Japanese Sport Cars: November 2010

2011 Nissan 370Z Reviews

2011 Nissan 370Z Reviews

Nissan did not deliver on its plans to unveil a hybrid 370Z in 2011, but the high performance sports car does deliver unparalleled features in the 40-year Z-series tradition.
Nissan is offering three models of the 370Z convertible roadster: the standard entry level model, the Touring car, and the 370Z Touring with Sport Package option. The 370Z Coupe series features three model options plus the NISMO 370Z. Falling far short of the fuel efficiency figures for Nissan’s drawing board hybrid model, the 2011 Nissan 370Z reports 18 mpg in traffic and 25 mpg on the highway, manual or automatic alike. These high-performance vehicles use high-test fuel as well.

The 2011 Nissan 370Z has the loud engine and quick, responsive handling that sports car enthusiasts love. With smooth, powerful acceleration and stable steering control, this Nissan is a snappy commuter vehicle as well as a high-performance ride. Braking is smooth and controlled.
The spoiler on the NISMO model sits high enough to obscure rear visibility, as well. Add-ons such as the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with touch-screen convenience, XM NavTraffic, and XM NavWeather add tech points to the 370Z control panel. Before you visit any local Nissan dealers, used car sales lots with a "2011 Nissan 370Z" or check out any new Nissan deals, make sure you read our automobile reviews and automobile ratings about the 2011 Nissan 370Z you are considering. It could mean the difference between purchasing a great Nissan 370Z or throwing your money away on a problematic Nissan 370Z.

All car ratings and car reviews are submitted by our visitors and the Modified Life community.
Did you used to have an Nissan 370Z you loved or an "Nissan 370Z" you hated? Help others by posting a review about any Nissan 370Z you own or any Nissan vehicle you used to own on Modified Life. The crew over at Inside Line got its hands on some rather curious spy photos of the new 2011 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition.

Inside, IL claim's you'll find the "standard Z Touring seats" covered in red leather.

According to Inside Line the only exterior badging that distinguishes the 40th Anniversary car from lesser Zs is a small plaque on the car's rear bumper, just below 370Z. Could it be that Inside Line has additional "spy photos" of the 40th Anniversary Z's rear and isn't posting them?

Opel Zafira, 2008

Opel Zafira, 2008

With fresh design accents and three additional engines, the new Opel Zafira will be available at dealerships from February 2008. The Zafira's striking looks communicate dynamics and self-confidence. Its 1.6-liter gasoline and two 1.7-liter CDTI engines embody the current trends: powerful, economical and affordable. This all puts the Opel compact van in an excellent position to continue the success story of the world's first fully versatile seven-seater, which will see its two millionth unit rolling off the assembly line early next year. Following the introduction of the second generation in mid-2005, this Zafira also belongs to the top of its vehicle class with over 450,000 units sold and around ten percent market share in Europe. The new edition of the bestseller makes its world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show (December 7 - 16, 2007).

Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer of GM Europe, describes the new Zafira as "the right offer at the right time. We know that customers are very satisfied with its quality, reliability, functionality and versatility. And now we've made the Zafira even sportier and equipped it with more efficient engines. This all keeps the Zafira in benchmark position in the European compact MPV class."

Dynamic V-styling defines face
The new Zafira is characterized by striking front and rear design elements that give the car a sporty note. The confident wide front chrome beam with integrated Opel logo takes the hood tapering and draws it into the two-part radiator grille fins, which are now fully chromed. The distinctive lines around the fog lamp recesses also integrate the bumper into the dynamic V-styling; headlamp housings are also in chrome-look. The Zafira Sport boasts an even more impressive look with its bold, full front lip. The resulting sweep continues from the flared wheelarches, over the side sills to the pronounced rear apron. Other new eye-catching features include two transparent 3-D cells in the red tail lamps. The design enhancement is rounded off by the rear lamps' silver-white strip, which crosses over into the rear chrome beam.

The further refined interior is accentuated by glossy chrome-rings around climate and radio controls as well as new decorative trim on the instrument panel and doors. The Cosmo version features elegant piano lacquer trim on the center console and decorative molding on the steering wheel. The infotainment systems with Navi, CD, DVD and MP3 functions also have stereo connections for external audio equipment, such as an iPod.

The Zafira's "trademark" Flex7 seating system is of course always on board. The unrivalled versatile system ensures fast reconfiguration of the interior without cumbersome removal of the seats.

New engines
The motto for engines is higher economy and power. With a new 1.6-liter gasoline and two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel engines, the range now boasts further highly-efficient propulsion alternatives. In future, Zafira customers can choose from a total of nine different engines. Their output spectrum ranges from the 94 natural gas hp of the especially economical and environmentally-compatible Zafira 1.6 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) to the 240 turbo hp of the sporty top model Zafira OPC. With these two engines, Opel also enriches the segment with two innovative variants: the natural gas Zafira with only 138 g CO2 paved the way for this alternative form of propulsion, while the OPC version with 240 hp took over the pioneer role for sport vans.

The Zafira model line's favorable operating costs result from a number of factors including low fuel consumption, low maintenance requirements, long service intervals and above all high value retention. This all helped the Opel van to take first place in the "Best Value 2006" awards in specialist magazine "Auto Bild".

The new, weight-optimized 1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC with seamlessly controllable intake and exhaust camshafts has output of 85 kW/115 hp. The four-cylinder, four-valve unit replaces the 77 kW/105 hp 1.6-liter engine and consumes just 7.0 liters of fuel per 100 km. This reflects a savings of 4.3 percent compared to the predecessor. At the same time, better driving performance can be achieved thanks to the increased power, which is reflected in the 9 km/h higher maximum speed and acceleration of 13.4 seconds from zero to 100 km/h.

The new 1.7 CDTI engines with 81 kW/110 hp and 92 kW/125 hp both come with six-speed manual transmission as standard and feature common-rail injection, four-valve technology with swirl control as well as maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. They replace the 74 kW/100 hp 1.9 CDTI and the manual gearbox version of the 88 kW/120 hp 1.9-liter diesel. With increased torque of 20 and 40 Nm respectively, the 1.7 CDTI units provide noticeably more power while consumption and emissions are reduced. Efficiency is increased by up to 5 percent. Both diesel units require 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 km and emit just 152 g CO2 per km.

Opel Zafira, 2008

Opel Zafira, 2008

Opel Meriva Concept, 2008

Opel Meriva Concept, 2008

The Opel Meriva Concept, due to be unveiled at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 - 16, 2008), illustrates how the new Opel design language can be adapted to create bold, fresh design solutions for this segment.

The Opel Meriva Concept takes flexibility to new heights with its innovative FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car. As the B-pillars have been purposely retained for passive security reasons, the Meriva Concept's front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. Other rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors. In the Meriva Concept, this innovation is combined with the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating system familiar from the production Meriva.

The Flex Doors system also enhances comfort and functionality, as the highest point of the roof - just behind the B-pillars - is exactly where the passengers enter and exit the vehicle. This architecture enabled designers to create a very dynamic and unique silhouette, with the arched roof line sloping down to the C-pillars.

Especially eye-catching is the dynamic "wave" in the window line just behind the B-pillars, which provides an excellent all-round view for rear passengers, particularly for children. The body also boasts the distinctive "blade" bodyside form, which was a design element of the GTC Coupé and Flextreme. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers' heads - echoing the Astra GTC's panorama windshield. The slim A-pillars and windshield pulled far down ensure plenty of light and a spacious interior atmosphere. Both elements contribute to the outstanding all-round visibility for the occupants.

Opel Meriva Concept, 2008

Opel Meriva Concept, 2008

Opel Corsa OPC, 2008

Opel Corsa OPC, 2008

Opel is shifting into top gear with the new Opel Corsa OPC. Following the sensational market launch of the Opel bestseller's fourth generation, the OPC version is now the quintessential expression of the Corsa's dynamic character. Top-level agility and vehicle control ensure pure Opel Corsa driving fun. Its 1.6-liter turbo engine with 141 kW/192 hp accelerates the compact three-door from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and enables a top speed of 225 km/h. The maximum torque of 230 Nm is delivered to the front wheels by the standard six-speed transmission. In addition, the standard 'overboost' system can temporarily increase torque by around 15 percent to 266 Nm when required, providing a corresponding dynamics increase. This level of performance provides the newest member of the sporty OPC family, which now includes six models, with superb propulsion power in all driving situations. For instance, accelerating from 80 to 120 km/h takes just 6.7 seconds in fifth gear. The Opel Corsa OPC requires 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, a moderate figure in this performance class.

Design: Reminiscence of motor sport vehicles
The sporty lines of the three-door Corsa are even more striking in the OPC variant. The roof spoiler, as well as the powerful front and rear aprons with distinctive gills make the OPC a real eye-catcher. Elements such as the darkly contrasting diffuser with integrated, centrally located triangular tailpipe and specially designed exterior mirrors are just a few examples of how much attention to detail was put into further developing the Corsa's bold, sporty character.

Sportiness also dominates the Opel Corsa OPC's cockpit. In addition to the typical OPC door sills, chrome-ringed instruments with red pointers and - depending on upholstery color - blue or silver-ringed air vents, the flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel is especially eye-catching. Also reminiscent of motor sport vehicles, the steering wheel features a ring at its crown, while the center console in piano lacquer finish and aluminum pedals underline the sporty, high quality ambience. The sports seats with integrated head restraints are a joint new development by Opel and Recaro. These race-car-like seats provide optimal side support and protect both the driver and front passenger with integrated side airbags, which are integrated into the seat back - a first for a series production folding body-contoured seat.

Chassis tuned on Nürburgring Nordschleife
The Opel Corsa OPC's chassis has a unique, even sportier character thanks to extensive modifications. Through intensive tuning drives on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, engineers were able to achieve a sophisticated balance of agile handling and pronounced vehicle control. Key modifications include a stronger rear axle profile, which increases the roll rate by 25 percent, new spring/dampener tuning and a lowering of the body by 15 mm. The standard ESP system, which can be deactivated, has also been tuned to the car's sporty character. The new Opel Corsa OPC comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tires ex works, while 18-inch rims and size 225 tires are available as an option. The large 16-inch brake system with blue painted brake calipers ensures strong deceleration: the Opel Corsa OPC boasts internally ventilated, 308 mm front disk brakes and 264 mm disk brakes at the rear.

Variable-progressive steering for sports car feeling
A unique feature for this class is the Opel Corsa OPC's variable-progressive steering, which provides a true sports car feeling. With a ratio of 13:1 during straight-ahead driving, the system response is already very direct. As the turning angle increases, so does the level of direct response, so that by 90 degrees the ratio is at 11.9:1. The variable progression also ensures that the response ratio increases again at greater steering-wheel angles to up to 13.1:1, reducing the effort needed for maneuvering or parking.

Design: Expressive Styling with a Passion for Geometry
The OPC model range has never been so wide and varied. This gave the design team the opportunity to design an extraordinary car with the Opel Corsa OPC. OPC Designer Ulli Hochmuth - responsible for shaping Opel's sportiest cars since 1999 - says, "The Corsa OPC is aimed at a considerably younger target group than most of its model family. That's why we styled the Corsa's sporty lines to be more expressive. We wanted to create an unmistakable driving machine."

Powerful front and rear aprons with distinctive gills give the compact, bold-looking sporty car a powerful stance, while the rear spoiler and darkly contrasting diffuser in the rear bumper ensure good looks and downforce. The front and rear are united by a sporty modeled side sill and as in other OPC models, the color-keyed crossbar is a distinctive characteristic of the radiator grille.

Sportiness also dominates the Opel Corsa OPC's cockpit. In addition to the typical OPC door sills, chrome-ringed instruments with red pointers and - depending on upholstery color - blue or silver-ringed air vents, the flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel is especially eye-catching. Also reminiscent of motor sport vehicles, the steering wheel features a ring at its crown, while the center console in piano lacquer finish and aluminum pedals underline the sporty, high quality ambience. The sports seats with integrated head restraints are a joint new development by Opel and Recaro. These race-car-like seats provide optimal side support and protect both the driver and front passenger with integrated side airbags.

Chassis: Thorough Sporty Tuning On the Nürburgring
Pure driving fun was at the top of the agenda during the Opel Corsa OPC chassis' design. The sporty, compact car therefore boasts an appropriately sophisticated balance of agile handling and pronounced vehicle control. The technology team, consisting of specialists from series production and special vehicle development, used the Corsa Sport's technical basis to develop an even sportier setup, assisted by Lotus Engineering experts. The base tuning was set on the test course in Idiada, Spain, and then development moved to the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Five test cars with various fine-tunings were compared by experienced chassis engineers. Racing car driver and brand ambassador Manuel Reuter was also a regular test crew member. The data obtained from the circuit was continuously checked for its everyday suitability on the Eifel Mountains' country roads around the Nürburgring, and there were also calibration drives at Opel's test center in Pferdsfeld. The final check was an endurance test of a special kind: over just ten days, the Opel Corsa OPC had to prove its durability with a 10,000 kilometer hardness test on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Key elements of the OPC's chassis, which has been lowered by 15 mm compared to the base Corsa variants, include a stronger rear axle profile that increases the roll rate by 25 percent. The spring/dampener tuning was adjusted accordingly and an optimum characteristic chosen for the gas-pressure shock absorbers. The standard ESP system, which can be deactivated, was also tuned to the car's sporty character. The new Corsa OPC comes with 7 J x 17 alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tires ex works, while 7.5 J x 18 rims and size 235/35 R 18 tires are available as an option. The large 16-inch brake system with blue painted brake calipers ensures strong deceleration: the Opel Corsa OPC boasts internally ventilated, 308 mm front disk brakes and 264 mm disk brakes at the rear.

Variable-progressive steering for sports car feeling
A unique feature for this class is the Opel Corsa OPC's variable-progressive steering, which provides a true sports car feeling. With a ratio of 13.0:1 during straight-ahead driving, the system response is already very direct. As the turning angle increases, so does the level of direct response, so that by 90 degrees the ratio is at 11.8:1. The variable progression also ensures that the response ratio increases again at greater steering-wheel angles to up to 13.3:1, reducing the effort needed for maneuvering or parking.

Engine: High Performance Density, Even More Torque with Overboost
The Opel Corsa OPC's turbo engine produces 141 kW/192 hp at 5850 rpm. Compared to the Meriva OPC and current turbo variants in the Astra generation, the induction air and exhaust gas routing has been further optimized. This not only improves the engine's maximum power output, but also its propulsion power. The maximum torque of 230 Nm, available across a wide range between 1980 and 5850 rpm, is delivered to the front wheels by the standard six-speed transmission. In addition, the standard 'overboost' system can temporarily increase torque by around 15 percent to 266 Nm when required, providing a corresponding dynamics increase.

These elements all combine to give the most compact OPC model driving performance like a sports car. The turbo engine accelerates the Corsa from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and enables a top speed of 225 km/h, while quick intermediate sprints highlight the high level of torque: accelerating from 80 to 120 km/h takes the three-door car just 6.7 seconds in fifth gear. The Opel Corsa OPC requires 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, a moderate figure in this performance class.

The clever, light construction is a distinguishing characteristic of the standard engine. Including the aluminum bearing cover, the grey cast iron block weighs only 27 kg. Using this material also saves on extensive, heavy noise reduction measures around the engine.

The cylinder head, sump and turbo-specific induction manifold with side-mounted throttle valve in the Opel Corsa OPC are all made from aluminum. The turbocharger housing is integrated into the cast exhaust manifold - an Opel-typical design and optimal for the turbocharger's weight and fast reaction. The water-cooled turbocharger was developed jointly by Opel and specialists BorgWarner Turbo Systems (previously KKK).

Seats: Sporty Body-Contoured Design, New Geometry

With plenty of side support - the most important element of any sport seat - ideal suitability for long journeys and high levels of seating comfort for passengers of all statures, the Opel Corsa OPC's front seats are truly multi-talented. Developed jointly by Opel and Recaro, they not only look like race-car seats, but are also based on a plastic shell. The advantage of this design is that contouring and pressure distribution can be better controlled than in conventional, mass-produced, steel-framed passenger-car seats. Corsa seats are produced by a thermoplastic injection molding process, with glass fibers to reinforce the plastic.

Technical Specifications
    * Length: 4040 mm
    * Width: 1713 mm
    * Height: 1488 mm
    * Wheelbase: 2511 mm
    * Track front/rear: 1485/1478 mm
    * Curb weight (without driver): 1203 kg
    * Engine: Four-cylinder turbo
    * Displacement: 1598 cm3
    * Max. output: 141 kW (192 hp) @ 5850 rpm
    * Max. torque: 230 Nm @ 1980 - 5800 rpm
    * Max. torque with overboost: 266 Nm
    * Transmission: Six-speed, manual
    * Top speed: 225 km/h
    * Acceleration
          o 0-100 km/h: 7.2 seconds
          o 80-120 km/h in fifth gear: 6.7 seconds
    * Consumption
          o urban: 10.5 l/100 km
          o extra-urban: 6.4 l/100 km
          o combined: 7.9 l/100 km
    * CO2 emissions: 190 g/km

Opel Corsa OPC, 2008

Opel Corsa OPC, 2008

Opel Corsa GSi, 2008

Opel Corsa GSi, 2008

The theme of the new Opel Corsa GSi is 'more substance than show'. In contrast to the Opel Corsa OPC, which was launched a few months ago, the new GSi radiates subtle sportiness rather than uncompromising high-performance, and will be unveiled at the Barcelona Motor Show (June 7 - 17, 2007). The GSi's powerful 1.6 ECOTEC turbo engine produces 110 kW/150 hp at 5000 rpm, positioning the new sporty model between the Corsa Sport 1.7 CDTI (125 hp) and the high-performance Corsa OPC (192 hp).

The Corsa GSi combines the virtues of its compact dimensions with impressive performance over the entire rpm range, which actually positions the model in the next higher car class. The addition of the GSi to the Corsa model line expands the range to five gasoline and three diesel variants with a performance spectrum of 60 to 192 hp. Over 320.000 new Corsas have been sold across Europe since the fourth-generation's launch in October 2006.

Corsa GSi customers have the choice of a three or five-door variant. Powered by the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine, the new Corsa has a top speed of 210 km/h and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) with variable progressive feedback curve and lowered sport chassis (front: 18 mm, rear: 15 mm) with ESP as standard ensure agile handling.

The Opel Corsa GSi's styling is subtly sporty, with exterior modifications such as a front spoiler lip, rear apron lip and spoiler, color-keyed side sills, chrome sport tailpipe and 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior's dynamic ambience is emphasized by the comfortable, charcoal/red upholstered sport seats with high side support, a leather steering wheel with red inserts, red safety belts and aluminum-style pedals.

Opel Corsa GSi, 2008

Opel Corsa GSi, 2008

Noble Steps Up to the Supercar Elite, 2006

Noble Steps Up to the Supercar Elite, 2006

The M15 accelerates from 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds and 10 100mph in less than 8s. It keeps going all the way to 185mph, too, and has been tuned for rapid acceleration throughout the range rather than an easily achievable 200mph top end speed. With the complementary figure of 455lb/ft of torque, all in a car that weighs slightly more than 1200kg, the M15 is devastatingly fast.

Supreme cornering skills and a confidence-inspiring chassis are part the DNA and, in this respect, the M15 promises to be the best yet. The spaceframe chassis with integral rollcage is 57 per cent stiffer than the M12 that has won plaudits throughout the world and intensive development has ensured that the fabled Noble handling on the limit is even better than before.

Noble Steps Up to the Supercar Elite, 2006

Noble Steps Up to the Supercar Elite, 2006

Nissan Navara Reviews

Nissan Navara Reviews

Nissan’s big Navara pickup has been one of those niche products with staying power.

People liked the Spanish-built Nissan Navara chunky looks and separate chassis, with a switchable two/four-wheel-drive system which gave it genuine skills off tarmac, and Nissan sold far more “Navara pick ups” than they did Pathfinder 4×4s, which were essentially the same vehicles, but with big, station wagon bodies and independent coil spring rear suspensions, rather than the pick up’s rear axle’s hefty leaf springs.

The Nissan Navara claimed combined 33.2mpg is a notable improvement on the old model’s 28.8mpg.

With stiff rear springs (intended not to sag if the load bay, with its clever range of fixing points, is filled with heavy gear), the "Nissan Navara" ride proved un-jittery when semi-loaded. For those who like even more power, Nissan is also offering a 3.0 litre V6 diesel in the Nissan Navara for the first time.

No nonsense 2x4 and 4x4 strength with modern comfortable interiors are why the latest Nissan Navara vehicle is such a success. Built for the toughest conditions, the Nissan Navara gets the work done with minimal fuss.

Standout features for this year are things like: a 3-tonne towing capacity, a lusty class leading turbo-diesel engine, advanced safety features, a balanced ergonomic dash, smooth detailing, chrome trim, alloys, power outlets and keyless remote control entry.

You’ve got it covered with the Nissan Navara. At first glance, you see a crew cab pickup truck with loads of features. The "Nissan Navara" is a tough muscular truck with loads of style.

The Nissan Navara range features plenty of power and torque. The Nissan Navara range is a strong ute that is such a loyal and robust working companion. Nissan's latest generation 4.0 litre V6 petrol engine is available on all Dual Cab models, and it's a true beauty. The 2.5 litre turbo diesel offers Nissan's latest generation common-rail technology. The diesel graces the Dual Cab and King Cab models. Naturally, being diesel, this engine returns impressive fuel economy and reliability. Switching from 2 to 4 wheel drive has never been easier in the Nissan Navara. The Nissan Navara's interior has dual zone climate control, cruise control, and comfortable and well designed seats with the option of leather.

The front seats are powered and heated, while the rear has a 60/40 split bench seat, thick rich carpeting, and an in-dash CD auto-changer with steering wheel controls, tilt steering, air conditioning, electric sunroof and fold flat passenger seat.
Your safety isn't compromised in the Nissan Navara either, with front and rear crumple zones. You will quickly realize that the Nissan Navara isn't any ordinary mundane truck.

Nissan Navara Dual Cab DX 4x4 Turbo Diesel 3.0
Nissan Navara Dual Cab RX 4x4 2.5
Nissan Navara Dual Cab RX 4x4 4.0
Nissan Navara Dual Cab ST-R 4x4 Turbo Diesel 3.0
Nissan Navara Dual Cab STX 4.0
Nissan Navara Dual Cab STX 4x4 2.5
Nissan Navara Dual Cab STX 4x4 4.0
Nissan Navara Single Cab 3.0 DX Diesel 4x4
Nissan Navara Single Cab ST-R 4x4 Turbo Diesel 3.0
Nissan Navara is a double cab and this feature makes it advantageous over others. It is true that, all big cars do not offer better performance especially with heavy load vehicles.
Here are a few details what Navara is capable of.

Front end is revised with a new designed grille and bumper.
Nissan Navara is available in different trim options. Navara does not lack the common features like stability control, cruise control, surround sound system, rear view camera etc. Safety features include the stability control and fully loaded air bags including the side screen air bags.

The all new V6 diesel engine is built primarily to offer economy and class performance with reduction in CO2 emission. Power developed is 170 KW with 550 Nm torque. Maximum torque is available at a low 1700 rpm and is available all the way up to 2500 rpm. One adopted technique includes the Overcooling exhaust gas which reduces Nitrogen oxides emission. 2010 Nissan Navara is definitely superior to the previous model and impresses by offering comfort and luxury to passengers. "2010 Nissan Navara" will really be a good option if you adjust with the negative features it comes along.