RideLust

The 2012 Nissan GT-R is as fast as you can go for less than $100,000, period, end of sentence. It’s 530 horsepower, twin turbo V-6 can get you from 0 to sixty in under 3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 196 miles per hour. It’ll run the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds at just over 123 miles per hour, which is fairly impressive for a car with a full factory warranty and a price tag below six figures (although just barely). Read More…

Thumbs Up: Razor-sharp handling and stunning good looks that honor the Z’s heritage

Thumbs Down: Poor outward visibility

Buy This Car If: You want a reasonably priced track-day toy you can still commute in

Nissan, then Datsun, blessed the automotive world with the Z-car in late 1969. No one knew what to make of the car at first, since “Japanese automaker” and “sports car” were phrases not often used in the same sentence. That’s not to say that the Japanese hadn’t launched sports cars in the U.S., but none were a sales success. Toyota sold a modest number of their 2000GT coupes in the U.S. market, and Datsun’s own roadsters didn’t exactly threaten sales of the MGB or the Triumph TR series. Read More…

Schadenfreude is a German word that translates to “taking joy in the misery of others.” If you wanted a better definition, all you’d have to do is watch the Nissan commercials after the jump, which poke fun at other Japanese car companies for their lack of inventory. In case you’ve forgotten, other car companies (such as Honda and Toyota) sustained more damage in the March earthquake and tsunami, so celebrating their higher inventory levels translates into kicking the competition when they’re down. Read More…

Thumbs Up: The first minivan I actually enjoyed driving.

Thumbs Down: Only available with a continuously variable transmission.

Buy This Car If: You want to break away from the rest of the minivan herd.

The 2011 Nissan Quest may look like a minivan, it may drive like a minivan and it may haul passengers and cargo like a minivan. Nissan even promotes it as being a minivan, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: the Nissan Quest was the first minivan I’ve driven that didn’t require me to wear a hat and sunglasses. I’m just not a minivan kind of guy, and even the best of the breed bore me to tears: except, that is, the 2011 Nissan Quest. I actually enjoyed driving it, even if I can’t quite put a finger on why. Read More…

The 2011 Nissan GT-R has 485 hp, all-wheel-drive, enough electronic get out of jail free cards to make even the most inept driver look like Mario Andretti and a curb weight of over 3,800 lbs. It’s been proven on racetracks the world over and is known for it’s blistering acceleration and vicious grip. The new 2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE has 177 hp, weighs under 400 lbs. and comes standard with Aprilia’s Performance Ride Control that automatically adjusts to different types of tire compounds. It’s one of the most advanced motorcycles ever created and is the new darling of the modern sport bike scene. Because of this Aprilia wanted to showcase its technology for all the world to see by pitting the mighty Nissan GT-R against their newest two wheeled bad boy up on Monticello Motor Club’s 0.9 mile mushroom course. Click through for the video as the results may surprise you.
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Recently, I attended the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. Held every May, this show features a vast array of meticulously maintained classic British, European and Japanese cars, exemplary examples of their more modern kin, as well as a beautiful collection of kit cars.  As far as sheer variety in makes, models and years, hands down, this show can’t be beat.

This has become something of an annual treat for me as I can think of few better ways to spend a weekend than by gazing at a gleaming sea of jaw-droppingly stunning automobiles, many of which I guarantee you won’t find at other shows. Plus, participation is open to anyone with an import or a kit car – all you have to do is register, make your car pretty and show up. It’s a great opportunity to display your cherished ride and meet other aficionados of your favorite marques.

I used to come down to show my Saab and hang out with the Saab contingent that makes it out every year. But even though I have a Subaru now, it’s just so much fun that I continue to make the trip to Carlisle (my WRX was parked over by the lone DeLorean, if you happened to be there). Volvo, BMW and Audi clubs also traditionally have a large showing so the weekend is packed with the cars you love, cars you haven’t seen before, your friends from the forums, barbeques – it’s a good time for everyone.  So, if you’re not too far out from Pennsylvania, I definitely recommend heading out there next May to check out the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals. To tide you over, provided for your viewing pleasure are some of my favorite cars of the weekend. Enjoy!

 

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If you bought one of the first 4,000 Nissan AWD Juke models sold, expect to get a nice surprise in the mailbox. Nissan is sending you an apology and a check for $400, because the printed marketing material incorrectly stated that the AWD Juke has a 13.2 gallon fuel tank. That’s the case for the front-wheel-drive Juke, but the AWD version loses 1.4 gallons of capacity to make room for the rear differential. If you’re keeping score, that translates to a diminished range of around 45 miles on the highway, which really isn’t a deal-breaker in the eyes of most consumers. Read More…

the leaf rides the wind
lightning in its belly
mother earth cheers

The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC. It’s a Nissan Leaf wrapped in carbon fiber and dipped in matte black paint. And it’s wicked. Hit the jump to watch it yowl around a track. Read More…

As you may have seen, Porsche recently released a configurator for the Panerama S Hybrid and 911 GT3 RS.  If you haven’t been over to the website, you’re doing yourself a disservice.  Even if you will never have the means to buy yourself one, it’s an immensely satisfying way to waste some time.  You can customize pretty much anything – sure any automaker gives you a choice of exterior paint but with Porsche you get to take your eye for detail right down to the vent surrounds.

Since I am sorta-kinda-but-not-really in the market for a new car (pending finances, you know how that goes) I have been bouncing from one manufacturer’s site to another comparing models, options, specs, and everything else in between.  What I have found is that in my price range (hint: exact opposite from a 911 GT3 RS), there is always a concession to be made.  This car has the fuel economy and sunroof but not the HIDs.  That car has the sunroof and HIDs but a spotty reliability record.  Still another has everything *except* space to accommodate my family.  And thus, I begin another round of “it would be perfect if…” Read More…

If you drive a 1996 to 2004 Nissan Pathfinder, or a 1997 to 2003 Infiniti QX4, expect to hear from your local dealership in the near future. Nissan has announced the recall of some 271,000 Pathfinders and QX4s, in the United States and Canada, to fix a potential corrosion-related issue that could result in steering loss. In states where road salt is used to prevent icing, a buildup of salt and slush can occur in the strut housing, leading to a potential structure failure and difficulty in controlling the car. Nissan points out that no injuries have been reported due to this issue, and that only a single accident may be attributable to the design. Read More…