touring and 350Z Grand Touring. Starting MSRP for the 350Z Coupe with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is $27,900. The Enthusiast model adds cruise control, Traction Control, Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD), aluminum pedals and more, and is available in a 6-speed manual configuration starting at $29,600, or in a 5-speed automatic configuration starting at $30,600

The 350Z Touring model is available with a 6-speed manual starting at $32,700, and with a 5-speed auto starting at $33,200. Touring models add a 7-speaker Bose audio system and heated power leather seats. Nissan 350Z Coupe Grand Touring models start at $36,100 for the 6-speed coupe $37,100 for the 5-speed auto. The package adds lightweight alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo brakes and VDC for both the manual and automatic transmissions.The navigation system is optional on all models, and Bluetooth hands-free phone compatibility comes optional for the Touring and Grand Touring models

Suzuki SX4 Crossover (2009) Car

With a base price of $15,270, the SX4 Crossover is the least-expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle available in America. Though it is a true compact, with its interior versatility, the five-door Crossover is a practical all-purpose vehicle for young familiesThe SX4 is powered by a two-liter, four-cylinder engine putting out 143 horsepower with 136 pound-feet of torque, most powerful in the class, and competent in highway traffic. Power is transmitted through a manual five-speed gearbox, and a four-speed automatic is available.Carrying a little extra weight relative to its competition, the Suzuki only manages 21 mpg city and 28 highway, but the car feels solid on the road, and the AWD system increases driving confidence. The AWD can be locked to increase rear traction, useful in mud and snow. The AWD can be switched to two-wheel drive, but doesn't that help mileage much, and sacrifices handling stability

The SX4 also comes standard with six air bags, tire pressure monitor, and LATCH child-seat anchors. The optional Touring package is a no-brainer at the $1600 price, since it adds antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction and anti-skid control to the safety On the exterior, the Crossover looks a little like a shrunken Mercedes SUV, with roof rails and blacked-out rocker panels and fender protectors. The cab-forward design and high roof line provide excellent visibility and the cabin feels light and airy inside. Alloy 16-inch wheels, providing 6.9 inches of road clearance, are standard.Unlike some other sedans in this price range, the SX4 avoids gimmicks in its gauge layout, going for a simple center speedometer flanked by tach and tell-tale gauges in a single cluster in front of the driver. Similarly, convenience controls consist of large simple knobs in the center stack, with the audio on the same level as the steering wheel and HVAC controls below them.The cloth upholstery comes in a small neat woven pattern which complements the nicely designed interior trim and high-quality plastic that should be practical and durable.

Even with the low price, the SX4 manages to include a variety of accessories that give it almost a luxury feeling. Included in the standard list are a complete audio system with convenient MP3 plug, automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors and fog lamps. The optional Touring package adds cruise control, and steering wheel audio controls. With the high greenhouse, interior headroom is more than adequate for tall passengers, and leg room is fine for all but the tallest rear passengers, but the rear seat is only wide enough for two adults. With the rear seats in use, 10 cubic feet of luggage can be stowed in the nicely-configured interior space. Fold the rear seats down and over 54 cubic feet of cargo can be packed in.As the least expensive five-door AWD on the market, the SX4 Crossover is an excellent choice for young drivers or new families, perfect for Saturday chores, trips to the warehouse market, and the occasional weekend in the mountains

Toyota Corolla Car (2010)

The tenth-generation Toyota Corolla was launched for the 2009 model year. It features a redesigned exterior and revampted interior. For 2009, Toyota will offer the Corolla in five different trim levels: Standard, LE, XLE, S and performance XRS model. Standard, LE and XLE models will be equipped with Toyota's 1.8L Dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine �" rated at 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque �" and will return an EPA estimated 27/35 mpg city/highway. Transmission choices will include a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual

Corolla S and XRS models will be equipped with a 158 horsepower version of Toyota's 2.4L VVT-i four-cylinder engine. Although the sport models will give the Corolla a bit of added performance, the larger engine does affect the car's thriftiness, dropping mileage to 22/30 city/highway. Corolla S and XRS customers will be able to choose from a five-speed manual or automatic. The sport models will also feature a unique body kit.


Safety

Safety features on the all-new Corolla include standard driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and two-row side curtain airbags.

Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. When the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to limit the movement of the seat occupant's head.

Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and an off switch is available.

Standard features

The all-new Corolla will come with a long list of standard performance and convenience features. All models will be equipped with a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM satellite capable, auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning with air filter, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and 60/40 split folding rear seats.

The sporty S grade will feature standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM capable audio with six speakers.

In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds a rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and an off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and an interior chrome accent.

Options

Optional comfort and utility features include AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio (subscription required) and six speakers, a power package that includes power windows and door locks. Additional options on select grades include JBL Audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer with eight speakers and Bluetooth, Navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability and XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic capable with six speakers, leather-trimmed seats and shift knob, tilt and slide moonroof, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch.

BMW 1-Series Convertible (128i,135i)2009 CARS

The 128i Convertible is powered by BMW's 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine generating 200 pound-feet of torque.Like its fixed-roof stablemate, the 128i Convertible features Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium cylinder block construction-core elements of BMW's EfficientDynamics.The 135i Convertible, features BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm.With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, the 135i Coupe accelerates to 62 mph in 5.3 seconds. while the Convertible takes 5.6 seconds. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output.On the outsideThe 1-series Coupe sports a vaguely 2002-inspired shape, including the characteristic 'Hofmeister kink' in the c-pillar. The M Aerodynamic bodykit is standard on the 135i. On all models, the trunk lid includes an integrated spoiler. The 135i includes an additional lip spoiler for high speed rear downforce.The L-shaped rear taillights include LEDs with Adaptive Brakelights, which operate in two stages in relation to brake application force.Up front, Adaptive Xenon headlights are optional on the 128i and standard on the 135i. They'll also include integrated cornering lights and daytime running lights with two corona rings on each headlight unit, just like in other BMWs

Step insideFirst things first: BMW's controversial iDrive system comes only with the optional navigation system. The rest of the interior follows BMW tradition and includes galvanized pearl gloss surfaces on the interior door handles, glove compartment handle, the radio's rotary knobs, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the (optional) iDrive controller and the ornamental trim strips on the steering wheel.Leatherette will be standard on all models with Boston Leather as an option. The Sport Package, a BMW staple, will include sport seats with enhanced bolsters. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat is standard.The latest version of iDrive is equipped with six Programmable Memory Keys that allow the driver to program functions that are used particularly often such as navigation destinations, radio stations or specific telephone numbers. Touch-sensative sensors on these buttons preview the function on the iDrive screen before the button is depressed. The 1-Series should set some segment benchmarks with regards to the audio and entertainment system. Available and standard equipment will include: Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, a premium sound system and Bluetooth interface. For simple and straightforward connection of an MP3 player, an auxiliary input jack is standard, and a USB port for direct control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player is available as an option.Six airbags come standard, including dual front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seats and side curtain airbags in the roof lining

Diesel for rest of worldBMW will offer a 123d model with a 204 horsepower turbocharged diesel four cylinder in markets outside of the U.S. and Canada. This diesel motor is the world's first all-aluminum diesel motor to put out more than 100 horsepower per liter. Peak torque is 400Nm, around 295 pound-feet, and the 123d will run to 62 mph in 7 seconds, according to BMW. There is no word on U.S. or Canadian sales

Ferrari FXX CARs

Not satisfied with the already high performance of the Enzo, Ferrari first built the FXX in 2005 as an ultra-exclusive track version of the supercar which serves as much as a testbed for the Italian manufacturer's Formula 1 technology as it is a luxury for the owners. Without street approval, no owner -- not even ex-F1 driver Michael Schumacher -- is allowed to drive the vehicle in normal road conditions: instead, owners are limited to driving on pre-approved track days and must report their experience back to Ferrari. The exclusivity also extends to the sales period: even with just 30 examples to be built, Ferrari plans to halt the FXX program during 2008 or 2009.

Most every core component is upgraded in the beginning with the engine. The already strong 6.0-liter, 651 hp V12 of the Enzo has had its engine displacement increased to 6.3 liters, which (along with other enhancements) boosts the FXX engine's overall power to 790 hp at a high 8500 rpm. The increase is enough to push an already quick car to 60 mph in almost exactly three seconds. One of Ferrari's other key advancements is the transmission: while a six-speed sequential gearbox was already standard equipment with the original car, the FXX uses improvements made in more recent years through the F1 program: shift times have dropped from 150 milliseconds to 80, nearly eliminating shift lag. Other upgrades beyond the Enzo include improved brake pads to rein in the added power of the car, custom slick 19-inch tires, and a telemetry system that reports information both to the driver as well as to Ferrari's race technicians

The FXX Evolution kit Trim options are expectedly absent for the FXX, which will never be used outside of closed circuits. However, Ferrari plans to finish the car's short history with the addition of the Evolution pack. Without increasing displacement, the automaker will optimize the V12 to generate 848 hp at a near F1-like 9500 rpm. The company has also found ways to reduce the interval between shifts to 60 milliseconds. Airflow and traction control have also been improved in this ultimate version of the car.

Ferrari F430 Coupe (2008)

The F430 has won much praise in the automotive press for its performance, handling, and overall quality. Some testers have managed a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, making the F430 Ferrari's third quickest model ever, behind the Enzo/FXX and 599 Fiorano.This mid-engine supercar goes head-to-head with Lamborghini's Gallardo, which is more powerful, but generally regarded as slightly less capable on track. The F430 uses a 4.3-liter V8, while the Gallardo uses a 5.0-liter V10.The F430 is available with either the classic Ferrari open-gate manual gearbox or with the F1 paddle shift that Ferrari has continuously developed and refined over recent years.Ferrari's F1 gearbox for the F430 has been tuned by engineers on the Gestione Sportiva racing side. It incorporates a new control strategy which improves gear change speed and smoothness under hard use. Changing gear takes just 150 milliseconds.The F430 includes the E-Diff computer-controlled limited slip differential, large Brembo brakes, Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 EMT tires, and F1-inspired "launch control" technology

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Cars

The car represents the latest interpretation of a theme that has seen such classics as the 250 GT, the 275 GTB, and the 365 GTB4. The Ferrari 599 GTB replaces the 575M Maranello, which followed the 550 Maranello introduced in 1996.The 599 shares a basic design language and much of its chassis with the 612 Scaglietti. Bodywork was penned by Italian design house Pininfarina. Dynamically adjustable MagneRide suspension enables the 599 to offer a smooth ride for cruising, while still taking corners like a track-oriented supercar.Interior and Materials options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fiber steering wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special carbon-fiber trim kit for the door panels, instrument panel, gear stick surround and sill kick panels. A choice of various types of leather trim are available for the seats and interior. The passenger areas of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano are trimmed in leather while the driver area and controls boast more high-tech detailing in carbon-fiber and aluminum.Some standard features include front bi-xenon headlamps and rear LED lights, dusk and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable steering-wheel column, hideaway radio/CD player and key with integrated volumetric anti-theft device with motion sensors

Nissan GT-R SpecV Cars

Is there any point to this car? Well, that I remain unconvinced of. It doesn’t arrive with the rumoured 550bhp, but the twin-turbo 3.8 V6 has been given more torque in the mid and higher rev range – meaning that this is going to give you ‘proper’ rev-the-nuts-off sports car performance, though it’s arguable that the standard Nissan GT-R didn’t achieve just that. I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t want the more balanced ‘standard’ distribution of torque but there we are.
Naturally, the SpecV comes with a modified exhaust (titanium coated) along with a new boost controller for the true petrolheads who buy this monster. Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard along with 20” NISMO alloys – NISMO being responsible for the bodykits on 50% of the Nissan Skylines you still see tearing about.
You also get more to look at for your money, including an Ultimate Black Opal paint job, a carbon fibre (for lighter weight) spoiler, a carbon fibre grille and brake ducts. Perhaps unsurprising (yet still disappointing) is the removal of the rear seats in favour of a storage box. Seriously guys?
There’s been no official announcement of the car coming to the UK but with exchange rates as they are this could well be a £100,000 Nissan. That’s a bit scary. So, is it going to be worth almost double the price of the standard car? Definitely, most definitely NOT.
Unless you’re Jason Plato or Lewis Hamilton, then the likelihood is that you don’t have the skill to drive a ‘standard’ GT-R well, let alone a more powerful, far more expensive variant. Not only that, but the £100,000 market tends to be where you can find a lot of footballers floating their cash. I’m just saying…

Ferrari Cars