BMW X1 We’re a little puzzled by the BMW X1. One of so many new “crossover” concepts to appear at the show – the crossover is rapidly mutating from niche to not interesting – even BMW didn’t seem to be making much of a fuss over it, despite the concept model looking every bit the production possibility. Casually positioned in one corner of BMW’s stand, if it wasn’t for the ludicrously gold paint, the X1 is easily overlooked. Especially as the styling is far from radically diverting – it looks like a miniaturised X5 that’s been run over. Perhaps, given the current economic climate, the German carmaker is having second thoughts…?
2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R: The most eagerly anticipated new performance car of the century
Brakes: Brembo 4 Wheel Disc Differential: 1.5 Way Mechanical Limited Slip Final Drive Rati: 3.70:1 Layout: Front Engine, AWD Transmission: 6 Speed DSG Manual Engine: 3.8 liters Twin Turbo 24V V6 Horsepower: 480 hp @ 6400 rpm Torque: 430 ft-lbs. @ 3200 rpm Acceleration: 0 to 60mph in 3.3 sec
Born from a long line of Skyline GT-Rs dating back to 1969, this latest version — "R35" to the hard-core — promises to pack more turbocharged power, more all-wheel-drive technology and more sheer speed than any Japanese car ever to come to America.
For six years the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R has been the subject of intense rumors and frenzied speculation. Frequent sightings of GT-R test mules help fuel the excitement. We've caught GT-R prototypes on the streets of L.A. and the Nürburgring test track in Germany. Nissan's engineers also made a trip to a couple California racetracks, bringing the GT-R to both Laguna Seca and Sears Point.
Why is this car followed so closely? Because the Skyline GT-R R35 is expected to be the ne plus ultra of Japanese performance machinery
The original Nissan Skyline GT-R might have hit the street in 1969, but it wasn't until 1990 that the GT-R legend would be solidified. That was the year the Skyline GT-R was introduced to an utterly stunned Japanese market. It was the first of three twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering Skylines (R32, R33 and R34) and it's the generation upon which the Skyline GT-R legend rests.
Though the R34 left production after the 2003 model year, it was so beloved that Nissan's Nismo division actually bought 20 used Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec models during 2005 and completely rebuilt them into what is currently considered the greatest GT-R of them all — the $170,000, 500-horsepower Skyline GT-R Z-Tune.
So prominent had the Nissan Skyline GT-R become that in 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious, the film's hero drove and raced one through the streets of Miami. And the actor Paul Walker, who played the role, bought his own and modified it.
