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| Nissan taking 2010 GT-R back to the 'Ring |
(Fri, 21 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Nissan 
The Nissan GT-R has a relationship with the famed Nurburgring in Germany like no other modern car. It has brought the track back into the headlines by taking out much more expensive hardware with a blistering, though unofficial, lap time of 7 minutes, 29 seconds. That number has since been eclipsed by the Corvette ZR1 and Dodge Viper ACR, but remains ahead of the GT2 despite Porsche's accusation that Nissan ran a less-than-stock GT-R. Well, the GT-R in Japan is getting some upgrades for 2010, and Nissan is reportedly headed back to the 'Ring to see what it'll do. The changes include a slight increase in power to 485 PS, or about a 5-horsepower bump, as well as a new compound Dunlop tire and suspension tweaks. Other mods include a larger fuel tank and some very minor cosmetic changes that won't make a damn bit of a difference on the track. Will the GT-R be able to best its 7:29 lap time? We're guessing they wouldn't bother to make the trip if they weren't certain there were at least a couple of tenths to shave off. Thanks for the tip, Sean!
[Source: 2009gtr.blogspot.com]Nissan taking 2010 GT-R back to the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: John Neff |
Category: 2010 nissan gt-r |
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| VIDEO: Nissan 370Z doing its thang |
(Thu, 20 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Nissan 
The new 2009 Nissan 370Z touts improved power, efficiency, handling and updated sheet metal for under $30,000. That makes the 370Z a bit of a performance bargain, and when you consider improved fit and finish, lighter weight and impressive new technology upgrades, Z fans should be plenty happy. While it's nice to see high resolution pics of the new car, we like to see how it looks out on the road, as well. Follow the jump to check out Nissan's rolling stock footage, which contains plenty of shots of the 370Z out on twisting paths. There are also several diagrams that spell out how upgrades like Nissan's variable valve and SynchroRev Match tech works.
[Source: Road2Road]Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan 370Z doing its thang VIDEO: Nissan 370Z doing its thang originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Chris Shunk |
Category: 350z |
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| LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman |
(Wed, 19 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Porsche 
Click on the image above for our high-res gallery
Even as the industry swirls in turmoil, Porsche continues to offer hope to enthusiasts as they relentlessly increase performance without sacrificing efficiency. For 2009, Porsche has given the Boxster and Cayman a mild facelift, along with updating the interior and accessories. More importantly, and following in the footsteps of the 911 Carrera PDK, all 2009 Cayman and Boxster models are also offered with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission (aka PDK). Mated to the new transmission are two significantly reworked engines featuring direct injection. The result is more power, and improved fuel economy (we shouldn't fail to mention that the PDK accelerates faster than the six-speed manual). Porsche is offering two engines in 2009. The standard engine is a 2.9-liter flat-six rated at 255 hp. The "S" models are fitted with a more powerful 3.4-liter sending 310 hp to the gearbox. Like the Carrera, go-fast options on the sporty mid-engine two-seaters include active suspension (PASM) and ceramic brakes (PCCB). Look for both to arrive in showrooms in early 2009.
Photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman LA 2008: Porsche reveals improved Boxster and Cayman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Michael Harley |
Category: 2009 Boxster |
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| LA 2008: the 2010 Mustang colonizes the interwebs |
(Wed, 19 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford 
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang
There isn't much more to say about the 2010 Ford Mustang, so we'll keep this brief. The new coupe and convertible, as standard versions, will get some of the upscale Bullitt treatment from the current Mustang, so life should be even better for even more. We'll let the press release after the jump, our definitive overview, video synopsis and the gallery of high-res shots below do the rest of the talking for us.
Live photos copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading LA 2008: the 2010 Mustang colonizes the interwebs LA 2008: the 2010 Mustang colonizes the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jonathon Ramsey |
Category: 2010 |
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| LA 2008: Our Orange Crush is the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 |
(Wed, 19 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Spyker 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85
The Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85, which we'll call "Tiger," is officially out and about. Spyker has released more images of the Audi-engined, 400-hp, 6-speed manual Le Mans-inspired road car, and to our eyes it could be the best looking Spyker we've seen. The blacked-out mirrors do it a lot of favors and don't remind us any more of carry handles, and it has even retained 19-inch wheels secured with one lug nut and will apparently get you a combined 15 mpg on the EPA cycle. Not bad for a leathered up race car. Check out the press release after the jump and the galleries of high-res shots in our galleries below.
Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading LA 2008: Our Orange Crush is the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 LA 2008: Our Orange Crush is the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jonathon Ramsey |
Category: c8 |
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| LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO] |
(Wed, 19 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan 
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Nissan 370Z
Nissan dropped the final cover off its all-new 2009 370Z at the LA Auto Show today. While we've been looking at pics of the two-place coupe since last month, today Nissan gave us pricing (base MSRP of $29,930) and a slew of technical info at the roll-out (follow the jump for the details). Regardless of how you feel about the new styling, it will be hard to dismiss the significant improvements Nissan made to the interior of the new car. The materials, fit, and finish are all excellent... especially if you compare the new car to the old side-by-side. Addressing poundage (another significant complaint about the previous-gen 350Z), Nissan put the new car on a serious diet. Paying close attention to the little things, engineers dropped several hundred pounds off the curb weight compared to the outgoing 350Z. The svelte standard model with a 6-speed manual now tips the scales at just 3,232 pounds (the 2008 350Z Enthusiast Model was about 3,350 pounds). More power, a stronger chassis and a much improved interior. Enthusiasts will find a lot to like with the new model.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Fillipponio, Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc. Continue reading LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO] LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Michael Harley |
Category: 2009 370z |
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| LA 2008: 2010 Mustang officially unveiled LIVE |
(Wed, 19 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Mustang live unveiling
The doors have yet to open to the LA Auto Show, but that doesn't mean the unveilings haven't started. Last night Ford rented out a hangar at the Santa Monica airport and invited dozens of Mustang club members to come out for the 2010 Mustang's official introduction. For those of us that didn't get a peek at the car earlier in Detroit, this was our first time seeing the car in person. The event started out with a car show featuring all 45 years of the Mustang. Ford even arranged to have a Mustang from every year since 1964 in attendance. Each was lined up in order, starting with a stunning 1964 1/2 red convertible and ending with a 2009 Mustang GT. Perhaps our favorite part was walking behind the early cars to see how the Mustang logo had evolved over the years. Owners also brought out nearly every type of Mustang, from Saleen to Roush to Shelby. Seeing all the beautiful cars and the loyal owners, it's no wonder that the Mustang has had such success over the years.
After the car show it was time to head inside for the unveiling. While a few of us have already seen the car in person and we've all seen the photos, there was still excitement for what would happen next. Ford had several historically-significant Mustang racecars on display, from Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am car to John Force's Mustang funny car. Fittingly, many of the drivers were in attendance as well, and greeted the crowds one by one. Carroll Shelby arrived last, with the crowd erupting in cheers.
Read on for more from last night's unveiling and check out plenty of high-res pictures in the galleries below and full details on the 2010 Ford Mustang are in the press release after the jump.
All photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Mustang officially unveiled LIVE LA 2008: 2010 Mustang officially unveiled LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Drew Phillips |
Category: 2010 Ford Mustang |
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| Under the skin of the 2010 Acura NSX |
(Wed, 19 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Tech, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Acura, Honda  We don't know what the next Acura (Honda) NSX will ultimately look like, but we do know that it will have a 5.5-liter V10 throwing down 560 hp through a torque-vectoring SW-AWD setup. The folks over at Auto Express have a cutaway view of the NSX's gizzards, and what lurks beneath the creased and chevroned skin of the next do-it-all-faster supercar could be good for a few extra heartbeats. We do hope, however, that these exterior renderings are quite a ways off. Otherwise, it might not be so bad if Acura offers a cutaway version of the actual car so that you don't have to see its body, because even under the camo, the new NSX is shaping up to be um, homely.
[Source: Auto Express]Under the skin of the 2010 Acura NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jonathon Ramsey |
Category: acura |
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| Makes sense: Audi S5 to replace V8 with supercharged V6 |
(Tue, 18 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Audi 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi S5
If you didn't see this coming, we recommend a trip to the optometrist. Audi is about to swap the V8 engine in the S5 with the same supercharged V6 going into the new S4 sedan. Inside Line is reporting that the dulcet-but-dated 4.2L V8 is on the way out. The new 329-hp supercharged V6 engine will take its place. Call it the S-engine-elect.
With nearly the same power and much better fuel efficiency, the lighter V6 will be the cure for what ails the current S5. While its styling is superb, its powerband and porkiness have been criticized. Fans of the 4.2L V8 should know, however, that the engine might still live on, perhaps in twin-turbo form, replacing the V10 in the next-gen Audi S6 and S8. That V10 could also get the twin-turbo treatment and wind powering the upcoming R8-based R10. Got that? Good.
The base R8 will probably get that same updated V8, while the supercharged V6 might also work its way into the all-but-confirmed R4 engine bay. While that covers most of the R and S models, know too that Audi has big plans for its RS models as well, hoping to make them lighter and more powerful in its quest for Porsche blood. We're dizzy with anticipation.
[Source: Inside Line]Makes sense: Audi S5 to replace V8 with supercharged V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Frank Filipponio |
Category: audi s4 |
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| VIDEO: Autoblog goes in-depth with 2010 Ford Mustang |
(Tue, 18 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Videos, Ford
The 2010 Mustang is finally out in the open (check out our Officially, Official: 2010 Ford Mustang post), and so far we like what we see. Ford has given its iconic pony car a very thorough makeover inside and out, with sexier, more modern sheet metal and interior materials that are far superior to the current model. The Mustang's basic powertrains carry over with a modest power boost for the V8 model, and Blue Oval brass ensure us that the Mustang's ride and handling will be greatly improved, as well.
We were able to get the Mustang's head exterior and interior designers, as well as the pony car's head engineer to give us as many 2010 Mustang details as possible. The video above is five minutes in length and worth every second watching, and we covered the talking heads with plenty of footage of Ford's newest Mustang to keep things interesting. Enjoy.
VIDEO: Autoblog goes in-depth with 2010 Ford Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Chris Shunk |
Category: 2010 mustang |
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| 2009.5 Pontiac G6 Sedan, Coupe and Convertible get facelift, GXP remains horrifying |
(Tue, 18 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Pontiac 
Click above for hi-res gallery of the 2009.5 Pontiac G6 Convertible
There's not a whole lot going on for General Motors at the LA Auto Show, but the company's making some minor announcements via press release before the shindig in la-la land gets underway tomorrow. The Pontiac G6 receives a minor facelift as a 2009½ model, with updated front and rear fascias and some interior tweaks. Those interior improvements bring the G6 up to par with its platform-mate brethren and include new trim bits, the standard GM radio (in a 2007 G6 I drove, the radio had this ridiculous ribbing on the dials -- a very 90s-Poncho feel), "all-new" (read: GM partsbin) HVAC controls, and an optional MY LINK communication package that includes Bluetooth, a dash-mounted USB port and related tech. You can also get a more attractive 2-tone interior with leather or cloth seats as an upgrade over the standard (and dreary) all-black treatment.
Underhood, the G6 Coupe is now available with the 4-cyl/6-speed powertrain combo, complete with paddle shifting. A flex-fuel 3.5L V6 is also available at no additional cost over the gas version in the full range of body styles, so the dozen G6 shoppers who also have access to actual E85 pumps should be enthused. The convertible's 3.9L V6 carries over and the 3.6L "high feature" V6, as before, is exclusive to the GXP. By the way, the GXP does not get any facelift love, and thus the infamous "Street Edition" remains ugly enough to stop every clock in a 132-mile radius.
[Source: Pontiac via finchannel.com]2009.5 Pontiac G6 Sedan, Coupe and Convertible get facelift, GXP remains horrifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Alex Nunez |
Category: 2009.5 |
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| Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang! |
(Mon, 17 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford 
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang
When the 2005 Ford Mustang debuted, it thoroughly reinvigorated the pony car segment that it created four decades earlier. After 25 years of being assembled on the archaic rear-wheel-drive Fox platform, the Mustang finally had an all-new platform and styling that hearkened back to the late 1960s. Known as the S197, this Mustang appeared at a time when it was in fact the only surviving member of the muscle car class. The Camaro and Firebird had been cancelled two years earlier and Chrysler had been out of the rear-wheel-drive sport coupe market since the 1970s. The Mustang's enormous success inspired Chevrolet and Dodge to create their own retro-styled muscle cars in the form of the new Camaro and Challenger. Fortunately for Mustang fans, Ford has not been sitting idle, and even while it was creating all those special edition Mustangs over the past few years, it was also working on thoroughly revamping its core pony. For the 2010 Mustang, Ford has taken the best parts of the S197 and fixed most of what was broken. Read on to learn what's new.
Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang! Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Sam Abuelsamid |
Category: 2010 |
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| 2010 Ford Mustang revealed early on Ford's own website! |
(Mon, 17 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford UPDATE: The cat's out of the bag, so click here for our full post on the 2010 Ford Mustang with analysis of the new pony car and lots of high-res images.
Click above for high-res pics of the 2010 Ford Mustang (plus the official order form)
Everyone here at Autoblog has been patiently counting down the seconds until 12:01AM EST tonight when Ford's embargo lifts on the 2010 Mustang. At that time we can tell you all about the new 'Stang as well as share our official high-res images and live shots that we took when invited to see it behind closed doors last week. Well, thanks to Ford itself we don't have to wait that long to give you a full featured sneak peek. The Blue Oval has already updated its official micro-site for the 2010 Mustang with a few wallpaper images (see gallery below), a CG video and the pony car's official order form that gives up the entire goods on each model, their standard features and optional equipment. You can try out the car in different colors.
We're still going to wait until 12:01AM EST to release our mother load of Mustang content (at least for now), so come back at midnight to read all about the changes to America's favorite muscle car and view our high-res galleries. Thanks for the tip, Jason!
Continue reading 2010 Ford Mustang revealed early on Ford's own website! 2010 Ford Mustang revealed early on Ford's own website! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: John Neff |
Category: 2010 ford mustang |
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| Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies |
(Mon, 17 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Economy, Tech, Hatchbacks, Audi 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi S3 Sportback
Audi's five-door S3 and its Sportback sibling will now be able to benefit from the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Mated to the 2.0-liter TSFI, you'll seamlessly shift from first all the way to sixth, with 265 hp on tap and 258 lb-ft. available from just 2,500 rpm. You'll also get even better gas mileage, with both cars registering 28 mpg, not to mention hitting sixty two-tenths of a second faster than would with a manual: 5.5 or 5.6 seconds depending on whether you're piloting the three- or five-door. The DCT is available now, and for better gas mileage, quicker shifts, and a quicker car... why wouldn't you?
Continue reading Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: Jonathon Ramsey |
Category: audi |
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| 2010 Ford Mustang GT pricing and options leak out |
(Mon, 17 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford 
Click above for a high-res gallery of 2010 Ford Mustang teasers
We're less than a day away from hearing all the official details on the new 2010 Mustang and bits of information are still dribbling out on the interwebs. The latest is that we now have some purported pricing and option information on at least the Mustang GT Premium package. If accurate, the price of the GT Premium will climb by about $935 to $30,095, a jump of 3.2%. Looking at the equipment list though, it appears some new features are included in that price like 18-inch wheels that were previously optional and SYNC. Other standard equipment includes automatic headlamps, LED tail-lights and body-colored mirrors. If this information is accurate, one other annoyance of the 2005-2009 Mustangs has been addressed with an interior trunk release, something that was previously missing. Ford will be revealing everything very soon, so stay tuned.
[Source: MustangBlog]2010 Ford Mustang GT pricing and options leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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Author: John Neff |
Category: 2010 ford mustang |
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| VIDEO: 2009 Nissan 370Z revealed early in So. Cal. |
(Sat, 15 Nov 2008)
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Videos, Nissan 
Click above for a gallery of the 2009 Nissan 370Z
InsideLine hosted a little soirée for Nissan/Datsun devotees to show off the 2009 Nissan 370Z ahead of its unveiling this Tuesday at the LA Auto Show, and the crew from StreetFire was on hand to provide some pics and a video of the reveal.
Beyond the trio of teasers and "leaked" images that found their way onto the Web this past week, these new shots finally give us a clear view of all the exterior styling details and a few shots of the thoroughly revised interior. The upkick in the door's edge that leads into the side windows is a particularly nice touch, as is the new steering wheel, revised instrument panel with integrated LCD and dual stitching on the leather dash.
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