UK SHOW DEBUT FOR NEW NISSAN GT- R AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL SHOW

GT1 GT-R
Nissan GT-R
Sports car fans heading for the PistonHeads Performance Car show, held within the Autosport International event, in Birmingham this month are set for a feast of Nissan horsepower.

The first treat is the opportunity to see the awesome new Nissan GT-R. Revised for 2011, it now packs a 530PS punch and produces 612Nm of torque. This is enough to power the supercar to 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars in the world.

Besides more power, the enhanced GT-R is distinguishable by its new wheel design, LED daytime running lights, larger front brakes, improved air intakes, red engine cover and a revised interior. It is available only in one grade known simply as the GT-R but with two interior choices – Recaro black full leather seats with red flashes or premium with a leather and Alcantara seat trim – both available at no extra cost. The car on display at the show will have a Recaro Black interior with the new exterior colour for 2011, Daytona blue.

Sitting alongside the GT-R will be the latest versions of the 370Z Coupe and Roadster, both celebrating the 40th year of Nissan ‘Z’ cars in the UK. Producing 328PS from their 3.7-litre V6 engines, they have come a long way from the original 240Z which was first officially imported into the UK in August 1971 with a 150PS powerplant. Much of this iconic car’s character has been carried over to the latest incarnation 370Z though, including its front engine, rear wheel drive layout and its two seat driving experience. Even elements of the original styling can be seen in the bonnet and roof lines.

Show visitors going beyond Nissan’s own stand will be able to spot some even more extreme Nissans. Performance Tuners Sumo Power will be showing off their stunning FIA GT1 championship race winning GT-R which recently picked up the RAC tourist trophy. The second GT-R race car will be strutting its stuff in the ‘Fifth Gear Live Action Arena’ where spectators will be able to see, hear and smell the car in action. Drivers of both cars will be available for autographs at various times over the four days of the show.

Speed merchants still hungry for more power should seek out the most powerful car to ever wear the Nissan badge; John Bradshaw’s Z drag car puts out a whopping 2,000hp from an engine which uses the same V6 engine block as a standard 370Z. Dressed in its new livery of red and silver it can be seen at the show in hall 7 on stand number 7400.

The Nissan stand can be located within the PistonHeads performance car show in hall 19 on stand number 19810.

Source: Nissan

Essential reading for GT-R fans!
Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born to race
By Dennis Gorodji

The Nissan GT-R revolutionised modern sports car dynamics. This analysis of its development and racing history provides an original view of the GTR models, plus comparisons with other sports and racing cars. Featuring 400 colour photos, schematics and graphs, this is a must for sports car enthusiasts.
More info.

ELEKTROBAY CHARGES BBC EV RUN FROM LONDON TO EDINBURGH

The availability of a £5,000 Government grant towards the purchase of a new electric vehicle (EV) from 4 January onwards has prompted BBC Breakfast correspondent Brian Milligan to embark on a 400-mile drive in an EV from London to Edinburgh. Milligan will recharge his EV at nine different roadside EV charging stations, seven of which are innovative Elektrobays, designed, manufactured and maintained by Brighton-based Elektromotive. The company has helped Milligan to plan his route with their innovative EB Connect networking software and has issued him with the necessary wireless access keys required for his epic journey.

The anticipated increase of EVs on UK roads in 2011, resulting from an influx of new production EVs coupled with the Government grant, is expected to highlight the growing need for a comprehensive nationwide charging infrastructure.

Milligan will begin his EV challenge on Monday 10 January from London and travel to nine separate charging point locations before reaching his final destination on Friday 14 January. Throughout the week Milligan’s progress will be followed by BBC Breakfast viewers.

“It will be interesting to see how Brian grapples with the practicalities of powering an EV over such a long distance,” comments Elektromotive Managing Director, Calvey Taylor-Haw. “At present, undertaking such a trip in an EV takes quite some planning, as recharging points are still relatively low in number and are concentrated in a few major cities. We wish Brian the best of luck for his journey, and are confident that his experiences will highlight how Elektromotive is driving the fledgling EV revolution.”

To find out more about Elektromotive and the Elektrobay, please visit www.elektromotive.com.

Electric Cars – The Future is Now!
By Arvid Linde

What if we all had to say goodbye to petrol cars tomorrow? Would you be ready? This book will help you find out. With a concise catalogue covering the best production models and the most promising prototypes, this book is the definitive guide to the future of motoring. More info.

SIR JACKIE STEWART INTERVIEW VIDEO

Check out this video to see what Sir Jackie Stewart thinks of Tales from the Toolbox – A collection of behind-the-scenes tales from Grand Prix mechanics by Michael Oliver.



A unique collection of behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes as told, in their own words, by former Grand Prix mechanics who have worked at the top level of the sport during the past 50 years.

40% of all royalties to the Grand Prix Mechanics Charitable Trust.

Click here for more info about the book.

"ENGROSSING, INFORMATIVE & GOOD VALUE"

American Woodies 1928-1953 by Norm Mort is reviewed in Octane!

MEET THE AUTHOR: NICK SWAGER

Nick Swager popped into Veloce House late last year and we grabbed a few minutes with him talking about his new book Secrets of Speed - Today’s techniques for 4-stroke engine blueprinting & tuning. Here's the result!



The process of building 4-stroke engines to a professional standard, from selecting materials and planning work, right through to methods of final assembly and testing, written for the DIY engine builder in an
easy-to-understand style, and supported by approximately 200 photographs and original drawings. Containing five engine inspection and build sheets, and the contact details of approximately 45 specialist manufacturers and motorsport suppliers, the book explains build methods common to all 4-stroke engines, rather than specific makes or models. An essential purchase for all engine-building enthusiasts. More info.

LAMBORGHINI URRACO COMING SOON!

Check out the new blog header!
The picture is taken from The Book of the Lamborghini Urraco by Arnstein Landsem.

• The first book about the V8 Lamborghinis in 25 years
• Amazing tales from the owners themselves
• What to look out for when buying a V8 Lamborghini
• Unique interviews with key men behind the Urraco
• Detailed history of the Urraco and its V8 relatives
• Hundreds of previously unpublished pictures
• Written by a hardcore Lamborghini V8 enthusiast

This book tells the amazing story of the Lamborghini Urraco. It describes the problems that beset this little supercar, and why it never got the chance it truly deserved. After its demise, the Urraco lived on in the form of the Silhouette and the Jalpa, and both these models are also covered in detail in the pages of this book. The unique Bravo and Athon concept cars are also described.
Featuring detailed advice for potential buyers, as well as over 300 photos and illustrations, this is a fascinating and practical account of a future supercar classic. More info.

FORD OF BRITAIN 100: IMAGE OF THE WEEK – 1/52

To celebrate the centenary of Ford of Britain in 2011, the company is exploring its photo archive to reveal rarely seen images.

Ford's British roots will be illustrated each week by a specially selected picture.

This week's image features the epic 1911 trek up Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, in a Ford Model T.



Source: Ford