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Last year, we brought you a heavily camoflaged shot of the rear-end of a GTR test mule, as it was leaving Nissan’s Proving Grounds just outside Phoenix, Arizona.That was the last we saw of the GTR stateside, and the picture unleashed a storm of argument among non-aficioados on “other” boards, with inane comments like “That there’s a G35, I’ve seen ’em!”

The part they missed was that the G35 body panels were used to disguise the raw, unfinished drivetrain mule. Hell, we even created an overlay of the GTR rear view which mated up perfectly. That wasn’t enough for them.

Now we get a pic taken in New Mexico, where numerous auto manufacturers conduct high-altitude drivetrain testing, and this time it’s damn near naked.

Aside from the front end being concealed by a shoddy nose mask, it’s exactly as we expected and remains truer to the concept drawings than we anticipated.

It also appears Nissan is returning to their oft-missed relationship with Brembo, as the trademark gold calipers peek out from behind some of the most gorgeous wheels (19″ front, 20″ rear) we’ve ever laid eyes on.

So, Godzilla comes to New Mexico. We’re betting the crew at Area 51 is used to seeing high-tech, low-flying silver objects, but none with the attitude and legacy that this one carries with it.

Discuss the 2008 Nissan GTR HERE!

Now, what car doesn’t need more power? I mean, that’s what we’re all after, right?

While the convertible was starting to look good, it simply didn’t have the power to back up the looks – Fine and dandy if all you do is sit and look at it, but I wanted to DRIVE it, and the performance simply wasn’t living up to the looks.

Budget, experience and time considerations had conspired against any thoughts of a motor swap or adding boost, but there were still a few NA mods to be done that might add a little more power.

Read the rest of the article here!

We caught up with the TEAM HLM / NICOclub G35GT at VIR, undergoing final testing for the 2007 season before its debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona.The Team HLM / NICOclub G35 ran just one second off last year’s record pace at VIR, which means the car is well-sorted…

There were a couple issue with insufficient dampener softness, but new parts have been ordered to remedy this. Also, due to the extreme cold, tire temps remained under 180 degrees, which means there was still a LOT of speed available. The Menard’s-prepped VK45DE was screaming, and felt ready to rock.

Driver positions have been sorted, with Bryan Sellers and Joey Hand piloting the G35, and a surprise European driver rounding out the team.  Check out the pics!

Starting today, January 15th, NICOclub will be providing a 8-week overview of NICOclub’s Project 240sx Convertible, also known as “The Droptop From Hell”.

For the next 8 weeks, the NICOclub homepage will provide a new article link on the buildup. Be sure to check back weekly for the next episode.

The first installment is available for viewing: Part 1: Finding the Proper 240sx

Nissan owner?  Infiniti driver?  Datsun fanatic?

Then you’ll want to join us at the 2007 NICOFest Phoenix meet on March 17th & 18th.

For the third year in a row, NICO has hooked up with NOPI to host the NDRA race and NOPI show at Firebird International Raceway. For the last two years, Phoenix has been the opening race for the NDRA season, although this year it will be the 2nd race into the season. But regardless, NOPI Phoenix is one of the best races and shows to attend all year! Why? Because we’ll be there, that’s why!

For the past two years, NICOclub has “gone big” at the Phoenix event, exceeding the attendance of any other club, with more Nissans than any other manufacturer, and more fun than anything on the midway…

Read more about it (and see pictures of last year’s meet) here:

Phoenix Nissan Meet

We’ve all seen the commercials for auto insurance companies: The ones featuring the talking lizard, the ones describing a company that gives you quotes for competitors, the ones with people prattling on about saving tons of money on their car insurance…

Well, there’s not much need for car insurance if your ride won’t run, and modern automotive technological advances have lulled many drivers into a false sense of security.

Despite all the electronic monitoring, high-tech geegaws, on-board diagnostics, “lifetime” spark plugs, and long-life motor oils, let’s face it: Modern cars still operate on internal combustion engines, four rubber tires and other “low-tech” engineering.

With dealer service rates hovering between $70 and $130 per hour, even a simple diagnosic check can put a dent in your wallet. But, routine maintenance is a necessity, with new car prices averaging between $20,000 and $30,000.

If you’re a Nissan or Infiniti owner, you’re in luck. www.NissanOnlineMechanic.com and www.InfinitiOnlineMechanic.com are staffed by factory-trained and certified Techs, who browse through these forums on a daily basis, looking for people to help (think of them as the “Roadside Assistance” of the Internet!)

Say your car is making a funny noise. Simply pop in at one of the aforementioned sites, describe the issue, subscribe to the thread, and as soon as replies are received, you’re notified via email – It’s as easy as that.

You’re getting a “check engine” light? Great! We can show you a simple method to find out exactly what your car is trying to tell you, without spending a lot of money on professional diagnostics – And it’s as simple as counting the number of times athe light flashes!

Or. perhaps you’ve been to the local mechanic, and he’s given you a list of “repairs needed”. Again, simply log into www.NissanOnlineMechanic.com or www.InfinitiOnlineMechanic.com, tell them what your mechanic said, and get a “Second opinion”. And a third. And a fourth.

Let’s say you’ve been to the dealer, and they’ve run a diagnostic on your car. Again, pop in, describe the results, and within hours, you’ll have some “insider knowledge” to help you decide your next course of action.

Perhaps it’s something you can repair yourself, saving hundreds of dollars. We’ll walk you through the repair, with accurate technical information. Chances are, someone has done it before and has documented the requirements, step-by-step.

Or, maybe you’ll need a part – in that case, there are several OEM Nissan / Infiniti parts suppliers who sponsor the Online Mechanic and offer HUGE discounts, just for logging in and getting assistance!

So stop in and check it out – Make sure to include all the pertinent information that the techs will need, such as year, make and model, mileage, prior repair history, any modifications, and anything else that might help the techs “zero in” on the problem.

Tell all your friends about the Nissan Online Mechanic and the Infiniti Online Mechanic!

The new 2008 Nissan Rogue, which made its world debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is designed to add a new dimension to the small crossover utility segment – satisfying both the functional needs of the buyer and their emotional needs.The Rogue, a new compact crossover SUV, was expected to be smaller than the Murano and offer a 2.5L I4 powerplant. Speculation was that any production vehicle based off the concept would be a less edgy design and similar to the current Qashqai design. Transmission options were thought to include AWD and CVT technology, and the Rogue was suspected to be a direct competitor to the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4.

Rogue’s aggressive, performance-oriented styling, powerful engine, responsive handling and driver-focused cockpit combine with its thoughtful everyday utility to create a vehicle that shifts the way buyers, especially younger buyers, think about small crossovers. The 2008 Nissan Rogue is scheduled to go on sale in September 2007.

“With Rogue, we’ve targeted drivers in their early 30s, whose responsibilities and functional needs have changed but who don’t want to leave behind the person they’ve always been – someone who enjoys driving, who values style and design, and who wants to retain his or her individuality,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. ”The Rogue name was chosen to reflect its independence-oriented positioning, though we certainly believe that all buyers, regardless of age or life stage, will positively respond to Rogue’s fun-to-drive, all-climate performance and aggressive styling.”

The 2008 Nissan Rogue will be available in two models, Rogue S and Rogue SL, each with a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

An all-new all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control is available on both S and SL models. Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features – including front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.

“As Nissan’s first entry into the crowded small crossover SUV field, Rogue needs to stand out, to be an over-achiever,” said Bosley. “This philosophy not only applies to Rogue’s styling and performance, but also to its utility features, attention to quality and detail, and, of course, value. Rogue is the complete package.”

Aggressive Design and Attitude
The Rogue’s exterior is designed to present an image of modern sophistication – both aggressive and sporty. Its sleek, masculine styling includes dynamically arched forms and powerful rear shoulder lines.

“Though people buy small crossover SUVs for their utility, the designers of Rogue sought to create a vehicle that makes you first consider its power, style and sophistication, with its functionality a little more stealthy – like a high-end designer brief case or bag,” said Bosley. “All the necessary compartments and storage spaces are there, they just don’t scream ‘utility’ at you.”

Rogue features available Xenon headlights, available power sliding glass sunroof with dark gray glass, and an available roof rail system with detachable cross bars (accessory).

Rogue is built on Nissan’s new “C” platform, which provides high body stiffness with extensive use of high-strength steel utilized to reduce body weight. Rogue features a 105.9-inch wheelbase and 182.9-inch overall length – among the longest in class, compared with leading small crossover competitors – providing ample rear seat proportions and one of the longest interior lengths. The body also features large front door openings for easy ingress and egress.

A Driver-Oriented, Ultra-Functional Interior
Rogue’s interior, like its exterior, is designed to stand out in class with its sophisticated integration of a cockpit-like driver’s space and exceptional utility. The driver’s seat position offers excellent visibility, enhanced by an available seat lifter with up to two inches of seat height adjustability. Rogue’s instrument panel layout and steering wheel are designed for easy readability and operation while also providing a sporty look and feel, with reddish-orange illumination and silver gauge surround rings.

An available trip computer includes displays for distance-to-empty, average fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time and outside temperature. Available steering wheel-mounted controls include audio, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and cruise control.

Leather-appointed seating surfaces and heated front seats and mirrors are also available, along with a fold-flat front passenger seat – which allows over 8.5 feet of front-to-rear cargo space for carrying long items such as wood or ladders. A rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat and oversize glove box with partition that measures over half a cubic foot in volume are standard. Also available is a highly versatile, dual-level center console storage with hidden functionality features.

Rogue’s roomy cargo area has a number of available utility features, including a unique cargo organizer. When needed, the organizer pops up – with a one touch open switch – from its hidden space below the flat cargo floor. A portion of the cargo floor snaps into a vertical position, revealing a flat recessed space with removable, vertical cargo nets. The system helps prevent items such as sports equipment and grocery bags from rolling loose around the cargo area while driving.

Also available is a washable, removable tray that fits below the cargo area floor to hold wet or dirty gear and tools and a rear tonneau cover to keep luggage and other items out of sight.

Rogue’s everyday utility features also include a variety of cupholders, memo/pen holder, coin holder and cell phone/sunglass holders.
“Rogue’s innovative storage solutions are designed to accommodate the active daily lives of its owners,” said Bosley. “Just because a vehicle is smaller on the outside doesn’t mean you have to compromise storage or utility space – all it takes is innovation and creative thinking.”

Among the advanced technology features available on Rogue are an Intelligent Key and a powerful Bose®-developed audio system with 7 speakers and subwoofer with MP3 capability and satellite radio. Also available is a Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver garage door opener and Xenon headlights.

Engaging Performance
While maintaining its functionality as a family vehicle, Rogue’s creators also recognized the target buyers’ desires for a higher level of acceleration, handling and fun-to-drive attributes than offered by traditional small crossover SUVs. Rogue delivers on this promise with an advanced drivetrain anchored by its powerful 2.5-liter engine, 4-wheel independent suspension and refined all-wheel drive system.

“We picture the typical Rogue driver, after he drops the kids off at school, lowering the windows, turning up the Bose audio and heading up the coast or mountains – his briefcase and gear tucked securely in the back – before turning back towards the office,” said Bosley. “Rogue not only makes such a scenario possible, but encourages such adventures.”

Rogue’s standard QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque, tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start.

The engine features an aluminum block, reduced piston and piston ring friction and increased thermal efficiency (over the previous generation 2.5-liter engine design), 9.6:1 compression ratio, and large diameter intake port and exhaust manifold.

Every Rogue comes with a standard Nissan Xtronic CVT™, combining smooth, linear and responsive acceleration feel with high-efficiency operation. Rogue’s CVT utilizes adaptive logic control and a high-speed central processing unit. Its advanced shift control offers the optimal shift pattern according to the driving situation and driver’s demands, using input from driver operation, vehicle speed, road gradient, turning condition and acceleration force to adjust shifting patterns accordingly. Available paddle shifters provide an added level of sporty performance and driver control.

Rogue is available with front-wheel drive or an advanced all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control. The system provides stable starts on dry or slippery roads and excellent all-weather performance and traction. Every Rogue also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Rogue’s standard 4-wheel independent suspension provides a balance of ride comfort and driving stability. The front suspension includes subframe-mounted independent struts with coil springs, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs, and a stabilizer bar.

The rear independent multi-link suspension includes aluminum-alloy upper links and high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs. The rear suspension design provides maximum luggage space (versus a rear strut design), as well as driving stability.

Responsive steering is provided by an electric power-assisted steering (EPS) system. Every Rogue also comes equipped with standard power-assisted front and rear vented disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Base Rogue models come with 16-inch steel wheels and 215/70R16 tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/60R17 tires are available.

Standard safety features for the new Rogue include Zone Body Construction, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat, and front seat Active Head Restraints. Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags (for front and rear outboard occupant head protection) with rollover detection are also standard.

An Affordable Sporty Crossover
The 2008 Rogue is expected to be priced starting around $20,000 when it goes on sale in fall 2007.

“We believe people will be attracted to Rogue because of its distinctive style, roominess and ultra-functionality, then be greatly surprised by its unexpected performance and outstanding value,” said Bosley. “Like all of our Nissan SUVs, including Armada, Pathfinder, Xterra and Murano, the new Rogue is ready for anything life offers.”

Read more about the Rogue at www.NICOclub.com.

“What in the world is Nissan thinking?”

That seemed to be the standard reaction to the news that Nissan is launching the Altima Coupe early this summer.

When we acquired spy shots of Nissan’s two-door version of the Altima, we here at NICOclub.com weren’t really sure it made much sense.

However, perhaps it’s not as crazy an idea as it seems:

First officially revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2008 Altima Coupe is Nissan’s first-ever two-door Altima.  The provocative offering boasts a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than its big brother, the Altima Sedan. 

The 2008 Altima Coupe will be available with your choice of two engines:  The  VQ35HR, a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 or the VQ25HR, a  175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder.

Both engine choices can be paired with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or, for the true enthusiast, the 6-speed manual transmission.

After seeing it at the L.A. Auto Show, we’re pretty impressed with the looks.  It’s more handsome in person than in the pictures, carrying styling cues from the Z, the G, and even the Maxima, while doing away with the whole “cheap commuter” appearance that plagued prior versions of the Altima.

And the reality is, this car could throw a serious monkey-wrench into the entire sport-coupe market.  We’re all aware that the current Altima SE-R is a capable contender, performing on par with the 350Z and the G35 Coupe.  Now, we’re presented with an Altima that’s blessed with lighter weight, shorter length, and lower height.

We’re already envisioning an SE-R version of this bad boy, with 18″ forged Ray’s wheels, a lowered stance, stiffer suspension, Brembo brakes, upgraded sway bars and dampeners, and perhaps some exterior go-fast cues.  Or how about a NISMO-badged version of this beast?  With the same powerplant as the new 350Z and G35, there’s simply no limit to the possibilities of this coupe, and we could be looking at the next great “sleeper” from Nissan…

Now, who’s going to be the first to drop a twin-turbo or supercharger in one?

G35GT.com, the home of the Team HLM Fan Club, launched today.

The site will be the home for Team HLM as they campaign the Rolex Cup Grand American GT-class Infiniti G35, built by Crawford and powered by a Menard-prepped VK45DE.  The car will make its competitive debut in January 2007 at Daytona.

Site design specialist Matt Moody (a.k.a. “audtatious”) has put in countless hours implementing an attractive, dynamic and easily navigable website to serve as the focal point for Team HLM’s racing campaign.

Users can view the latest news from the Team HLM camp, read driver biographies, view the race schedule, join the Fan Club, and even chat with the drivers and team staff.

We encourage you to browse the site at http://www.g35gt.com and get in on the action!

Nissan’s new Versa subcompact car recently appeared somewhere many people never thought it would… at a racetrack. Attendees to Primedia’s annual Time Attack event at Buttonwillow Raceway on November 8th were visibly shocked to see a Versa running through the pits and carving up the track alongside cars with two and three times the horsepower.

Leading automotive fashion company turn3 Creative partnered up with Siphon Magazine, a spin-off of Primedia’s popular Import Tuner magazine, to transform Nissan’s b-segment entry into a nimble track machine. The turn3/Siphon Versa made its public debut at SEMA in Las Vegas the last week of October. The team had less than three days to prep the car for its inaugural race.

SEMA ended on Friday. On Sunday the team got the car back and headed up to Willow Springs for a shakedown day. After six hours of putting the Versa through the paces turn3’s driver Dan Gardner advised that the car would need more camber in order to be competitive.

Fine-tuning for Time Attack began in earnest on Monday. The 17″ street tires were set aside for 15×7″ lightweight cast wheels, which were shod with Kumho V710 R-compound race tires. Carbotech was tapped to provide a set of race pads. The stock oil was drained and replaced with Motul high-performance fluid. With this done, the team turned to expert suspension tuner Robert Fuller of RobiSpec work his infamous set-up magic.

Fuller’s goal was to stiffen up the chassis and get more camber out of the vehicle. To this end he fabricated solid aluminum front crossmember mounts, seam welded the front crossmember, and raised it by 13mm. The custom TEIN coilover kit was adjusted to lower the ride height by 1.5″. Fuller shimmed the rear axle beam to get to zero toe, slotted the struts for increased camber range, and was able to set the front camber to -1.1 degrees and the rear camber to -1.2 degrees. At the end of this frenzy of fabrication and tuning, the Versa definitely felt more responsive on track.

Pulling into Buttonwillow the morning of the 8th was like pulling into a Who’s Who of tuner cars. The track was teeming with fully built cars including several Skylines, an NSX, and even a World Challenge Porsche. The b-segment was well represented with no less than 6 Honda Fits present. The turn3/Siphon Versa was the only Nissan in the Time Attack “Micro” class and turned plenty of heads as it pulled through the pits. Throughout the day many competitors and spectators would find the turn3 pitting area to find out what Nissan’s “race” Versa was all about.

The morning sessions went well, so well that Gardner found himself sitting at the top of the “Micro” class by mid-day. His lap time of 2:16 was good enough to put him a few seconds ahead of the supercharged Honda Fit of famed Honda tuner Jackson Racing. Skunk2’s Fit pulled a DNF, leaving turn3 in the #1 position at the mid-day break.

After pitting, Gardner raised concerns about the brake pads. Upon inspection it was determined that the team had been mistakenly supplied with a different compound pad. Team principal and turn3 Creative President Glenn Oyoung was given a crash course in brake pad installation. With the help of Richie Watanabe from Technosquare, the stock pads on the Versa were swapped back in. While not the optimal solution, it would allow the team to continue racing for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon a trio of heavily tuned Fits including the N1 Concepts K20 -powered (RSX-engine) Fit, Spoon Sports/Opak Racing Fit, and J’s Racing Fit joined the “Micro” class battle. Gardner was able to shave off another second off his time but was unable to fend off the newcomers despite an impressive showing.

“I’m totally excited about our performance today,” said Oyoung. “Dan drove the heck out of the Versa and we gave everyone a great run for their money,” he continued. “With our Versa so early on in its development cycle, we are really excited about the potential of this car as we look at how well we did today,” said Oyoung. He continued, “Just as important as our lap time is the fact that all day I had people coming up and expressing their excitement that someone is out here representing the Nissan brand in a unique way… that means a lot to me and the rest of the team at turn3. That was really the goal of this project from day one.”

The turn3/Siphon Versa will continue to make appearances at local Southern California tracks throughout the year. The team will compete at other races and high-performance driving events at Willow Springs and Buttonwillow in the year ahead.

(Note: This project is fully backed by turn3 Creative, Inc. which received no funds or support from NISMO. It’s a grassroots team paying homage to Nissan’s finest performance traditions.)

Read more about the turn3 Versa at the Nissan Versa Club website!