Scythe Exotic Car By GAS, Galpin Auto Sport

GAS, Galpin Auto Sports, is known for modifying some of the ugliest cars into golden stars, don't believe me, just watch Pimp My Ride on MTV. Watch as they turn this 2008 Ford Mustang Convertible into something out of this world.

This creation by GAS is known as the Scythe, an unusual name for an unusual car. When at first glance, you are taken by the soft,smooth body texture that creates it. The style is completely unique and the chrome very subtle but in your face at the same time.

"With Scythe, we set out to showcase all of our unique fabrication abilities here at GAS," Beau Boeckmann, owner of GAS, said in press release. "From the handmade composite body and voice-activated on-board computer system to the twin-supercharged 1,005 horsepower engine, this car was built to make a statement."

Now along with having a unique look and an insane amount of horsepower, it also has two steering wheels. The Scythe has dual automatically-retracting steering wheels, which are configurable for right- and left-hand drive should drivers want to terrify the British or use it to deliver mail. Interesting right? So what do you think of this masterpiece?

NEW BMW 5GT

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

� BMW is once again defining a brand-new segment in the automobile market. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style. As an attractive, future-oriented extension of the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is quite unparalleled worldwide in the upper middle segment, combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.

� Through its body design, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coup�-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology. Boasting clear-cut horizontal lines, the rear end comes with that characteristic look of width, power and muscle further enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology.

� The luxurious and, for a car with this kind of coup�-like silhouette, surprisingly generous and variable interior gives both the driver and passengers a spontaneous feeling of comfort and well-being. This superior feeling is further enhanced by comfortable entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish.

� Flexibly adjustable, the interior of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car as they wish to their individual, personal requirements. In their standard position, the rear seats offer the passengers the same kind of legroom as in the BMW 7 Series combined with the same headroom as in the BMW X5. In this configuration, luggage capacity is already an ample 440 litres or 15.4 cu ft. Thanks to the partition behind the rear seats, the passenger and luggage compartments are separated acoustically and in terms of climate conditions from one another like in a saloon. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 millimetres or almost 4?, with legroom still remaining the same as in the BMW 5 Series Saloon and an increase in luggage capacity to 590 litres or 20.7 cu ft. And after folding down the rear-seat backrests together with the partition, finally, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1,700 litres or 59.5 cu ft.

� Offering unique functionality, the two-piece tailgate on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo provides exceptional variability and maximum comfort in loading the luggage compartment. Opening the small, sedan-like luggage compartment lid beneath the rear window, with the tailgate as such remaining closed, the driver and passengers are able to conveniently load the rear compartment without causing any unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature within the passenger compartment. To load large and bulky objects, on the other hand, all they have to do is open the large tailgate for maximum convenience.

� The sheer space and the inspiring, modern design of the interior team up to provide a truly luxurious ambience and the supreme long-distance comfort of a modern Gran Turismo. The sleek surfaces on the front and rear door panels merging smoothly into one another as well as the horizontal arrangement of the instrument panel enhance the impression of supreme generosity. Seat comfort, headroom and elbow freedom are all of the highest standard otherwise to be found only in the luxury performance class. The slightly elevated seating position, the clear, structured arrangement of the controls, BMW�s new iDrive with its Control Display up to 10.2 inches in size, and the cockpit in Black Panel technology all help to give the driver maximum supremacy at all times. The rear seats may be adjusted individually fore-and-aft and also come with individual adjustment of the backrest angle. To meet the greatest demands in terms of individual luxury, finally, two individual comfort seats at the rear are available as an option.

� The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is entering the market with a choice of no less than three ultra-modern drive units carrying over BMW -EfficientDynamics into a new segment in the automobile world. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo offers a truly unique, unparalleled balance of driving experience and fuel economy with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 6.5 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 43.5 mpg imp, and a CO2 rating of 173 g/km. The two gasoline models also set new standards for efficiency in their respective engine class.

� As a world-first achievement introducing a new and even more efficient range of engines, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo comes with the first straight-six gasoline engine featuring TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC and developing maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. The top engine in the range, finally, is the V8 TwinPower Turbo delivering maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo, in turn, comes with a 180 kW/245 hp straight-six diesel of the latest generation with an all-aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct fuel injection. All engines naturally fulfil the EU5 emission standard.

� All model variants come as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission previously to be admired only in the BMW 760i twelve-cylinder luxury saloon. Featuring an innovative configuration of gearsets, a unique level of internal efficiency, and the same low weight and compact dimensions as a six-speed automatic transmission, this high-tech automatic combines gearshift comfort, dynamic performance, and motoring efficiency of the highest calibre. The most advanced engine technology, the innovative eight-speed automatic transmission, and a wide range of unique technologies in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics allow the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to set new standards also in terms of economy and emission management.

� The modern, demanding suspension technology of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is designed for both fascinating driving dynamics and supreme grand touring comfort. The double track control arm front axle and the Integral-V rear axle exclusive to BMW are made largely of aluminium. Standard features also include rear axle air suspension as well as hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a steering servo pump operating on demand. Integral Active Steering is available as an option, combining active steering of the front wheels with rear-wheel steering varying according to driving conditions and current requirements.

� Featured as standard, Dynamic Drive Control influences not only the gearshift dynamics, but also the gas pedal and steering assistance control map. In combination with optional Adaptive Drive, the dampers with infinite variation on both the inbound and rebound stroke contribute to the superior suspension function. In addition to the NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ programs, the driver also has the choice of the COMFORT mode available directly from the Dynamic Drive Control button on the centre console. A further point is that intervention in DSC Dynamic Stability Control is reduced in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.

� The optimised body structure in conjunction with appropriately coordinated and electronically masterminded passive safety systems ensures maximum occupant safety at all times. These systems include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, crash-activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres and a tyre defect indicator. The standard features include foglamps and adaptive brake lights, with bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime driving light function as well as Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution and Bending Lights all coming as an option.

� The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is also available as an option with the complete range of features from BMW ConnectedDrive, including Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Side View, Top View, and a back-up camera. Over and above these outstanding features, BMW ConnectedDrive also offers BMW Online, BMW Assist, BMW TeleServices, as well as an Enhanced Emergency Call function automatically determining and reporting the current location of the car.

� The wide range of standard features offered by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo includes automatic air conditioning, an audio system, an AUX-In connector bush, and the Integrated Owner�s Manual. Optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user�s private music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, a panorama glass roof optimised for noise control and attractive design, as well as an electrically swivelling trailer hook.

� Engine variants:

BMW 535i Gran Turismo: straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC,
Capacity: 2,979 cc,
max output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm,
max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,200-5,000 rpm,
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.3 seconds,
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 8.9 Liter/100 kilometres,
equal to 31.7 mpg imp,
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 209 g/km,
emission standard: EU5

BMW 550i Gran Turismo:
V8 gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection
Capacity: 4, 395 cc,
max output: 300 kW/407 hp from 5, 500-6,400 rpm,
max torque: 600 Nm/442 lb-ft from 1,750-4,500 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 11.2 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 25.2 mpg imp
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 263 g/km,
emission standard: EU5

BMW 530d Gran Turismo:
straight-six diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection (piezo-injectors),
max injection pressure: 1,800 bar
Capacity: 2,993 cc,
max output: 180 kW/245 hp at 4,000 rpm,
max torque: 540 Nm/398 lb-ft from 1,750-3,000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.5 litres/100 kilometres,
equal to 43.5 mpg imp
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 173 g/km,
emission standard: EU5

OPEL/VAUXHALL INSIGNIA OPC TOURER

-wagon also as OPC
-2.8L V6 with 325Hp and 400Nm
-0-100km/h in 6 seconds

MERCEDES BUYS TESLA?!

No, only 10% of Tesla. We will have to wait and see, how this goes on,
Mercedes does not like to give his secrets and techics to others!

TESLA S SEDAN - 1000 reservations alredy

Tesla said, it has received more than 1000 orders (every order is 5.000$) for the
S sedan, that comes in 2 Years.

NEW OPEL/VAUXHALL ASTRA

-new Astra "taking" Insignia
-4, 42m long
-8 engines from start
-4 diesels from 95 to 160Hp
-4 petrol from 100 to 180 Hp
-new 1.4L turbo with 140Hp

HONDA INSIGHT HYBRID - BEST SELLING CAR

Yes, best selling in Japan.

1.Honda Insight 10,481

2.Honda Fit/Jazz 9,443

3.Toyota Vitz/Yaris 6,706

4.Toyota Corolla (Axio+Fielder+Rumion) 6,341

5.Toyota Wish 5,556

6.Toyota Passo (5Doors+Sette) 5,545

7.Honda Freed 4,591

8.Toyota Voxy 3,690

9.Toyota Crown 3,521

10.Toyota Estima 3,424

11.Toyota Vellfire 3,071

12.Suzuki Swift 3,032

13.Mazda Demio/2 2,909

14.Nissan Serena 2,898

15.Nissan Cube 2,705

16.Toyota Noah 2,603

17.Toyota Ractis 2,543

18.Nissan Note 2,527

18.Nissan Tiida (5 doors+Latio 2,148

20.Toyota Alphard 2,065

21.Toyota Prius 1,952

OPEL INSIGNIA A HIT!?

Opel said it has received 100.000 orders for the Insignia. That it very good,
for this time even better.
But till the end of this Year, Opel could belong to Fiat !

BMW X1 SUV - FIRST PICTURE

This is at the photoshoot for a broshure, somewhere in Germany.

RENAULT CLIO - NEXT GENERATION

ASTON MARTIN ONE77 in final

More pictures here.

AUDI Q3 small SUV coming

Audi said it will build a smaller SUV Q3 starting in 2011. The SUV will
be build in Seat plant in Spain.

VOLKSWAGEN WILL BUILD THE UP IN SLOVAKIA

VW Up will come in 2011, also as Seat and �koda and will be build in
Slovakia. It will come as 3 and 5 door small car.

OPEL INSIGNIA ECOFLEX with 160Hp

-Ecoflex
-2.0L diesel
-160Hp and 350Nm
-overboost 380Nm
-5,2l/km (136g/km)
-0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds
-starts at 30.105�(Germany)

SEAT IBIZA FR - sporty 150Hp

-sporty Seat Ibiza FR
-1,4L TSI with 150Hp
-0-100km/h in 8 seconds

OPEL / VAUXHALL INSIGNIA OPC/VXR WITH 325HP

Opel Insignia OPC: Hot Chili Premiere at the Barcelona Motor Show

- 239 kW/325 hp and 400 Nm; 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds
- Specially developed mechatronic chassis with all-wheel drive
- First deliveries this fall

R�sselsheim. The high performance version of the Car of the Year 2009 will be unveiled on May 7, when the Opel Insignia OPC premieres at the Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model (Opel Performance Center).

The heart of the Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, this version reaches an output of 239 kW/325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development and by reworking the exhaust, significantly reducing the counter pressure. And because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, the acoustic specialists worked on the exhaust of the V6 by adopting specific center and rear mufflers.

The Insignia OPC is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The strong torque of 400 Nm ensures abundant pulling power even at lower engine speeds. With this engine performance, the Insignia OPC reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (restricted) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds.

The already very well performing Insignia chassis was further fine tuned for the OPC variant which ride height has been reduced by 10 mm compared to the Insignia (AWD Sport version). The newly developed mechatronic chassis also receives a new front axle. The front suspension architecture of the Insignia OPC retains a so called McPherson strut, however the engineers at the Opel Performance Center came up with an evolution called HiPerStrut (for high performance strut). Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver.

The Insignia OPC also comes with the adaptive FlexRide suspension which not only adapts to driving situation and driving style but also to the driver�s preferences. While on the Insignia the system offers the choice between a standard adaptive setting, a more comfortable mode and a sport mode, the OPC is definitely addressing those enjoying a sportier ride. OPC drivers can choose between three different sport modes: the standard mode as the high comfort setting, a special Sport mode and the OPC mode, for optimal performance.

For the first time also in the OPC portfolio, the Adaptive 4�4 system and its electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) are standard. The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC. Taking the higher performances of the OPC into consideration, significant development efforts were put into further improving the brake system. Connoisseurs will immediately spot the Brembo calipers and the perforated 355 mm disc on the front axle.

�I was personally involved in the development of the Insignia OPC and I very much enjoyed extensive testing on the most demanding race track of the world, the N�rburgring Nordschleife. Our target was to rival the �best of the best�,� said Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.

Distinctive looks are a clear statement on dynamic ambitions

The top-of-the-line body style dressed in an elegant sports outfit is inspired by the GTC concept car which starred in 2007, but still remains true to the Insignia�s design philosophy of sculptural artistry meets German precision.

Compared to less powerful versions of the Insignia, the OPC shows a spectacular new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts. The 19-inch wheels (tires: 245/40) are standard and give the car the stance it deserves. New 20-inch lightweight forged wheels (with 255/35 tires) are available as an option.

The dynamic sportiness of the exterior is also mirrored in the cockpit. When opening the door, the OPC is immediately impressive, from unique Recaro seats to a flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel and specific gear knob. The OPC also presents distinctive instrument graphics.

�The Insignia OPC marks the beginning of a new era for our OPC portfolio; still bold, but also more mature and refined, and more ambitious than ever. The OPC epitomizes the Insignia experience: dynamic and refined�, says Alain Visser, GM Europe Vice President Opel.

NEW KIA FORTE KOUP COUPE

-2.4-liter with 156 horsepower and 173 horsepower

NEW OPEL ASTRA a smaller Insignia

In stores from October 2009 in Europe.

- S400 HYBRID variant will make its debut
- 3.5L V6 and hybrid system make together 295-hp with
- combined fuel-economy of 29 mpg or 7,9l/100km
- 189g/km CO2

- a V6 with 332Hp and RWD

Nissan Z� Roadster Joins 370Z Coupe in Nissan Showrooms In Late Summer 2009

Less than a year after the introduction of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe � a vehicle that reset the bar for affordable sports car design and performance � comes its dramatic new stablemate, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The seductively styled Z� Roadster offers everything the hardtop Z� Coupe does � and more. As in more classic open-air sports car driving excitement. More sun, moon and stars. And more refinement than any Z� convertible that has ever come before � including a standard automatic latching power top and Nissan Intelligent Key�. Also offered are an array of technology and convenience features, including the first-ever Z� Roadster-available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, Bluetooth� Hands-free Phone System, satellite radio and advanced Nissan Navigation System. The 2010 370Z Roadster is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide in late summer.

"As expected, the 370Z Roadster delivers an exhilarating connection to the air, wind and environment on top of the new Z� Coupe's exceptional levels of performance," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "But perhaps unexpected for a car this sporty is its greatly enhanced refinement and quality � as seen in features such as its one-touch, auto-locking convertible top and beautifully crafted interior."

A Truly Authentic Roadster

The 370Z Roadster's most obvious departure from the 370Z Coupe is its convertible top. The soft-top roof was designed with an emphasis on three key areas: to provide a sleek silhouette matching the new Z�'s stunning styling with the top up or down, to offer easy single-action open-close operation, and to provide an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.

With convertible top in the closed position, the design provides a sophisticated sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z� body design. The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck enhance the Z�'s kinetic and dynamic character lines. When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-color hard tonneau cover, which extends forward to help create the Z� Roadster's classic "double cockpit" style interior.
The standard black cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with an enlarged (versus the previous generation Z� Roadster) glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster. The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds start-to-finish and is controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors. The automatic latch system secures the top to � or releases it from � the windshield header without driver intervention. The shape and position of the glass wind deflector, located between the fixed headrest bars, has been optimized to reduce turbulence into the cabin.

Like the new 370Z Coupe, the Z� Roadster's new exterior is more aggressive in appearance and lighter and tighter in structure than the previous generation. The wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches) and overall length is reduced by 2.6 inches (167.2 inches versus 169.8 inches). The new Z� Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. At the same time, the body structure was extensively revised, improving rigidity and stability. The 370Z Roadster includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), including in the A-pillars and side sills.

The Z� Roadster's exterior design incorporates the look and feel of the new Z� Coupe, including its signature long nose/short cockpit proportions, vertical door handles and distinctive new headlight/taillight treatment, which features a fierce "boomerang" shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off feature are standard.
The 370Z Roadster is offered in seven exterior colors: Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pearl White, Monterey Blue and a special premium color, Black Cherry.

Inside the stunning exterior, true to its sports car heritage, the Z� Roadster's interior is completely driver-centric, with its three-layer design grouping items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place � so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive, top up or down.

The Z� Roadster features high back black woven "Carbon" cloth seats with 8-way manual driver's/4-way manual passenger's seat adjustments. Touring models include unique leather-appointed "net" seats with 4-way power/4-way manual operation on the driver's seat (4-way power on the passenger's seat). These second-generation net seats are exclusive to the Z� Roadster and have integrated heating and cooling functions � ideal for open air driving no matter what the outside temperature. Adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints are also standard.

The Z� Roadster's 2-seat layout includes a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The instrument panel retains the traditional Z� 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer now include an "initial sweep" function, coming alive when the car is first started.

The sporty steering wheel is a new "oval" 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching, improved thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives. The surface of the leather-wrapped wheel is "shaved" to provide a more kidney-like shape to better fit in the hand. The manual transmission shifter is specially padded to improve the accuracy of diagonal shifts and to feel softer in the hand for forward and backward motions.

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key� with Push Button Ignition, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design.

Other features include automatic climate control, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders (two in door panels, one in center console) and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 4speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Touring model adds a 6CD Bose� audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofer) and MP3/WMA playback, XM� Satellite Radio (XM� subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth� Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink� Universal Transceiver and aluminum-trimmed pedals. This is the first time Bluetooth� and satellite radio have been available on a Z� convertible.

The optional Navigation Package includes the touch-screen Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic� real-time traffic information (XM� subscription required, sold separately), 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and a USB fort for iPod� connectivity. The new navigation system offers a number of enhancements (versus previous Nissan Navigation System designs), including four times higher screen resolution, wireless music player audio streaming capability (via Bluetooth�), on-board Zagat restaurant ratings database, an in-dash DVD player and XM NavWeather� weather information display (XM� subscription required, sold separately).

The 370Z Roadster interior is available in Black cloth or for 370Z Touring Roadster models, a choice of Gray, Black or Wine leather-appointed net seating.

Open Air, Open Roads � An Unbeatable Combination

Roadster or Coupe, the new Z�s share one of the most advanced drivetrains available for affordable sports cars today. The Z� Roadster's long list of cutting edge performance-focused technologies includes a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with available "SynchroRev Match" (the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel vented disc brakes (with available Nissan Sport Brakes).

"The new 370Z Roadster lives in the same sweet spot of performance, style and value that the Z� Coupe does," said Castignetti. "Open air driving just begs for open roads and the new 370Z Convertible is the perfect companion."
Compared to the previous generation 350Z Roadster, the new Z� convertible picks up 26 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque (332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6's 306 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of toque @ 4,800 rpm).

Along with its larger displacement, the 3.7-liter engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque, creating an entirely new driving experience. Key to the enhanced performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.

The 2010 Z� Roadster is offered with a choice of two new advanced transmissions � a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual is available with SynchroRev Match� (included in the optional Sport Package), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gear shift performance. The SynchroRev Match� function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves vehicle balance and smoothness by reducing the typical "shock" when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer less vehicle intervention.

The available 7-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode.

Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. The 7-speed's wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency, while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver's driving style.
Estimated fuel economy for the 370Z Roadster is 18 mpg City/25 mpg Highway for both the 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions � increases of 1 mpg City/2 mpg Highway for the automatic and 1 mpg City/1 mpg Highway for the manual transmission versus the 2009 350Z Roadster.

The Z� Roadster also utilizes the Z� Coupe's advanced 4-wheel independent suspension. The double-wishbone front suspension (which replaces the lower multi-link setup in the 350Z) uses lighter forged aluminum arms and a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, along with a lighter stabilizer bar with a 35 percent improved lever ratio. The 4-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter, with the rear cradle entirely integrated into a single part. "High response" shock absorbers are utilized on each corner for improved ride comfort.

The standard 370Z Roadster wheel and tire package features 18x8.0-inch front/18x9.0-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/50R18 front/P245/45R18 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires. Available as part of the optional Sport Package are 19-inch RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A P245/40R19 front/P275/35R19 tires.

The Z�'s standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The optional Sport Package includes Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers.

Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the addition of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster's list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; door-mounted curtain air bags; and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Other standard equipment includes Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Two Well-Equipped Models

The new Z� Roaster is offered in two well-equipped models � 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. The Touring model includes the heated and cooling leather-appointed power net seats, HomeLink� Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth� Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose� audio system, XM� Satellite Radio (XM� subscription, sold separately) and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Only two option packages are offered (Touring model only): the Sport Package, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity.