Honda CR Z USA Price Announced

Honda officially announced that the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid Sportscar will go on sale in America from August, starting from Just 19,200 USD. The Honda CR-Z will be made available in three trim levels, base, EX and EX with Navi, and with a choice between two transmissions, a 6-speed manual and the company's CVT gearbox. The fuel consumption of the Honda CR-Z equipped with the manual gearbox is rated at 31 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in the combined cycle. The CVT version of the Honda CR-Z is rated at 35 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the open roads and 37 mpg in the combined cycle.

Upgrading to the CR-Z EX requires $21,510 and adds fog lights, aluminum pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an upgraded sound system with a subwoofer. The top-spec EX with navigation trim is $23,310 and, as the name suggests, adds a nav system, with voice recognition, to the EX’s equipment list.

The base model comes standard with AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The 2011 CR-Z EX adds a  360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with 7 speakers, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. Optional on the CR-Z EX is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition.

All CR-Zs feature a hybridized 1.5-liter petrol engine with 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) and 128 lb-ft (174 Nm) of torque.




Press Release

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is set to debut at dealers on August 24, 2010, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $19,200, plus a destination and handling charge(1) of $750, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Developed as a stylish, driver-focused vehicle with an emphasis on efficient performance, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z introduces a sleek two-passenger coupe design with quick, sporty handling to the gasoline-electric hybrid segment. A 1.5-liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine works with Honda's unique, compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to supply both power and efficiency to the CR-Z. A sport-focused, six-speed manual transmission is a first for any mass-produced hybrid. An automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear-ratio control.

A new, exclusive 3-mode drive system allows the driver to configure the vehicle's responsiveness for Sport, Normal or Econ (Economy) driving modes. Driver efficiency tools include Eco Assist(TM) and Eco Scoring, which together can help drivers find improvements to efficient driving styles, while also comparing economy achievements to previous trips as well as the life of the vehicle.

The CR-Z is available in two equipment grades - the well-equipped CR-Z (base) and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. Standard features on the CR-Z include an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.

The CR-Z EX adds a 360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with seven speakers - including a subwoofer - Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) with Voice Recognition(2).

The CR-Z demonstrates the Honda commitment to safety in the vehicle's design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure is designed to help protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA®); standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags; active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Model	Transmission	MSRP	EPA** City/Hwy/ Combined
CR-Z	MT	$19,200	31/37/34
CR-Z	CVT	$19,850	35/39/37
CR-Z EX	MT	$20,760	31/37/34
CR-Z EX	CVT	$21,410	35/39/37
CR-Z EX with Navigation	MT	$22,560	31/37/34
CR-Z EX with Navigation	CVT	$23,210	35/39/37

Additional media information, including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

(1) MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

(2) The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) is available on the CR-Z EX model in the United States, except Alaska. Please see the navigation system manual for details.

(3) Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Fiat launches new Diesel edition 500C in Japan

The Fiat 500C by Diesel makes its formal debut in Japan on April 12.


All engine choices will have five or six-speed manual tranmissions while for the exterior customers are able to choose three body and top colour combinations for their Fiat 500 by Diesel.

The interior also gets denim-like upholstery with yellow top-stitching. Yellow brake calipers peer out from behind the 16" alloys finished in dark satin like the rest of the muted brightwork.

The Fiat 500 by Diesel price starts at 18,000 Euro and Italy will be the first to ge the limite-edition cabriolet starting from May. The automaker says they have allready sold 6,500 exemplars Fiat 500 by Diesel ans the car will be marketed worldwide.





Press Release:

Fiat 500C by Diesel debuts in Japan

Fiat 500C by Diesel, the new cabriolet version of the model jointly created in 2008 by Fiat and Diesel, the famous clothing and lifestyle brand, will debut in Japan on 12 April. The Fiat Café in Aoyama (Tokyo) – an exclusive location, which has become a byword for sociability and Italian style – has been chosen for the prestigious event, which will be attended by representatives of the establishment, the world of culture and the press, in addition to Diesel founder Renzo Rosso and the top managers of Fiat Group Automobiles Japan. The car will then make its European debut on 15 April at the Milan Furniture Fair in front of the splendid Diesel flagship store in the renowned Piazza S. Babila.

The Fiat 500C by Diesel will be marketed worldwide - in Italy from May, with an on-road price starting from 18,000 euros. Nearly 6,500 units of the already available limited-edition saloon version have already been sold. The new cabriolet "by Diesel" confirms the extraordinary capacity of the "500 Project" to continuously evolve with the addition of new versions. This is precisely one of the secrets of the undisputed success of the Fiat 500, a genuine pop icon and expression of the concept of "massexclusivity" ("non-exclusive exclusiveness"), which a few days ago reached the target of 500,000 units produced in only 31 months after having been launched.

In detail, the 500 by Diesel is distinguished by some bold aesthetic features, starting with the exterior. Everything is exclusive for this version, the result of the creativity of two teams of designers: the aggressive 16" alloy wheels, the rear trim with imitation air intake where one of the most famous logos of Italian fashion is set, the yellow brake calipers (only on the 1.4 100 HP version) and the satin finish chrome painted details, including the mouldings which with their bosses evoke the atmosphere of the Diesel fashion world. The interiors are also highly customised, sporting a dark denim style fabric with yellow stitching, a fifth pocket with the unmistakable Diesel brand, the head of the famous "Mohican" on the gear lever knob and the special satin chrome coloured dashboard.

Just like the saloon, theFiat 500C by Diesel also combines two apparently distant worlds: fashion and motoring. In fact, they have some important concepts in common, such as talent, creativity, charm and innovation, the winning ingredients of Italian style, which is famous worldwide.

Finally, according to markets, the Fiat 500C by Diesel range comes with four Euro 5 engine versions (1.2 69 HP, 1.4 16v 100 HP, 1.3 Multijet 75 HP with DPF and 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP); manual 5 or 6 speed gearboxes (petrol engines can be fitted with a Dualogic 5 speed robotised gearbox); and three body and top colour combinations: the distinctive green with black top, the elegant black with black or red top and the original "Midnight indigo" blue with ivory top. The latest two innovations of the Fiat 500 by Diesel stand out: a second-generation 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP (Euro5) turbo diesel with Start&Stop system as standard, with emissions of just 104 g/km of CO2 and "Midnight indigo" blue, an intriguing metal-flake body colour which - with a finer paint texture and almost 3D effect - is reminiscent of the look of stone-washed fabrics.

Turin, 9 April 2010

Teaser: 2012 Nissan Quest Minivan

Nissan also released today the first 2012 Nissan Quest teaser image and announced the new version will go on sale early in 2011.

Based on the Japanese-market El Grand van, the Quest will likely be powered by a 3.7-liter VQ V6 engine with up to 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) according to InsideLine. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but there are rumors all-wheel drive may be offered as an option.

This will be the first time the Quest isn't built in America, as production has switched to Nissan's Shatai plant in Japan where the fourth-generation El Grand is already being produced. Power will come from the same 3.7-liter VQ V6 that powers nearly every other Nissan, with output in the 300 horsepower range. Front-wheel drive will be standard, and we are hearing rumors of an all-wheel-drive option.

The redesigned Quest will go on sale in the United States early next year.



Press Release

The next-generation Nissan Quest presents a new paradigm in family mobility.

Along with top levels of quality and reliability, the all-new design is a fusion of sophistication, security and thoughtful utility for both families and empty-nesters alike.

The new Quest, which will be available in early 2011, is the perfect vehicle for buyers needing the size, safety, functionality and comfort that a minivan has to offer, without sacrificing style or driving pleasure.

2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle Pricing Releases

Nissan announced that its upcoming Leaf electric vehicle will sell for $32,780, plus $800 destination. A $7,500 federal tax credit for electric cars will bring the total cost down to $25,280. A three-year lease will be available for $349 a month.

Available in two trim levels, standard SV and uplevel SL, all Leaf SVs will come with navigation, remote start and remote charging operated through a smart phone app or laptop computer, LED headlamps, Bluetooth, Intelligent Key, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, six airbags, XM Satellite Radio and 3 years roadside assistance.

Part of the product package includes personal charging docks which work with normal 220-volt sockets. A charging dock should cost about US$2,200 but both the equipment and installation are eligible for a 50% federal tax credit of up to $2,000.

Starting April 20, interested customers who have signed up at nissanusa.com can put down a refundable $99 reservation fee. Official ordering doesn't start until August with deliveries scheduled to start in December. The Leaf goes on sale nationwide by the end of 2011.





Press Release

NISSAN DELIVERS AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS FOR PURCHASE, LEASE OF
ALL-ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF

• As low as $25,280 ($32,780 MSRP minus up to $7,500 federal tax
  credit)
• Lease world's first mass-marketed EV for $349 per month

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the
2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or
lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in
2011. Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF
April 20.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be
fully eligible, the consumer's after-tax net value of the vehicle will be
$25,280. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011
all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three
years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and
local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits
of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF - such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate
in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in
Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

As a result of aggressive pricing and the availability of the $7,500
federal tax credit whose benefit is immediately included, Nissan will be
able to offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state
or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan
LEAF.

"Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again.
Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating
zero emissions while driving," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president,
Sales and Marketing, NNA. "Nissan leads the industry by offering the first
affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. Nissan LEAF truly is
in a class by itself."

The vehicle at the SV trim level is well-equipped with a variety of
standard features, including an advanced navigation system and
Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool
and charging control. Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED
headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials,
such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper
fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity;
Intelligent-key with push button start; Sirius/XM satellite radio
capabilities and roadside assistance. Safety features include vehicle
dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The
SL trim level, available for an additional $940 (MSRP), adds features
including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic
headlights.

Reservations and Purchase

In order to ensure a one-stop-shop customer experience, Nissan is carefully
managing the purchase process from the first step, when consumers sign up on
NissanUSA.com, until the customer takes the Nissan LEAF home and plugs it
into a personal charging dock.

• Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 first from people
  who have signed up on NissanUSA.com, and, after a brief introductory
  period, to all interested consumers.

• Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is
  fully refundable.

• Reserving a Nissan LEAF ensures consumers a place in line when
  Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to
  special, upcoming Nissan LEAF events.

• Rollout to select markets begins in December, with nationwide
  availability in 2011.

Charging Equipment

In tandem with the purchase process, Nissan will offer personal charging
docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply, as well as their installation.
Nissan is providing these home-charging stations, which will be built and
installed by AeroVironment, as part of a one-stop-shop process that includes
a home assessment.

• The average cost for the charging dock plus installation will be
  $2,200.

• Charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50 percent federal
  tax credit up to $2,000.

• Using current national electricity averages, Nissan LEAF will cost
  less than $3 to "fill up."

• Nissan LEAF also will be the sole vehicle available as part of The
  EV Project, which is led by EV infrastructure provider eTec, a division
  of ECOtality, and will provide free home-charging stations and
  installation for up to 4,700 Nissan LEAF owners in those markets.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design,
engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing,
distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the
environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are
reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.
More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at
www.NissanUsa.com.

MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets
actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

Cosworth announces Impreza STI CS400

Subaru has announced the result of its automotive collaboration with Cosworth to bring you the new Subaru Cosworth Impreza STI CS400.

The Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 develops 400PS (395bhp) at 5,750rpm. However, the torque figure has not yet been announced. The company says the Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 is able to rocket from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds which brings it extremely close to the supercar realm. The standard car needs 5.2 seconds to reach the same speed.

Engine-mods aside, Subaru reported that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will feature a bespoke brake package with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front developed in partnership with AP Racing, an upgraded suspension and a new sport exhaust system.





Press Release

COSWORTH IMPREZA WILL HAVE SUPERCAR-HUMBLING PACE

The result of one of the most eagerly anticipated automotive collaborations in recent times is heading fast towards Subaru dealerships. The Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 officially goes on sale in June, and is set to offer performance-car fans the thrill of a lifetime.

Subaru has confirmed the car will boast an impressive 400PS (395bhp) at 5,750rpm, sufficient to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds (compared to 300PS / 296bhp at 6,000rpm,and 5.2 seconds for the standard Impreza WRX STI). This ensures the Cosworth-tuned car will be one of the most accelerative all-wheel-drive hatchbacks ever.

Subaru also reports that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will feature a bespoke brake package - with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front - developed in partnership with AP Racing, giving the car prodigious stopping power. Coventry-based AP Racing is a leading supplier of brake and clutch components to teams in the Formula One Championship and the World Rally Championship, as well as to leading supercar brands including Bugatti.

A wide range of further upgrades have been made to the suspension, exhaust and to the donor Impreza's exterior and interior styling. An exclusive, limited edition run of 75 Cosworth Impreza STI CS400s will be produced, and full details of pricing and technical specification will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Official: Nürburgring package for the Lexus LFA

Lexus has announced a Nürburgring package for its LFA supercar.

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation marks the participation of its LFA supercar in the challenge of the Nurburgring 24 Hours race with mega exclusive, new high-performance package engineered to appeal to customers seeking top-end track ride.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising the speed and acceleration .
Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained through revisions and additions to several of the LFA’s CFRP components, including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed rear wing.

The Lexus LFA Nurburgring is powered by the standard 4.8-litre V10 engine that has received 10 extra bhp and now outputs 562 bhp. the gearbox of the Lexus LFA Nurburgring has also been improved over the standard car and now offers shift times of just 0.15 seconds. This means the Lexus LFA Nurburgring can get from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 202 mph.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tires.

Outside, the vehicle differs from its sleek series brother with larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and new fixed rear wing. Its mid-front-placed 4.8-litre V10 powerplant now boasts 10bhp more and the gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. The handling properties are strengthened by sports tuning of the suspension unit and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

The company plans on handing out just 50 examples within the standard LFA production run of 500 units.





Press Release

LEXUS UNLEASHES THE ULTIMATE LFA

Now available with
new track-focused Nürburgring package

KEY POINTS

• Lexus introduces Nürburgring package for the LFA supercar, aimed at
  hardcore track driving enthusiasts
• New aerodynamic elements for greater downforce, including fixed rear
  wing
• Power increased to more than 562bhp, gearshift times cut to just
  0.15 seconds
• Nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and top speed of 202mph
  maintained in spite of higher downforce
• Performance package launched in celebration of LFA's entry in the
  Nürburgring 24 Hours race
• Just 50 examples to be built, within the total LFA production limit
  of 500 cars

In celebration of its LFA supercar taking on the challenge of the
Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May, Lexus has launched a new performance
package designed to appeal to customers seeking full-blooded track
performance.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and
technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising
the exceptional speed and acceleration that are central to the LFA's driving
character.

Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained
through revisions and additions to several of the LFA's CFRP components,
including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed
rear wing.

Maximum power from the mid-front-mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine has been
increased by 10bhp to more than 562bhp and gear shifts in the six-speed
sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. Thanks to these
changes, nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of
202mph are maintained, in spite of the extra drag created by the new
aerodynamic elements.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and
mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

Just 50 LFA will be available with the Nürburgring package, within the
car's strictly limited global production run of 500 examples. If they wish,
customers will be able to take advantage of individual driving instruction
on the legendary Nordschleife circuit from the Nürburgring's chief
instructors. They will also receive a one-year driving pass to the track.

Toyota Aygo Black

A new special-edition Toyota Aygo Black has been launched. The Toyota Aygo Black comes with a set of cosmetic upgrades for both the three- and five-door models.

It is powered by a 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, averaging 62.8mpg and emitting 106g/km of CO2.

Available for both three and five-doors models, The Aygo Black comes with additional Alcantara and leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, leather gear shift knob (manual models), 14-inch alloy wheels and Tempest Black metallic exterior paint finish.

Pricing on the three-door manual starts at £9,460, with air conditioning adding £500 to the cost. Stepping up to the five-door adds about £350, while replacing the five-speed manual transmission with an automatic adds £500.




via:topspeed


Press Release

BLACK IS BACK: TOYOTA RELEASES NEW TOP-OF-THE-RANGE AYGO

KEY POINTS

• New Aygo Black with Alcantara and leather trim, sports steering wheel, 14-inch alloys and Tempest Black metallic paint
• Available to order now
• Available with one year's free Toyota Motor Insurance cover
• Lower on-the-road prices due to change in first year VED tax rate from 1 April 2010
• On-the-road prices from £9,460*

Order books have opened for Aygo Black, a new version of Toyota's friendly and frugal city car.
Aygo Black comes with a choice array of sports styling features, building on the specification of the Aygo+ model with additional Alcantara and leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, leather gear shift knob (manual models), 14-inch alloy wheels and Tempest Black metallic exterior paint finish.

Powered by the ultra-economical Toyota Optimal Drive 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine - winner of the sub-one-litre class of the International Engine of the Year awards for the past three years - and fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, Aygo Black has official combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of just 106g/km.

Both three and five-door models are available and air conditioning is available as an option. Toyota's Multimode transmission is also available on the five-door Aygo Black, where air conditioning has been specified.

One year's free insurance
Customers who move quickly to snap up an Aygo Black can also take advantage of Toyota's generous offer of one year's free cover from Toyota Motor Insurance. Owners must be aged 21-plus, full terms and conditions are available from Toyota centres and www.toyota.co.uk.

Aygo Black prices

Aygo Black prices

MODEL	OTR PRICE*
Aygo Black 3dr 5MT	£9,460
Aygo Black 5dr 5MT	£9,810
Aygo Black 3dr 5MT with A/C	£9,960
Aygo Black 5dr 5MT with A/C	£10,310
Aygo Black 5dr Multimode with A/C	£10,810

Option Packs
Aygo Xtra Protected pack: Rear parking sensors, carpet mats, front and rear mud flaps, additional side and rear protection mouldings	£390
Aygo Style pack: Front fogs, aluminium scuff plates	£245

*Prices from 1 April 2010

2011 Nissan GT-R priced at $84,060

The 2011 Nissan GT-R price has been announced today for the U.S. market. The 2011 Nissan GT-R comes with a number of modifications in comparison to the previous model. The previous base model will not be available anymore. The 2011 Nissan GT-R features darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and new rear cooling ducts.


The biggest change is the elimination of the base model, which was priced from $80,790 (in the 2010 model year). For 2011, the sole model is the $84,060 GT-R Premium (a $1020 increase over the 2010 GT-R Premium). Options include 'Super Silver' paint ($3,000), ultra-high performance tires (no charge), floor mats ($280), and a cold weather package (no charge).


The Nissan GT-R model has held the reputation of being an affordable car that costs a lot to maintain. It can’t be modified much but it does have an excellent all-wheel drive performance and technological prowess that can’t be denied. Nissan is offering three options and one accessory for the 2011 model.


More Photos


Press Release


Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2011 Nissan GT-R

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan GT-R supercar, which is on sale now at select Nissan dealers.

For 2011, its third year of availability in the North American market, the Nissan GT-R features a number of enhancements and a simplified model lineup. The previous GT-R base model has been eliminated, leaving the GT-R Premium as the only available 2011 model. Other changes include slightly darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear cooling ducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area.

The suspension has been retuned and the rear bushing strengthened to enhance ride comfort while still maintaining the GT-R's outstanding handling. In addition, auto on/off headlights and speed-sensitive windshield wipers are now standard, along with a USB iPod® interface, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and DVD playback. The navigation system now includes XM NavTraffic® and NavWeatherTM capability.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* for the 2011 Nissan GT-R equipped with standard 485-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and high-performance, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission is:

* Nissan GT-R Premium: $84,060 USD

Three options and one accessory are available for the 2011 GT-R: Cold Weather Package (no charge); special Super Silver paint ($3,000); Ultra-High Performance Tire Package (no charge); and carpeted GT-R logo floor mats ($280).

The 2011 GT-R is available only through officially certified Nissan retailers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facility commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service. A complete listing of the nearly 700 GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on NissanUSA.com.

Lexus IS F-Sport Package Releases for UK

Lexus announced today the launch of the Lexus IS F Sport in UK. The Lexus IS F Sport is inspired by the IS F high performance model and will be available for both the IS 250 and the 220d models.


The F-Sport package will cost UK consumers £3,940 over the price of the base IS 220d SE, and £4,080 above the IS 250 SE automatic.


The Lexus IS F Sport in UK includes a lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, a boot lid spoiler, sports seats, steering wheel and aluminum pedals and Alcantara and leather upholstery. The Lexus IS F Sport also comes with a interior black headlining, rain-sensing wipers and HID headlights with AFS.


Other equipment seen on the IS F-Sport units include HID headlights, front seat position memory, door mirror memory, and a 13-speaker premium audio system. You can read more about the F-Sport package and the 2010 Lexus IS series in the press release below.


More Photos

Press Release

New grade at the heart of changes for the new model year

KEY POINTS

• Improvements across the Lexus IS range for 2010 model year
• Introduction of new F-Sport grade, inspired by the
  ultra-high-performance IS F
  
  
  
  • Lowered suspension (IS 250 only)
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Bootlid spoiler
  • Sports seats, steering wheel and aluminium pedals
  • Alcantara and leather upholstery


• New HDD navigation system
• New DAB-ready audio system featuring USB connectivity and Bluetooth
• 17-inch alloy wheels now standard feature on IS 250 SE and IS 220d
  SE
• Improvement in fuel consumption and emissions performance
• Revised range on sale now, on-the-road prices from £24,350

Sharper looks and new high-tech on-board features are central to Lexus's
revision of its best-selling IS sports saloon for 2010.

Inspired by the ultra-high-performance IS F, the IS range has been
extended with a new F-Sport grade that focuses on highly desirable sports
styling features.

New F-Sport grade

The new F-Sport grade, available for both IS 250 and 220d models, takes its
cue from the high impact styling of the IS F and is positioned in the IS
line-up between the established SE-I and SE-L models.

The dedicated F-Sport exterior features include lowered suspension (IS
250 only), exclusive 18-inch wheels and an IS F-style front grille and rear
bootlid spoiler. In the cabin there are aluminium sports pedals, IS F-style
sports seats, steering wheel and (on the IS 250 automatic) gear lever. The
seats are finished in a combination of Alcantara upholstery with leather
side bolsters.

A black-on-black interior colour scheme is complimented by a black
headlining and grey stitching detail on the front seats and steering wheel.

F-Sport models share a number of premium equipment features with SE-L
grade, including rain-sensing wipers, HID headlights with AFS, 13-speaker
audio system and memory settings for the front seats and door mirrors.

Navigation and audio systems

Lexus has developed one of the most accurate and fast-responding
navigation systems on the market. Using a 40GB hard disc drive (HDD), it
provides Europe-wide coverage and is able to gather live local traffic
intelligence in each country to help plot the most efficient route, wherever
you may be.

A further benefit of the HDD system is its "sound library" function. Up
to 10GB of disc space is available for owners to store audio tracks from CD
- room enough for about 2,000 songs.

The touch-screen, full-map system is available as an option on SE and
SE-I models as part of package that also includes a rear park assist
monitor.

For F-Sport and SE-L versions of IS, it is included in the optional
Multimedia Package, together with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium
Surround Sound System and the rear park assist monitor.

All Lexus IS audio systems can be upgraded to receive DAB digital
broadcasts and are equipped as standard with USB and audio jack plug
connection for fully controlled use of portable music players, and Bluetooth
with an audio streaming function.

The Mark Levinson audio package now features a "sound library" function,
using the navigation system's HDD to transfer and store music files from CD
up to 10GB capacity.

Larger wheels for SE grade

Lexus IS 250 SE and 220d SE have been given more street appeal for 2010 with
10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard, in place of the previous
16-inch rims.

Improved fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions

The revisions made to the IS 250 for the 2010 model year have yielded
improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With manual
transmission, combined cycle economy is now 29.1mpg, compared to 28.8mpg for
the 2009 model; the new figure for the automatic is 31.7mpg (from 31.0mpg).
CO2 emissions have fallen from 231 to 227g/km for the manual and 214 to
209g/km for the automatic.

Lexus IS prices, insurance and VE

MODEL	OTR PRICE	INSURANCE 50 group	VED BAND
IS 220d SE	£24,350	27	F
IS 250 SE manual	£24,625	29	L
IS 250 SE automatic	£25,285	29	K
IS 220d SE-I	£26,610	28	F
IS 250 SE-I manual	£26,885	29	L
IS 250 SE-I automatic	£27,545	29	K
IS 220d F-Sport	£28.290	TBA	F
IS 250 F-Sport automatic	£29,365	TBA	K
IS 220d SE-L	£29,075	29	F
IS 250 SE-L automatic	£30.150	30	K

Option prices

HDD navigation	£2,350
Multimedia package	£3,120
ACC/PCS (250 SE-L only)	£2,640
DAB audio	£360
18-inch Hoshi wheels	£1,425
18-inch Baransu wheels	£1,425
18-inch Tsuki wheels	£1,550
Metallic/mica paint	£595