THE AGE OF ELECTRIC MOTORING IN EUROPE

The first regular shipment of 100% electric Nissan LEAFs bound for Europe arrived in North East England on 3rd February.

The 67 Nissan LEAFs aboard the ‘City of St. Petersburg', Nissan's brand new energy-saving car carrier for transporting vehicles in Europe, are destined for customers in the UK and Ireland and will be unloaded from the Port of Tyne as the carrier completes its maiden voyage.

"The arrival of the Nissan LEAF, the world's first affordable, all-electric car, in Europe is a landmark day for Nissan and European transport. The Nissan LEAF is a genuine alternative to petrol and diesel cars in terms of style, features, safety, performance and handling," said Simon Thomas, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan International SA, Nissan's European headquarters.

"It is fitting that this first shipment of Nissan LEAFs is arriving on our new energy-saving car carrier, the City of St. Petersburg. We look forward to delivering these cars to the very first Nissan LEAF customers, who share our vision for an environmentally sustainable future for road transport," he added.

The City of St. Petersburg has a sleek and semi-spherical bow which reduces wind resistance by up to 50%, resulting in fuel reductions of up to 800 tonnes annually, equivalent to about 2,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The carrier will join the fleet of ships which export hundreds of thousands of vehicles from Nissan Sunderland Plant each year.

UK customers have been able to pre-order the Nissan LEAF since September 2010 ahead of deliveries starting in the coming weeks. Pre-orders for the Nissan LEAF, which is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery, have reached more than 27,000 units globally. The zero-emission car is currently built in Japan, but will be manufactured in Sunderland from 2013, following the start of production of lithium-ion batteries for such cars at the plant in 2012.

A comprehensive charging network is currently under development in the UK. North East England alone will have 1,300 charge points by 2013, including quick chargers capable of refuelling a Nissan LEAF from when the empty warning light switches onto an 80% charge in just under 30 minutes. Nissan's network of EV dealers - currently 25 sites across the UK - will all be equipped with a quick charger.

Across the UK there are programmes under way to install around 9,000 charge points by 2013.

Nissan research has found that 80% of daily driving in Britain is below 30 miles. With the Nissan LEAF's ability to carry five passengers up to 109 miles (175 km) under the New European Driving Cycle, its arrival in Europe marks a significant development in the environmentally-friendly, cost efficient options available for motorists.

Source: Nissan.

THE consumer guide to electric cars is available now!

Electric Cars – The Future is Now!
By Arvid Linde
Winner of the headlineauto 2010 award for ‘Rising Star of Year.'

What if we all had to say goodbye to petrol cars tomorrow? Would you be ready? This book will help you find out. With a concise catalogue covering the best production models and the most promising prototypes, this book is the definitive guide to the future of motoring.

Click here for more info about the book.

UK SHOW DEBUT FOR NEW NISSAN GT- R AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL SHOW

GT1 GT-R
Nissan GT-R
Sports car fans heading for the PistonHeads Performance Car show, held within the Autosport International event, in Birmingham this month are set for a feast of Nissan horsepower.

The first treat is the opportunity to see the awesome new Nissan GT-R. Revised for 2011, it now packs a 530PS punch and produces 612Nm of torque. This is enough to power the supercar to 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars in the world.

Besides more power, the enhanced GT-R is distinguishable by its new wheel design, LED daytime running lights, larger front brakes, improved air intakes, red engine cover and a revised interior. It is available only in one grade known simply as the GT-R but with two interior choices – Recaro black full leather seats with red flashes or premium with a leather and Alcantara seat trim – both available at no extra cost. The car on display at the show will have a Recaro Black interior with the new exterior colour for 2011, Daytona blue.

Sitting alongside the GT-R will be the latest versions of the 370Z Coupe and Roadster, both celebrating the 40th year of Nissan ‘Z’ cars in the UK. Producing 328PS from their 3.7-litre V6 engines, they have come a long way from the original 240Z which was first officially imported into the UK in August 1971 with a 150PS powerplant. Much of this iconic car’s character has been carried over to the latest incarnation 370Z though, including its front engine, rear wheel drive layout and its two seat driving experience. Even elements of the original styling can be seen in the bonnet and roof lines.

Show visitors going beyond Nissan’s own stand will be able to spot some even more extreme Nissans. Performance Tuners Sumo Power will be showing off their stunning FIA GT1 championship race winning GT-R which recently picked up the RAC tourist trophy. The second GT-R race car will be strutting its stuff in the ‘Fifth Gear Live Action Arena’ where spectators will be able to see, hear and smell the car in action. Drivers of both cars will be available for autographs at various times over the four days of the show.

Speed merchants still hungry for more power should seek out the most powerful car to ever wear the Nissan badge; John Bradshaw’s Z drag car puts out a whopping 2,000hp from an engine which uses the same V6 engine block as a standard 370Z. Dressed in its new livery of red and silver it can be seen at the show in hall 7 on stand number 7400.

The Nissan stand can be located within the PistonHeads performance car show in hall 19 on stand number 19810.

Source: Nissan

Essential reading for GT-R fans!
Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born to race
By Dennis Gorodji

The Nissan GT-R revolutionised modern sports car dynamics. This analysis of its development and racing history provides an original view of the GTR models, plus comparisons with other sports and racing cars. Featuring 400 colour photos, schematics and graphs, this is a must for sports car enthusiasts.
More info.

‘GRAND TOURING GREATS’ TO STAR IN THE EARLS COURT MOTOR SHOW AT THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL

Following the growing popularity of the annual Earls Court Motor Show at the Goodwood Revival, this key attraction will once again add an exciting element to the annual Revival meeting, the world’s most authentic historic motor race meeting, being held in just four week’s time, from 17-19 September.

The Earls Court Motor Show takes its inspiration from the celebrated London Motor Shows of the 1950s and 60s, with an Art Deco frontage reminiscent of the glory days of exhibitions of the past. This spacious area will give the expected 130,000 Goodwood Revival visitors an insight into how the motoring of tomorrow might look from a pre-1966 perspective, with a display of ‘futuristic’ late 20th and early 21st century cars.

Externally, Earls Court looks like the entrance to a 1950s Motor Show, promising to display ‘cars of the future’ inside. As no post-1966 vehicles are ordinarily allowed on site during the Goodwood Revival, the Earls Court Motor Show enables the event to break out of its ‘period’ timeframe and display post-1966 vehicles. The effect is like walking into a Tardis, offering other-worldly futuristic new cars to see, right up to and including manufacturers’ latest products.

Each vehicle manufacturer’s stand is presented in the style of a traditional Motor Show of the 1950s or 1960s. As with the rest of the Revival, the overall display is not set in a specific timeframe, but rather at some unidentified point prior to 1966. Manufacturer displays are therefore expected to include contemporary cars of the 1950s or 1960s, as well as some ‘concept’ cars showing each company’s vision of what production cars might look like in the early 21st Century. Car manufacturers confirmed to be exhibiting at this ‘motor show of the future’ include Maserati, Jaguar, BMW, Nissan and Rolls-Royce.

In addition to the manufacturers’ stands, there will be a central ‘concours d’elegance’ exhibition. This display will commemorate ‘Grand Touring Greats’, featuring around 25 elegant GT cars, from the 1950s right through to the present day. Expect to see important GT cars such as the influential Lancia Aurelia B20 Coupe, Bentley Continental R, Facel Vega HK500, Gordon Keeble and Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona.’

Goodwood’s historic links with Earls Court are very strong. The famous London Earls Court exhibition site was built on land once owned by the Duke of Richmond; the Earl in the name referring to the Earl of March, from whom the present 10th Duke of Richmond, and his son Lord March, are directly descended.

Source: Goodwood

NISSAN LEAF - THE ‘NEW CAR’ EXPERIENCE

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) has invited nearly 500 people to experience the world's first mass-production, 100% electric, zero-emission car - Nissan LEAF - at the company's Oppama test track in a world-exclusive preview from June 11-19, 2010.



Media, Nissan shareholders, government officials, analysts and some of the first customers to place reservations for Nissan LEAF will get the chance to experience the benefits of this practical, affordable and fun to drive all-electric car when they get behind the wheel of the first production test units.



Nissan LEAF is a ‘new car' in every sense of the word and redefines the driving experience, setting new standards in handling, acceleration and comfort in its class. Nissan LEAF officially goes on sale beginning in December.



Since the 100% electric, zero-emission concept vehicle was unveiled last August at the grand opening of the new Nissan Global Headquarters, the company has been continually refining Nissan LEAF for the October start of production.



Among the enhancements to the test units is the "Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians" system, which also will be used in the Nissan Fuga hybrid, slated for sale in autumn 2010.



Press release & image: Nissan



Coming soon! The Efficient Driver’s Handbook – Your guide to fuel efficient driving techniques and car choice

By Dave Moss



This book describes in a clear, friendly manner everything today’s driver needs to know about choosing and using a car in an economical and eco-efficient way.



More info.

EUROPEAN SALES OF GT-R SpecV ANNOUNCED

Nissan in Europe will sell just 40 examples of the ultimate iteration of its GT-R supercar, the SpecV. Orders are now being taken at Nissan High Performance Centres (NHPCs) across Europe and will close on 22 January 2010.

The limited run of 40 examples in Europe reflects that 2009 is the 40th anniversary of the launch of the first Nissan to wear the GT-R badge. Also reflecting its exclusivity, and in recognition of the car’s indelible link with the Nordschleife circuit in Germany, the SpecV is only being displayed in Europe at the new Nissan Sports showroom in the new Nürburgring complex which was opened in July.

Developed as the ultimate iteration of the GT-R, the SpecV model builds on the original GT-R’s product concept by changing and enhancing key components that help deliver the SpecV’s philosophy of being for skilled drivers who are ‘at one’ with their vehicle.

Incorporating all of the product enhancements recently announced for the standard MY10 GT-R, these changes are based around the SpecV’s ability (in the right conditions and environment) to brake later and harder, corner faster and accelerate sooner.

Although maximum horsepower output remains unchanged, engine performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which briefly increases boost of the twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide greater in-gear acceleration. Braking and cornering performance is improved by the fitting of a carbon ceramic brake system jointly developed by Nissan and Brembo, revised springs and fixed-rate dampers. Other performance modifications include a titanium exhaust system.
Press release/Image source: Nissan

Coming soon from Veloce ...
ESSENTIAL reading for GT-R enthusiasts!
Click covers for more info

IN THE NEWS

Small car shortage ahead of scrappage scheme

Carmakers are reporting a surge in showroom and web traffic ahead of Monday’s (May 18) launch of the vehicle scrapping scheme, which is expected to spark higher sales of their smallest cars and cheapest models.

However, while the scheme has been welcomed by the motor industry, analysts say it will worsen an existing shortage of small cars.

Additionally, some manufacturers have complained about having to co-sponsor the £2,000 discount on some of their most in-demand but lowest margin models.

As the scheme will deliver proportionately the biggest discount on lower-priced cars – and because drivers of older vehicles tend to have less money – it is expected to spark demand for small cars, which are already much sought after because of the recession and higher fuel prices.

Adrian Rushmore, managing editor of Glass’s Guide, said: “We’re predicting worsening shortages of small cars. A wait of 12 weeks is not unusual for a small car and these shortages will become more protracted.”

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, confirmed: “Vehicle manufacturers are not going to be making lots of money out of this process.” (Financial Times: May 15).

D-Day looms for GM Europe investors

Potential investors in General Motors’ European operations have been given a deadline of Wednesday (May 20) to submit detailed proposals.

General Motors has been given a deadline of the end of the month by the US Government to submit detailed restructuring plans as it battles for survival and hopes for more state aid.

A major part of its restructuring is the disposal of a majority stake in its European operations, which include Vauxhall in the UK and Opel on the continent.

Fiat and Canadian parts manufacturers Magna are leading the race, but German ministers say that plans submitted so far by suitors are ‘too basic’.

Meanwhile, Ford, the only major US carmaker not to take Government support, has told its AGM that it intends to return to profitability by 2011.

Chief executive Alan Mulally said Ford would emerge from recession as a ‘lean, globally integrated company poised for long-term profitable growth’.

The third US carmaker, Chrysler, says it will close a quarter of its 3,200 dealerships in the country as its battles to restructure amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy. (Daily Telegraph: May 15).

Nissan creates specialist dealers

Nissan GB is creating specialisms within its network to better target its market segments.

The carmaker has been working with its network to identify market opportunities and agree a three-year business plan with each dealer.

Managing director Paul Willcox has a target to increase the brand’s share of the UK new car market from 3.5 per cent to 5 per cent in 2012 through driving improvements in five areas: product, brand perception, quality, operational processes and dealers.

This includes a roll-out of specialisms within the retail network. Among its 185-strong network most will have 4x4 specialists, 60 will have fleet and LCV specialists and up to 25 will be designated high performance centres.

“We’re doing this to enable the network to right-size their businesses. Every dealer will get everything in our range, but specialist means that those dealers that have a particular market opportunity will invest at a higher level for that and will get a higher level of margin to support them in meeting the expectations of their customers,” said Mr Willcox.

Dealerships with specialist status will add branding and a dedicated section of the showroom to promote that fact.

These changes will be accompanied by a reduction in network size to around 165 locations by 2012. (AM-Online: May 15).

Recession-hit drivers buy three-year-old motors

Credit crunched motorists are buying ever-more three-year-old cars, as they cut back on spending.

A new survey reveals a doubling of the market for older cars with more than 41 per cent of buyers plan to buy an older car. That’s up from 22 per cent a year ago, says American Express Insurance Services.

In contrast, nearly new sales are suffering with the survey revealing a decrease of over a quarter in car buyers intending to buy a car under three-years-old.

But new car sales have not suffered any change in intent, according to the survey, which suggests that just under a third of buyers still plan to buy a new car next time round.

It’s the overall ‘intend to purchase’ market that has declined, by over 20 per cent with head of American Express Insurance Services, Chris Rolland, saying: “With fuel prices on the increase yet again, and the economic environment still putting a strain on many household finances, people are clearly looking for ways to save money.” (Car Dealer Magazine.co.uk: May 15).

POWER DELIVERED!

Today (9th April) at 7:29am – a time which matches the technology-packed newcomer's Nürburgring lap time – the very first British buyers will take delivery of their GT-Rs from Nissan’s network of 11 High Performance Centres. Subsequent deliveries are planned for soon after although such is the demand for this halo model that those ordering one now can expect to wait at least a year.

Few vehicles have picked up so many accolades ahead of their on sale date as Nissan's GT-R and sports car enthusiasts are about to discover what makes this mighty performance flagship a multiple award winner.

The Nissan GT-R has picked up 12 accolades in the last 12 months including Auto Express Performance Car of the Year 2008, What Car? Performance Car of the Year 2009 and MSN Car of the Year 2009.

Since the order books opened on 2nd April 2008, Nissan has taken 1,250 deposits from buyers and for those who joined the GT-R queue at the beginning, the wait is almost over.

Source:Newspress/Nissan

Veloce is proud to announce two forthcoming Nissan GT-R books! Both are due to be published around September time.

Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born to race
By Dennis Gorodji.
Contains rare pictures, schematics and graphs detailing the many unique qualities of the Nissan GT-R, a car that revolutionised modern sports car dynamics. Analysis of the motorsport history of the GT-R provides an original view of development of the models, and comparison of them with other sports and racing cars. Features an original and critical analysis of the new GT-R R35, and the R35 Spec V, which will be launched at the start of 2009, is also represented in the book. With over 400 colour photographs, this is essential reading for sports car fans.
Click here for more info.

The Nissan GT-R High-performance Manual – An international guide to High-performance components
By Alex Gorodji.
There is not a car in the world that is equal to the Nissan GT-R in its popularity and unique handling characteristics. However, the Nissan GT-R was and still is a half-ready product. Therefore, modification of this car is crucial for realisation of its enormous potential.
This book explains the distinctive features of the GT-R and how they determine the car’s dynamics. It contains an original and critical analysis of the GT-R models, and reveals positive and negative features of different systems used in these cars. Modifications of all systems of the GT-R – by top British and Japanese tuners – are also covered.
Click here for more info.

NISSAN GT-R REVS INTO POLE POSITION

Web's largest motoring poll puts new Japanese sports car in top place.

British motoring enthusiasts have voted Japanese car maker Nissan's brutally powerful GT-R as winner of MSN Cars ‘Car of the Year 2009', with the four-wheel drive sportscar capturing almost a third (29%) of the record 80,000 votes cast on a poll on MSN Cars (msn.co.uk/cars).

The critically-acclaimed Nissan GT-R cruised ahead of its challengers as it almost trebled the number of votes of its nearest competitor, the British-built Jaguar XF (12%). Other familiar entries in the MSN Car of the Year poll include the ever popular - but new generation - Ford Fiesta (6%) in 8th place.

Tom Evans, Content Manager of MSN Cars, commented:

"Congratulations to Nissan and its revolutionary GT-R for capturing the imagination of the British motoring public. Not only does the GT-R boast impressive specs and enough sheer motoring muscle to outrun its rivals, but the GT-R also boasts one of the most eye-catching, contemporary designs in the supercar fraternity - and all at a bargain price that is entirely in keeping with these straightened times."

He added:

"Britain's passion and drive for the world's most well-crafted supercars continues, even during times of economic hardship. This is clearly demonstrated as over 80,000 people voted for their top motors, more than doubling the number of votes of last year's poll."
Source:headlineauto/MSN

2009 just seems to keep getting better for the Nissan GT-R. Look out for these two Nissan GT-R books from Veloce, coming soon!



Click covers for more information.

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW GT-R SPECV MODEL

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime” philosophy – taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.” The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.
The GT-R SpecV’s new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour. Inside, the SpecV’s unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear centre storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tyres, combine to deliver the SpecV’s exceptional performance.
Source:newspress

Forthcoming Nissan GT-R books from Veloce!

A DRIVE ON THE WILD SIDE - ALISTAIR WEAVER INTERVIEW ON AUTO-LAB

If the video doesn't display click here



Available Now! A Drive on the Wild Side – Twenty extreme driving adventures from around the world by Alistair Weaver.

Written by award winning journalist and television presenter Alistair Weaver, and illustrated by some of the world's leading automotive photographers, A Drive on the Wild Side, takes you on a fascinating journey across some of the world's most challenging roads. Experience the heat of the Laos jungle, the loneliness of the Arctic and the bullet-marked streets of Beirut from behind the wheel of some of the world's finest cars. Find out what it is really like to drive a Ferrari 612 across the forgotten wastelands of western China, or to chase poachers on the slopes of Mount Kenya. This book tells the fascinating, hair raising and moving stories experienced during a career-spanning automotive adventure in style, with 400 stunning photos. This is a book that will appeal to car and travel enthusiasts across the world.

Click here for more info about the book.

UPDATED NISSAN GT-R FOR EUROPE

As production of the European specification Nissan GT-R begins in its Tochigi plant in Japan this month, a raft of small but significant changes have been made to the car.

The GT-R’s hand-built 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine has gained 5PS thanks to some fine tuning of its electronics, taking power output to 485PS, while torque remains unchanged at 588Nm. Additionally, Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres will be fitted as standard. The tyre was developed specifically for the GT-R and it combines grip and durability, as demonstrated during its ‘time-attack’ lap of the Nurburgring, which yielded a time of 7 minutes 29 seconds. And, just to improve the ride performance even further a modification has been carried out to the suspension spring rate settings.

Another update sees the introduction of the Gun Metal grey coloured Rays seven-spoke alloy wheel design for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same design but, appropriately, in black. Additionally, customers can now choose a new pearl white called ‘Storm’ as an exterior colour – an eye-catching, deep white replacing the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade.

To date, Nissan has taken in excess of 2500 customer orders in Europe with 1200 coming from the UK. Any new customer orders should expect delivery in mid 2010.
Veloce has two exciting Nissan GT-R books lined up for release in 2009...

The Nissan GT-R High-performance Manual By Alex Gorodji.
There is not a car in the world that is equal to the Nissan GT-R in its popularity and unique handling characteristics. However, the Nissan GT-R was and still is a half-ready product. Therefore modification of this car is crucial for realisation of its enormous potential.
This book explains the distinctive features of the GT-R and how they determine the car’s dynamics. It contains an original and critical analysis of the GT-R models, and reveals positive and negative features of different systems of these cars. Modifications of all systems of the GT-R by the top British and Japanese tuners are covered in the book.
click here for more info about the book.

Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born to race By Dennis Gorodji. This book contains rare pictures, schemas and graphs detailing the many unique qualities of the Nissan GT-R, a car that revolutionised modern sports car dynamics. Analysis of the motorsport history of the GT-R provides an original view of development of the models, and comparison of them with other sports and racing cars. It features an original and critical analysis of the new GT-R R35, and the R35 Spec V, which will be launched in the beginning of 2009, is also represented in the book. With over 400 colour photographs, this is essential reading for sports car fans.
click here for more info about this book.

NISSAN GT-R - CAR OF THE YEAR AT JAPAN‘S MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AWARD

The NISSAN GT-R supercar has won the Most Advanced Technology Award, one of the highly coveted awards of Car of the Year Japan 2008-2009. The final selection was made from November 10-11 at Oiso, Kanagawa prefecture. The jury described the NISSAN GT-R “as a supercar that delivers powerful performance and clean emission, featuring an advanced new body structure combining carbon, aluminium and steel, in addition to its impressive dual-clutch transmission and the world’s first independent transaxle 4WD”.

NISSAN GT-R has been a global success since its launch on December 6, 2007 in Japan and July 7, 2008 in North America. The NISSAN GT-R will be arriving in Europe next spring.

Also, next year will see the release of the exciting forthcoming book from Veloce Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born to race by Dennis Gorodji.
This book contains rare pictures, schemas and graphs detailing the many unique qualities of the Nissan GT-R, a car that revolutionised modern sports car dynamics. Analysis of the motorsport history of the GT-R provides an original view of development of the models, and comparison of them with other sports and racing cars. It features an original and critical analysis of the new GT-R R35, and the R35 Spec V, which will be launched in the beginning of 2009, is also represented in the book. With over 400 colour photographs, this is essential reading for sports car fans.
click here to find out more about this forthcoming book

NISSAN GT-R OWNERS GET A TASTE OF WHAT'S ROUND THE CORNER

Instructors from Silverstone International have entered the final stages of a Pan-European driving programme to introduce the Nissan GT-R to more than 1,300 pre-sold customers.

The 19-date run at Germany's Nurburgring follows the successful debut of the experience at the home of the British Grand Prix in August, where more than 500 owners got to grips with the super saloon car for the first time.

Under the logistical arm of Silverstone International, the initial two stages of the ground-breaking ‘Best in Class' Nissan Academy allowed customers to experience the phenomenal performance of the GT-R as well as learn important advanced driving techniques.

Further sessions, including the opportunity to take a full race licence test, will be held during 2009. Nissan and Silverstone are working on an even bigger offering of driving experiences for Passionate Sports car driver's that will be rolled out in 2009.

European deliveries of the GT-R supercar will start in April 2009. Currently the waiting list is 18 months in the UK.

EXCLUSIVE NEWS! Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born to Race by Alex Gorodji is forthcoming from Veloce in 2009. so watch this space!

IMOTOR - NISSAN GTR VS AUDI R8 DRIVE

Check out iMOTOR the FREE digital magazine for the latest in supercar test drive videos like this one. Issue 4 is out now.

World First - Nissan Eco Pedal

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, today unveiled the Eco Pedal - a world-first technology scheduled for release in 2009, designed to assist drivers in becoming more fuel-efficient.

The Eco Pedal is designed to act as a counter push-back control mechanism on the accelerator if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they might be using more fuel than required. Reportedly, it could improve a drivers fuel efficiency by 5 to 10%. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his/her driving behaviour.

Nissan is taking a three-pronged approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, comprising improvements in vehicle technologies, driving behaviour and traffic conditions. It could be argued, however, that the ECO Pedal has the potential to compromise safety in the name of fuel efficiency – but if this how an individual motorist views the technology, it can be turned off.

For the definitive history of Nissan's Z-cars, see the Veloce book Nissan 300ZX & 350Z - The Z-car Story



click here for more info

2008 Concept Cars

2008 Concept Cars

All I can say is sort it out Nissan!