Ucarmagazine

On the outskirts of the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, Sepang International Circuit (1 lap – 5.542kms) played host to Round 4 of the SUPER GT series. Starting from a fourth-place qualifying result, the WOODONE ADVAN Clarion GT-R (#24 – Joao Paolo de Oliveira/Seiji Ara) took the win. In second place, the pole-starting MOTUL AUTECH GT-R, (#22 – Michael Krumm/Masataka Yanagida) came second, resulting in a resounding 1-2 finish for the NISSAN GT-R. From four rounds this season, this is the third victory for the NISSAN supercar. KONDO Racing was also victorious last year; that win coming in a NISSAN Z. It is the team’s second successive Sepang victory.

Though typically prone to high temperatures and severe humidity, this year’s race got underway in what could be described as comparatively calm conditions at the 4:00pm rolling start, the temperature standing at 30 degrees, with the track measured at 39 Celsius. Starting from pole position, Michael Krumm took charge in the #22 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R, leading from when the lights went out to the end of his stint. On lap 24 he came in for his routine pitstop, handing the wheel over to Masataka Yanagida. With fuel and four fresh tyres on the car, he made his exit from the pits a mere one second quicker than the 2nd-placed #1 machine. However, the #1 NSX violently gave chase, and when battling side-by-side on lap 29, made contact with the NISSAN, pushing it into a spin. Tentatively running in 2nd place, the #1 NSX was handed a Drive-through penalty, restoring the #24 GT-R to the head of the field.

However, the WOODONE ADVAN Clarion GT-R, from the winners here last year, KONDO Racing, also moved up to third place immediately after the start, and after the penalty was taken by the #1 car, moved securely into 2nd place. In addition, the driver who took over in the second half of the race, Seiji Ara pushed the #24 car onto the tail of the leading GT-R, presenting the chance of getting by. And so with both cars’ tyres coming to the end of their grip, a momentary chance presented itself on lap 50. Ara, through a decisive maneuvere, was instantly through. From there he made his escape, the accomplishment giving the team their first victory of the season.

In addition to the 100kgs of success ballast on the XANAVI NISMO GT-R (#23 – Satoshi Motoyama/Benoit Treluyer), an additional 75kgs imposed in the form of a smaller diameter air restrictor meant the car was unable to show it’s true performance in official qualifying, and suffered as a result. After qualifying 15th, Benoit Treluyer took the start and made his way round, putting in the laps. For the second half of the race, Satoshi Motoyama took the wheel, giving chase to the cars ahead, though was unable to advance significantly. He brought the car home in 13th place. Sebastien Philippe took the start in the #12 CALSONIC IMPUL GT-R, though contact with the #32 NSX on the opening lap forced him into a spin. As a result, he had to return to the pits because of trouble in the engine compartment. Repairs meant lost time and the car dropped back. Tsugio Matsuda took over the reins for the second half, the car crossing the line in 14th place. The #3 YellowHat YMS TOMICA GT-R (Ronnie Quintarelli/Naoki Yokomizo) qualified ninth. After battling with other cars, it reached the flag in 9th place.

KONDO Racing Team Director Masahiko Kondo’s comment:
“I just can’t believe it. When we won last year, I said we had been lucky. But this time it was a real fight and we won through pure ability. This victory is due to the fighting spirit of the drivers and is a credit to everyone on the team. It is truly wonderful. Thank you.”

Joao Paolo de Oliveira’s comment:
“Today is truly a fantastic feeling. Last year, we chased from 14th and it was easy to make up positions, but this year, the difference between the cars was much smaller and this made things a lot more difficult. Being able to win such a harsh race makes me extremely happy”

Seiji Ara’s comment:
”This time I believe our car was able to show the original performance of the GT-R. We were able to fight with the front-running GT-R and still there was room to spare. It was possible to recognize the momentary opportunity, and react to it.”

European Pre-Orders For Nissan GT-R Pass 1500
2008 Nissan GT-R Vs Porsche 997 Turbo

Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2009 Nissan Versa, which went on sale June 16th at Nissan dealers nationwide. Versa remains a leading choice for consumers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa sales have increased 19.6% to date in 2008, with demand increasing every month.

For 2009, Versa again offers the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City/33 mpg Highway when equipped with the Xtronic CVT(Continuously Variable Transmission). Changes for 2009 include minor adjustments to content and packaging, along with reducing ordering complexity for consumers.

The front-wheel drive Versa is available in two body styles, a 5-door Hatchback and 4-door Sedan, and in two well-equipped trims, S and SL. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of each model is:

$12, 990 for the Versa 1.8 S with 6-speed manual transmission (Sedan and Hatchback)
$13,990 for the Versa 1.8 S with 4-speed automatic transmission (Sedan and Hatchback)
$15,990 for the Versa Sedan 1.8 SL with 4-speed automatic transmission
$16,210 for the Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL with CVT

“When Versa joined the Nissan lineup two years ago, we called it the right vehicle with the right size, economy, performance, quality, safety and features – at the right value,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

“That equation makes even more sense today as buyers look for higher fuel economy without compromising style, durability or driving enjoyment.”

Built on Nissan’s proven B-platform, every 2009 Versa is powered by a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The stylish Versa also offers a spacious cabin with best-in-class total passenger volume and rear leg room and a comfortable, stress-free environment. Both Versa Hatchback and Versa Sedan models are offered with a long list of standard and available equipment, including available Nissan Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and power moonroof.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it will showcase the X-TRAIL diesel prototype at the 2008 Integrated Exhibition of the Environment in Hokkaido*1 (June 19-21) as well at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit’s International Media Center (July 7-9). Nissan’s participation supports the focus on environmental issues at the G8 Summit meetings.

Japan is slated to introduce its new emission regulatory standards, referred to as ‘‘Post New Long-term Regulations’’, by October, 2009*2. Ahead of its implementation, Nissan plans to introduce the X-TRAIL diesel in September this year, which will meet with the more stringent standards.

The G8 Summit offers an ideal platform for Nissan to showcase its latest clean diesel technology, as delegates and members of the media will have the opportunity to test drive the product and see related technology exhibits. Based on the M9R diesel engine co-developed with Alliance-partner Renault, the Nissan version on the X-TRAIL employs advanced technologies to deliver high torque and powerful acceleration, in addition to improved fuel-economy while meeting the demands for cleaner emission standards globally.

The clean diesel technology incorporated include:

Piezo-electric-controlled injectors
Commonrail system (1600 bar)
Variable nozzle turbos
Diesel particulate filters (DPF)
Lean NOx-trap catalysts
Sophisiticated control-system for precise modulation of the DPF and catalysts in tandem with the driving conditions

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010 mid-term environmental plan, the company aims to introduce new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions in vehicle CO2 emissions.

*1 2008 Integrated Exhibition of the Environment is part of a series of events related to the Hokkaido Toyako Summit
Dates: June 19-21 Venue: Sapporo Dome (1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi)
The exhibition will focus on the latest environmental products and technologies, and will feature forums from leading environmental experts, seminars and workshops with environmental groups, corporations, universities and research institutions.
www.do-summit.jp/kankyouten2008/

*2 The new emission regulatory standards will apply to all new vehicles starting from October of 2009, and all replacement / imported models from September, 2010.

Nissan X-Trail ARCTIX Edition