October 2008 ~ Car Sport 2011

10/31/08

NISMO Prepped Nissan 370Z Photo Hits the Web

Nissan might have been successful in keeping the all-new 2009 370Z under cover until the release of the first official photos earlier this week, but its in-house performance division NISMO (abbreviated from Nissan Motorsport) didn't manage to do the same. From our experience, this leaked photo of a NISMO accessorized 370Z (called Fairlady Z in Japan) looks like it's the real deal. The sports coupe pictured here features a full bodykit that includes a rear wing, side sills, a rear diffuser housing a new set of tailpipes and larger alloy wheels. Understandably, we're not aware of the mechanical upgrades that will be offered by NISMO but expect to see several goodies for the V6 engine, suspension, brakes and the interior.

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Source: 370Z Tech , Via: Autoblog.com

The brand-new 2009 MKS sedan will take center stage at Ford's Lincoln booth at the SEMA show which will be held November 4-7 in Las Vegas. All in all, Lincoln will feature three MKS models customized by 3dCarbon, Godfather Customs and RK Sport along with an MKX Crossover tuned by Street Concepts. "The MKS has many different facets," said Ford designer Melvin Betancourt. "You can hot rod it, add a body kit and still maintain that luxury feel, or you can simply dress it up with a nice set of wheels." Hit the jump for the pictures along with a short descrpition of the vehicles from Ford. -Continued

2009 Lincoln MKS by 3dCarbon

"Lincoln's newest luxury vehicle, the 2009 MKS, defines the future of luxury with a sleek, road-hugging stance and elegant design that exudes power and luxury. Now, this breakthrough American luxury car gets a touch of European flare and luxury styling courtesy of 3dCarbon's "Euro Series" styling kit.
Outfitted with 3dCarbon's five-piece body kit and NC Forged wheels, this MKS looks ready to drive off the showroom directly onto the autobahn. The dramatic 5-piece "Euro Series" styling kit includes front air dam, side skirts, rear lower skirt, and deck lid spoiler."

2009 Lincoln MKS by Godfather Customs

"Designed with crafted precision and intuitive technologies, the 2009 Lincoln MKS is already a vehicle that's in a league of its own. Godfather Customs has moved this singular luxury car even further from the rest of the field with their own version of the MKS.
Building upon the luxurious Lincoln sedan, Godfather added even more refinement to the interior with an OEM integration that allows full control of the audio and video systems. An additional three video screens provide back seat drivers with their own access to state-of-the-art navigation. At the same time the superior audio quality has been further enhanced with the addition of Excelon components. On the outside, signature 22-inch wheels and tires make a statement that can't be ignored. With this edition, Godfather Customs moves the MKS from luxurious elegance to pure extravagance."

2009 Lincoln MKS by RKSport

"Not all cars are created equal. Designed with crafted precision and intuitive technologies, the 2009 Lincoln MKS offers a unique, personalized driving and ownership experience that represents the ultimate convergence of performance and luxury.
RKSport started with the signature styling and performance powertrain and added a unique look and enhanced performance that make the 2009 Lincoln MKS even more distinctive to own and exciting to drive. Wherever it goes, this car will make a statement about the discerning owner and provide a personalized luxury performance experience second to none."

2008 Lincoln MKX by Street Concepts

"The 2008 Lincoln MKX combines capability with luxury and performance in a head-turning package that gets noticed wherever it goes. The available intelligent all-wheel-drive system helps drivers handle the curves and keep a grip on things in any weather while traveling in style and comfort.
The Street Concepts version adds some serious attitude to the Lincoln MKX with 22-inch MOZ Wheels, Continental Tires, 3DCarbon's body kit and monochrome blackout exterior treatment. On the inside, it entertains and connects with a complete Kenwood audio and video system that includes a Visulogic VMOD unit for wireless internet within the vehicle. For added driving excitement, this proven performer gets a sweet-sounding Magna flow cat back exhaust system and easy breathing K&N air intake system."

World's Biggest Spider Web Found in Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, and this monster spider web is no different.

Discovered by park rangers at Lake Tawakoni State Park in Texas, the football-field sized web is actually the result of millions of spiders working together. Strangely enough, spiders don't normally organize themselves in large social units, though so far their efforts have been incredibly successful.

Described as 'fairy-tale white' by the rangers who first arrived on the scene, the web is now a few shades darker as it is completely blanketed by ill-fated mosquitoes. The smorgasbord will likely continue until the autumn when the spiders short lives will come to an end.

Priced from $9,990 (excluding a destination and handling fee of $695) the new Versa Sedan 1.6 is the cheapest vehicle on four wheels in the U.S. - or so Nissan claims. The newest addition in the Nissan Versa's range is powered by a smaller displacement 107HP 1.6-liter engine as opposed to the 122HP 1.8-liter unit found in the standard Versa Sedan and Hatchback models (pictured above) that are both priced from $12,990. The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox and optionally, to a 4-speed automatic transmission. -Continued

According to the Japanese manufacturer, the Versa Sedan 1.6's fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic. Although Nissan has not given out any other details, the automaker stated that the Versa Sedan 1.6 will be offered with less basic features than the standard models. The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.