Honda Civic updated for the UK

Honda recently unveiled the first images and details of the updated 2011 Honda Civic facelift. for which production will begin next month at the Swindon plant in UK.

Exterior enhancements for the 2011 Honda Civic are limited to a new grille design across the range, which is influenced by that fitted to the recently discontinued high performance Type R model.

Interior comfort has also been increased as the 2011 Honda Civic comes with fabric and Alcantara or leather and Alcantara combinations depending on the trim level, plus heated front seats.

Under the hood, engine options carry over which means customers can order a 100 PS (74 kW / 99 hp) 1.4-liter petrol, a 140 PS (103 kW / 138 hp) 1.8-liter petrol, or a 140 PS (103 kW / 138 hp) 2.2-liter diesel.

Prices for the entry-level 1.4 Type S begin at just under 13,995 GBP.

Source: Honda UK




Press Release

HONDA ENHANCES CIVIC STYLING FOR 2011

The British-built Honda Civic has been given a refresh with a range of cosmetic enhancements for 2011. The updates and additions are designed to enhance the striking appearance and passenger comfort of the car at no extra cost to the customer.

Production for the 2011 Honda Civic begins at the Swindon manufacturing plant in November 2010 with prices starting from £13,995 for the 1.4 Type S.

Exterior updates
Eyes are immediately drawn to the new front grille, which has taken inspiration from the iconic ‘Type R' model, creating a smarter, more upmarket face for the popular hatchback.

Exterior updates also include a range of new alloy wheels now fitted as standard, with individual designs and sizes dependent on the variant chosen. New 16-inch rims feature on the Civic five-door range in 1.4-litre SE and Si, plus 1.8-litre SE trim levels. While the five-door 1.8-litre Si now wears a fresh set of 17-inch boots.

On the sports-inspired Type S model, the 1.4-litre Civic now benefits from colour-coded sideskirts and revised 16-inch alloys. The other news is a dynamic new exterior colour - Ionized Bronze, which is available across the Civic range.

Interior comfort
Keeping the driver and passenger comfortable is also part of the 2011 Model Year upgrade package, with a series of new interior finishes. SE and ES trim gets half fabric and luxurious Alcantara, while Si is now half leather and Alcantara with heated front seats.

2010 Nissan Townpod concept

Nissan has announced plans to introduce the Townpod electric vehicle concept at the Paris Motor Show. The company says the Nissan Townpod concept offers a glimpse into how they plan to expand their product portfolio. They do not mention what type of vehicle will the Nissan Townpod be, but they do say it will offer an "eye-catching design with a spacious and practical interior".

According to Nissan, the Townpod is more of a preview of what the company's zero emission vehicle lineup could be like and has even revealed a teaser image of what seems to be the right side headlight of this concept.

"It is designed to offer zero-emissions mobility to a future generation of home-based, innovative entrepreneurs who are creative and tech-savvy. It is more than just a car and it's more than just a van - it heralds a new-era of flexible, stylish vehicles that will bring electric-vehicle mobility to the masses."

So, is it an electric city-car for the techie on the go? Will the Townpod EV be a mobile blogging lair for those both green and lazy? Honestly, we have no clue. It's not easy to figure out what something looks like from an image that resembles the eye of an Autobot. For now, we'll just have to let our imaginations run wild.



Press Release

• World debut of a new electric-vehicle concept
• Nissan LEAF Electric Vehicle on display as order books open in Europe
• Public exhibition of Nissan Juke to coincide with first customer deliveries
• Public Premiere of refreshed Nissan X-TRAIL

ROLLE, Switzerland (30th August, 2010) – At the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, Nissan will be unveiling for the first time a concept vehicle that offers insight into how Nissan could expand its portfolio of zero-emission vehicles. Called Townpod, the concept combines eye-catching design with a spacious and practical interior.

It is designed to offer zero-emissions mobility to a future generation of home-based, innovative entrepreneurs who are creative and tech-savvy. It is more than just a car and it’s more than just a van - it heralds a new-era of flexible, stylish vehicles that will bring electric-vehicle mobility to the masses.

Nissan LEAF

And, continuing the zero-emissions theme, shortly before the first European customer deliveries begin early next year, Nissan LEAF will be making its Paris Motor Show debut.

Nissan LEAF is a 100% electric vehicle (EV), promising zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs. It is the first purpose-designed, mass-produced affordable EV from any major motor manufacturer and is just the first in a range of EVs due from the company.

Power comes from a Nissan-developed compact electric motor positioned at the front of the car to drive the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80kW of power and 280Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 140km/h (90 mph).

A full battery charge delivers a range of approximately 160m, which will meet the daily needs of 80 per cent of European customers.

The electric motor is ‘fuelled' by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with a power output of more than 90kW. The 48-module battery is mounted under the seats and floor of Nissan LEAF. Regenerative energy reclaimed under braking and coasting is fed directly to the battery to ensure minimum waste of energy.

New Nissan Micra

The new Nissan Micra stays true to the spirit of previous generations. It has resisted the increase in dimension of its peers, but thanks to smart engineering has a spacious interior. Like its predecessors, the new Nissan Micra is endowed with agile and fun-to-drive handling thanks to its new platform.

A new three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine is available, combining emissions of just 115g/km and consumption on the combined cycle of 5l/100km. This will be followed next spring by the introduction of a direct injection, supercharged version of the same engine, which will offer even lower emissions and consumption, but higher performance. The supercharged version will produce just 95g/km, one of the lowest figures on the market, but at a price that will mean customers no longer have to pay a premium to be eco-efficient.

And like its predecessor, new Nissan Micra will feature genuinely useful, innovative technology that will reduce the stress of driving in the city.

Nissan Juke

Paris Motor Show coincides with the start of customer deliveries for the Nissan Juke, the company’s all new small-sports Crossover.

The British-built Nissan Juke will arrive in Paris with more than 22,500 pre-orders, suggesting that European car buyers are eager to drive a compact Crossover. Nissan Juke brings a breath of fresh air to the small car segment, which has been characterised by a lack of design originality. As the third Crossover in Nissan’s range, it reinforces the brand’s pioneering leadership in bringing models to market that meet the unmet needs of European customers. Eighty per cent of Nissan Juke sales will be to first-time Nissan buyers, a similar figure to that achieved by the award winning Nissan Qashqai.

Updated Nissan X-TRAIL

Significant visual updates have been made to the company’s classic compact SUV, the Nissan X-TRAIL. A refreshed front grille, rear lights and larger wheels all combine to give it a more sophisticated look.

Inside, higher-quality materials and updated colour coordination mean the interior ambience is improved, while the driver will appreciate the improved visibility and legibility of the new main combimeter, which also includes a new drive computer screen.

Updates to the diesel engine, gearbox ratios and aerodynamics have resulted in lower emissions and consumption.

The Nissan press conference starts at 11:30 on Thursday 30^th September.

Mazda Shinari Concept

Mazda has releases its future design direction with the sleek Shinari concept car. which will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September. The stylish four-door coupe previews the look of the next generation of Mazdas and ushers in a new design language.

With the launch of the new concept, Mazda also announced that the company’s future design language will be described by the word Kodo, which is Japanese for soul of motion. Talking about the new design language, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda Motor Corp.’s design division said: "this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements."

The coupe shows the future face of Mazda's family of vehicles -- an aluminum signature wing, the line that runs through the headlights and under the grille -- as well as the overall styling trend for future production models.

The Shinari as a four-door coupe is a clear signal that Mazda is targeting the premium segment where similar vehicles such as the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and upcoming Fisker Karma already reside. In order to do so Mazda officials ackowledged that interior quality levels must improve.

The company has not released any official information on the Mazda Shinari yet. When it will, we'll be able to show you high resolution images of the Mazda Shinari and to offer a full set of details on the new concept.



Source : Automotive News Europe

Suzuki Kizashi topples 200 mph at Bonneville for new Land Speed Record

The ASMC modified 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special has now entered the record books, as it achieved a 203.720 mph run at this year's Bonneville Speed Week, exceeding the previous record of 202.301 mph. The 203.720 mph record was achieved by calculating the average of a two-way pass on August 18, 2010.

To get to the record-setting speed, the Bonneville Special Kizashi used a Turbonetics turbocharger at 16 psi and an air-to-water intercooler to boost the 2.4-liter four-cylinder over 500 horsepower. Other modifications included a new intake manifold, a tuned 'long tube' header and forged rods and pistons for high rpm endurance, a new set of coilover shocks, seam welded steel wheels, high-speed Goodyear tires, an air dam for better aerodynamics at speed, a parachute system to slow the car, and a dual fire system in the event of a mishap.

Technical Specifications – 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special

Engine: 2.4 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine
Turbo Boost: 16 psi (Turbonetics)
Horsepower: 383 kW @ 7,700 rpm
Torque: 698 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual

The Japanese company is set to launch the Suzuki Kizashi AWD in Australia next month but there is confirmation of a turbocharged or V6 variants just yet. Either way, the capacity of the Kizashi to perform such a task goes to show the car has the right chassis and build quality to be a solid performer in the medium-size sportcar market.






Press Release

Suzuki Kizashi Tops 200 mph Mark, Breaks Land Speed Record at Bonneville

Suzuki sport sedan and Road & Track's Sam Mitani rewrite record books in Blown Gas Coupe (F-BGC) category.

WENDOVER, Utah, Aug. 18 - Piloting American Suzuki Motor Corporation's (ASMC) modified 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special, Road & Track's Sam Mitani injected the Kizashi into the record books (and himself in the 200 mph club) with his 203.720 mph run at this year's Bonneville Speed Week, exceeding the previous record of 202.301 mph. Despite a multitude of records - and record attempts - achieved by Suzuki motorcycle riders, this was the first official crack at the Bonneville Salt Flats by American Suzuki's automotive arm.

Conditions for the Kizashi's record-setting Bonneville run were exactly as the build team, Advanced Product Engineering's Richard Holdener, Tom Habrzyk and Scott Bailey, expected. With temperatures topping 100 degrees, the Kizashi was running at a density altitude on the flats of 6,303 feet. After passing inspection, the 2010 Kizashi provided Mitani, Road & Track's international editor, a perfect platform for qualifying with the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), the sanctioning club for all Bonneville records. The 203.720 mph record was achieved by calculating the average of a two-way pass at 8:40 a.m. MT on August 18, 2010.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special

Beginning with interior safety and instrument modifications, the Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special underwent additional refinements to make it salt-ready. Once the work was completed, the team installed the SCTA-approved roll cage, an aluminum bulkhead in the rear, racing seat, seat harnesses and window net. Next, it was time to take a look under the hood. The motor was disassembled to confirm the stock measurements, while the cylinder head was flowed and ported. The Kizashi Bonneville racer benefits from a new intake manifold, a tuned 'long tube' header and forged rods and pistons for high rpm endurance.

With up to 16 pounds of boost from a Turbonetics turbocharger, the Kizashi's increased horsepower required air-to-water intercooling (and snow water/methanol injection) - while its increased output demands a new ACT clutch and pressure plate. A scattershield is added, the oil pan is welded for a new drain fitting and a new 3.5-inch exhaust is fabricated aft of the turbocharger. Additional protection for the high-boost, high-rpm turbo motor is provided by full synthetic 5W-20 racing oil from Lucas Oil.

The Kizashi platform - and its Nurburgring heritage - is morphed into a salt-specific recipe with new coilovers, steel wheels seam welded, and speed-specific 15x7-inch Goodyear Front Runner® rubber. An air dam keeps the Kizashi's nose planted, window straps and hood pins ensure the hood and glass stay in place, and a parachute can bring the high speed show to a controlled and shortened stop. Finally, a dual fire system provides the extra assurance so important for Mitani, with more than 500 boosted horses but only a few feet in front of his high-speed capsule.

To learn more about the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special's record-setting run, race fans can visit www.facebook.com/suzukiauto or www.suzukiauto.com/allpoints/events/bonneville.

Technical Specifications - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Overall Length: 183.1 inches
Overall Width: 71.7 inches
Engine: 2.4 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, 16-valve
DOHC engine
Turbo Boost: 16 psi (Turbonetics)
Horsepower: 513 wheel hp @ 7,700 rpm
Torque: 515 lb.-ft. @ 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Brakes: Front ventilated disc brakes/Rear disc brakes
(and parachute)
Tires: 15x7-inch Goodyear Front Runner(R)

Preview: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe

Infiniti today announced today the new Performance Line (IPL) and the first model in this new line: the IPL G Coupe. IPL models will be identified by a special engine cover and trunklid badging.

Dubbed IPL, the Infiniti Performance Line "offers a new level of premium performance for Infiniti vehicles, focusing not just on engine power and acceleration, but also on redefining total vehicle performance."

Power is provided by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 348 hp (260 kW / 353 PS) and 276 lb-ft (374 Nm) of torque. It produces an extra 18 hp (13 kW / 18 PS) and 6 lb-ft (8 Nm) of torque - compared to the standard G Coupe - thanks to a high-flow exhaust and a revised ECU.

A new high-flow exhaust partners with a recalibrated ECU to raise output to 348 horsepower (at 7,400 rpm) and 276 pound-feet of torque (at 5,200 rpm), an increase of 18 hp and six pound feet over the standard G37. Channeling that additional grunt to the ground is a close ratio six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter (a seven-speed auto is available with paddles), a viscous-type limited slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer rubber sized 225/45 in front and 245/40 in the rear. A retuned suspension is also included, increasing spring rates by 20% in the front and 10% out back, along with slightly upgraded brakes.

Inside, the IPL offers two color treatments, Graphite and Monaco Red, the latter only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission. Other highlights include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver's power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

Infiniti hasn't released an MSRP for the IPL G Coupe yet, but considering the performance components and litany of standard features, we're hoping the price premium isn't excessively high for what's essentially a glorified sport package.




Press Release

Infiniti Performance Line Launches With Dramatic New 348-Horsepower IPL G Coupe

– G Coupe Derivative is First in a New Line of Vehicles Crafted for High Performance -

Infiniti today announced its rumored specialty-performance vehicle collection, the Infiniti Performance Line™. The first production vehicle from this group, the 348-horsepower 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe, debuts tomorrow evening at an exclusive event at the 60th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It joins the Infiniti line of performance luxury vehicles at Infiniti retailers nationwide in December.

The Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, offers a new level of premium performance for Infiniti vehicles, focusing not just on engine power and acceleration, but also on redefining total vehicle performance. IPL promises unique driving attributes with exclusive designs, different from other Infiniti models in each selected Infiniti line. The 2011 IPL G Coupe is the first of what is expected to be a range of IPL performance vehicles in the future.

Infiniti Performance Line vehicles are targeted at buyers seeking performance luxury vehicles that express a greater degree of individual style. The limited production IPL vehicles begin with Infiniti’s legendary emotional design and Japanese craftsmanship – and then heighten the luxury and performance levels through modifications to the exterior, interior, engine tuning and suspension.

“IPL was conceived to create a new premium performance envelope, going beyond equipment upgrades to accelerate the very soul of Infiniti’s Inspired Performance,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “IPL brings all the elements together, styling harmonized with performance, exhaust note with acceleration feel, ride comfort and confident handling. It’s the perfect formula for unmatched driving exhilaration.”

IPL models will be identified by a special engine cover and trunklid badging. The IPL emblem is designed to reinforce the strong message and spirit of IPL. The letter “I” features a red insert representing sporty spirit, while the Infiniti-violet “shadow” behind the letter appears like an Infiniti flag to indicate the brand’s Inspired Performance promise.

About the IPL G Coupe
The 2011 IPL G Coupe builds on the foundation of the second-generation Infiniti G Coupe rear-wheel drive model with extensive modification throughout the vehicle. The IPL G Coupe’s unique exterior includes a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. Each part is shaped to accent the G Coupe’s aggressively seductive styling. Combined with the exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires, the IPL G Coupe projects a confident stance and road-ready attitude. The IPL G Coupe is offered in just two exterior colors: Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black.

The IPL G Coupe interior is designed to harmonize with the exterior styling, offering two color treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red (red interior only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission). All IPL G Coupe interiors include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

Other standard interior features include Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose® premium audio system, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive, Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation, memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar and moonroof (these items are optionally available on non-IPL G Coupe models).

The IPL G Coupe’s enhanced performance comes from the synergetic effects of three technology areas – engine tuning, dynamic tuning and sound quality/acceleration feel tuning. Engine performance modifications were selected not only for increased horsepower and torque levels, but also for acceleration feel and exhaust sound without compromising fuel economy or noise standards.

The IPL-tuned high-flow exhaust is a full dual exhaust design with independent left and right large diameter pipes. The muffler’s inner structure and materials have been maximized to reduce pressure and provide an appropriate performance exhaust note. The result is a 30% reduction in exhaust pressure versus a base G Coupe’s Y-pipe exhaust system design.

The IPL G Coupe’s advanced VQ37HR 3.7-liter V6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm). To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity. As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the IPL G Coupe generates 348 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models – and 276 lb-ft of torque (+6 lb-ft).

“When you drive the IPL G Coupe, the first thing you notice is the surge in sound and acceleration feel. The inspiring swell of sound is in complete harmony with the acceleration feel as engine speed increases,” said Poore. “The sound is clean and inspiring, adding to the fun-to-drive sensation provided by the 348 horsepower under the hood.”

Equally inspiring is the IPL G Coupe’s dynamic vehicle performance, which focuses on providing confident handling, flat ride and smooth ride comfort. The IPL suspension tuning and damping management philosophy is designed to optimize each aspect of the suspension, effectively connecting the driver to the road surface while removing uncomfortable vibrations. Front spring rates have been increased 20% over the base G Coupe and rear spring rates increased 10%. Shock tuning has also been adjusted to reach a new premium performance standard.

The IPL G Coupe also offers a sport-tuned steering gear and large 4-wheel sport brakes with aluminum-alloy opposed calipers (4-piston front/2-piston rear) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

2011 IPL G Coupe Key Features and Specs

IPL-tuned 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ37HR V6 348 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm 276 lb-ft torque @ 5,200 rpm IPL-tuned high-flow dual exhaust Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or 7-speed automatic transmission with solid magnesium paddle shifters IPL-tuned performance suspension with independent front double wishbone / independent rear multi-link, front and rear stabilizer bars 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels (19x8.5” front / 19x9” rear) P225/45R19 front / P245/40R19 rear W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer tires 14.7:1 sport-tuned steering gear 4-wheel ventilated disc sport brakes with aluminum-alloy 4-piston opposed front brake calipers / 2-piston opposed rear calipers Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VSLD)

IPL aerodynamics with front and rear fascias, side sills and rear spoiler Unique IPL emblem IPL engine cover Red-stitched sport front seats and steering wheel Aluminum pedals and footrest Interior colors: Monaco Red Leather and Graphite Leather Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose® premium audio system Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Zagat® Restaurant Guide and 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive RearView Monitor Rear Sonar System Moonroof Exterior colors: Malbec Black and Graphite Shadow

About IPL
IPL, the Infiniti Performance Line, promises unique performance attributes and exclusive designs, providing a new level of premium performance in Infiniti vehicles. The 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe is currently planned for the North American market; availability in other markets is under evaluation.


About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and first-ever Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com.

Nissan How To Beat The Germans Ad Campaign

Nissan UK has released details about the 'How to beat the Germans' ad campaign.

Even though Nissan is still in danger of being sued by Porsche over some inappropriate commercial they launched during Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Japanese car maker is taking another hit at the Germans by planning a new campaign, which is called “How To Beat The Germans”! Nissan says Germans sportscars shouldn’t be the only benchmark for performance and quality.

Besides showcasing the Nissan 370Z Coupe on a giant billboard in London, the new ad campaign also involves an Audi TTS manual coupe driven around town on which people can read 'More expensive, slower and less powerful than a Nissan 370Z'. They also took a Porsche Cayman an wrapped it in a sticker that says '“I dream of being as fast as a Nissan 370Z'.




Press Release

"HOW TO BEAT THE GERMANS": NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OVER GERMAN RIVALS IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN

• New Nissan advertising challenges rival German manufacturers

• Nissan highlights its performance advantages with promotional stunt

• Print and poster campaign launched using giant BFI IMAX billboard in London

Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd has launched a challenging new series of poster and print adverts to highlight the fact that the Nissan 370Z and the flagship Nissan GT-R have superior performance and yet cost less than their comparable German rivals.

The campaign uses tongue-in-cheek phrases such as "The Winner Hans Down," "The Germans Came Off Wurst," "Kaisers Chiefed" and "Deutschland Deutschland Über-Rated" in order to make people question why they would buy German brands when Nissan can offer performance at a more accessible price.

Last week, Nissan brought the advertising to life, taking an Audi TTS manual coupe around the streets of London blazoned with the words: "More expensive, slower and less powerful than a Nissan 370Z." It was joined by a Porsche Cayman bearing the slogan: "I dream of being as fast as a Nissan 370Z" on the side. Other cars featured in the advertising campaign include versions of the BMW Z4 as well as the Porsche Boxster and 911*.

The campaign was officially launched on the giant 360-degree 47ft tall BFI IMAX billboard at Waterloo, London, and will continue to appear in key national men's lifestyle and motoring titles, plus outdoor poster sites across the UK over the next six months.

Talking of the campaign, Steve McLennan, Nissan Marketing Director explains: "It simply challenges the convention of German sportscars being the only benchmark for performance and quality.

"Nissan is confident in the ability of 370Z and GT-R to eclipse our comparable German rivals in terms of outright performance and accessibility and it's now time to shout about it."

Notes to Editors:

* The 0-62mph performance of the Nissan 370Z Coupe with manual gearbox (5.3secs) is compared to the manual Audi TTS 2.0 Coupe (5.4secs), BMW Sdrive3.0i (5.8secs) and Porsche Cayman 2.9 (5.8secs).

Prices start at £28,345 for the Nissan 370Z Coupe and £59,945 for the GT-R. The 370Z can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds, while the GT-R has set a time of 7m 26 seconds around the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.